This guide explains how to import a subscription into Shadowrocket (小火箭), and how to troubleshoot issues such as webpages still not loading, your IP not changing, DNS leaks, or unexpected browser behavior. Follow the steps below to add a subscription, update nodes, and check whether the proxy is actually working.
1. Basic steps for importing a subscription into Shadowrocket
Shadowrocket is a popular proxy client for iOS that lets you import nodes using a subscription link. A subscription is usually a URL provided by a paid service, though you can also test with the free node subscriptions collected on this site. Before you begin, make sure the client is installed and that you’ve allowed it to add a VPN configuration.
- Copy your subscription link. Make sure you don’t accidentally include extra spaces or line breaks.
- Open Shadowrocket and tap “+” in the upper-right corner.
- Select Subscribe / Subscription as the type, then paste the link into the URL field.
- Enter a note such as “freevpn-x test” or choose your own name to make it easy to identify.
- Tap Done, then return to the home screen and pull down or open the subscription page to update it.
- 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.
If the list is empty after importing, the subscription link may have expired, the network may be unable to reach the subscription URL, the current app version may not recognize the format, or the link may have been truncated. Try copying the entire link again, then switch networks and update once more.
2. Checking your IP, DNS, and browser environment after connecting
Importing a subscription only adds nodes to the client; you still need to connect for it to take effect. After connecting, visit an IP lookup site to see whether your outgoing IP has changed. If it still shows your local carrier’s IP, the proxy isn’t handling your traffic. The node may not be connected, your rules may not match, or the system VPN may not be enabled.
DNS can also affect your experience. If your IP has changed but websites still won’t load, there may be a DNS resolution issue. Check the DNS options in Shadowrocket’s settings and use the client’s default configuration if possible. If you’re unfamiliar with DNS, avoid entering obscure DNS addresses at random. If some websites load while others don’t, try switching nodes and reconnecting.
Your browser environment includes your cache, cookies, language, time zone, WebRTC, and more. For example, if you’re connected to a proxy but your browser still shows content for your old region, this may be due to website caching or your account’s location history. Try using private browsing, clearing site data, or checking with another browser. Keep in mind that a proxy IP does not provide complete privacy protection; your browser fingerprint may still reveal information about your environment.
3. Common troubleshooting checklist
- Subscription update fails: Check whether the link has expired, whether it opens in Safari, and whether you need to log in.
- Node times out: Try another node in the same subscription, or test using Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Connected, but webpages won’t load: Check the rule mode. Test with global proxy mode first, then switch back to rule-based routing.
- Apps work, but the browser doesn’t: Disable browser proxy extensions, clear the cache, and make sure the system VPN icon is visible.
- Frequent disconnections: Update the subscription, delete old nodes, and restart Shadowrocket and your phone’s network connection.
If you’re new to this, follow the steps in order: “import subscription—update—select a node—connect—check IP.” Avoid changing too many settings at once. Free nodes may be unstable depending on the status of their routes, so if one stops working, switch nodes or try again later.