This guide explains how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket and what role your IP, DNS, and browser environment can play if websites still won’t load afterward. It’s intended for iPhone and iPad users who have just received a V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, or SS subscription link.
1. Before importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket usually refers to the iOS app. Before importing a subscription, make sure you have a subscription link, not the text for a single node. Subscription links usually start with https://. When opened, they may show a block of configuration text, or the app may need to parse them.
- Make sure your phone has a working internet connection. We recommend turning off other VPNs first.
- Copy the entire subscription URL, including the token, parameters, and trailing characters.
- If you’re using the free nodes listed on this site, refer to the information updated on the page that day.
- Make sure your iOS device’s clock is accurate. An incorrect time can cause TLS connection issues.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the home screen.
- Tap the “+” in the top-right corner.
- Select “Subscribe” as the type.
- Paste the subscription link into the URL field. You can enter “Free Nodes” or a custom name in the remarks field.
- Tap “Done” in the top-right corner to save.
- Return to the home screen and pull down to refresh the subscription. Wait for the node list to appear.
- Select a node and turn on the connection switch at the top. The first time you connect, follow the prompts to allow the VPN configuration to be added.
If the import succeeds but the node list is empty, the link may not have been copied in full, the subscription may have expired, your network may be unable to reach the subscription URL, or the current app version may not recognize the subscription format. You can try opening the link in a browser to check whether it’s accessible, but don’t share a subscription URL containing your personal token publicly.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
Many users assume that importing a subscription means they’ll automatically be able to access every website, but your experience can also be affected by several environmental factors. First, your IP environment: once connected, your public IP should change to the node’s exit IP. If websites still identify you as being on your local network, you may not be using the proxy, your rules may not match, or the VPN may not actually be connected.
Next is DNS resolution. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If DNS is being poisoned or resolution is failing, some websites may not load or may redirect incorrectly, or apps may work while websites won’t open in your browser. You can try switching to global mode in Shadowrocket to test, or check the DNS settings for unexpected changes. We don’t recommend entering an unfamiliar DNS address unless you know what you’re doing.
Finally, there’s your browser environment. Browser cache, cookies, language, time zone, and previous login history can all affect how a website interprets your browsing environment. For example, if you switch to a node with a different IP but your browser still has cookies from your previous region, you may see a region mismatch message. Try using a private window, clearing the target website’s cache, or testing in another browser.
4. Quick troubleshooting for connection failures
- Subscription won’t refresh: Check whether the link has expired, or try opening it in Safari.
- Shows as connected but websites won’t load: Switch to another node or test in global mode.
- Only some websites fail: Check your rules, DNS, and browser cache first.
- Frequent disconnections: Try another network, such as switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data.
- All nodes are unavailable: Wait for the subscription to be updated or switch to another subscription source.
In short, importing a subscription into Shadowrocket involves four main steps: “add the subscription URL, refresh, select a node, and connect.” If you still have problems, don’t focus only on the app. Check the subscription link, node status, exit IP, DNS, and browser cache one by one to quickly pinpoint the issue.