This guide explains how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket and why your IP, DNS, and browser environment can affect what you see online after connecting. It’s for users who have just received a V2Ray, VLESS, Trojan, or Shadowsocks subscription link and want to set it up quickly in Shadowrocket on an iPhone or iPad.
1. Before importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS. Before importing a subscription, make sure you have Shadowrocket installed, have a working subscription link, and can access the subscription URL from your current network. This site provides free nodes and subscription guides. You can also use other reliable sources, but avoid using subscriptions from unknown sources for sensitive activities such as signing in to accounts.
- Subscription links usually begin with https:// and may also appear as a long string of copied text.
- You can also import a single-node link such as vmess://, vless://, or ss://, but that is not a “subscription.”
- Before importing, it’s a good idea to disconnect other VPNs to prevent update issues.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket
- Open Shadowrocket and go to the node list on the home screen.
- Tap “+” in the upper-right corner, then select “Subscribe.”
- Paste the subscription link into the URL field. You can add a note such as “Free nodes” or “Backup subscription” to tell it apart from other entries.
- Tap “Done” in the upper-right corner to save, then return to the list and pull down to refresh. Wait for the nodes to appear.
- Select a node and turn on the switch at the top. The first time you use it, you’ll be prompted to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow and enter your device passcode.
- Once connected, a VPN icon will appear in the status bar. Open a browser and test your connection.
If you have a single-node link, tap “+” and select the matching protocol, or copy the link and open Shadowrocket. It will usually prompt you to import it. The advantage of a subscription is that you can refresh to update the nodes instead of adding them one by one.
3. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment are related
Sometimes the import succeeds, but things still don’t seem right. The cause is often the surrounding environment rather than the subscription itself. When you connect through a proxy, websites usually see the node’s IP address instead of your local IP. However, if DNS requests don’t go through the proxy, a DNS leak may occur, causing some websites to behave unexpectedly. In Shadowrocket, you can use system rules or proxy DNS in the configuration. For most users, the client’s default recommended settings are a good choice.
Your browser environment can also affect how websites identify you. Factors include your language, time zone, cache, signed-in accounts, and WebRTC. If you use the same browser to stay signed in to domestic and international accounts, websites may still detect a change in your environment through cookies or risk-control records, even if your IP has changed. When testing, use a private browsing window or clear the target website’s cache. Your IP is only one part of your environment; changing it does not completely change your device’s identity.
4. Troubleshooting connection failures and subscription update issues
- The subscription is empty: Check that the link is complete and doesn’t include extra spaces. Try opening the subscription URL in Safari to see whether it returns content.
- Nodes won’t connect: Try another node. Free nodes may be unavailable due to maintenance, congestion, or expiration.
- Connected, but webpages won’t load: Try switching between Global and Rule mode, or disconnect and reconnect.
- Some websites won’t open: The cause may be DNS, routing rules, or restrictions imposed by the website. Try another node first, then clear your browser cache.
- Frequent disconnections: Check that your local network is stable. Test cellular data and Wi-Fi separately.
As a final reminder, refresh your subscription regularly after importing it and remove any expired nodes. Keeping subscriptions from different sources separate makes troubleshooting easier. For everyday browsing, Rule mode is usually the better choice. To check whether your IP has changed, use Global mode briefly. If you run into an issue, try another node first, then check DNS, and finally review your browser environment—this will usually help you identify the cause.