How do I import a subscription into Shadowrocket? Using Shadowrocket on iPhone as an example, this guide explains how to add and update a subscription link, connect to a node, and how your IP, DNS, and browser environment can affect the results. It’s intended for users who have already installed the app and received a subscription URL but aren’t sure where to import it—or who still can’t open webpages after importing it.
1. Before you import: Check the app and subscription format
First, make sure you’ve installed Shadowrocket. When you open it, you should see a list of nodes and a connection toggle on the home screen. Get the app through an official channel. The first time you connect, follow the system prompts to allow the VPN configuration to be added. Button names may vary slightly between versions.
Have the complete subscription URL from your service provider ready. It usually starts with https://. A subscription URL is different from a link to a single node: the former retrieves and updates a list of nodes, while the latter typically adds just one configuration. When copying the URL, make sure it doesn’t include spaces, line breaks, Chinese text, or punctuation at the end. A subscription may contain access credentials, so don’t share the full URL or its QR code publicly.
2. How to import a subscription into Shadowrocket
- Copy the subscription URL, open Shadowrocket, and tap “＋” in the top-right corner of the home screen.
- On the add screen, select “Subscribe” under “Type.” If your version has a separate subscription entry, you can add it there instead.
- Paste the link into the “URL” field, enter an easy-to-recognize name in the remarks field—for example, “Everyday subscription”—and save.
- Return to the home screen and wait for the subscription to download. If no nodes appear, look for an “Update” or refresh option in the subscription entry and try updating it manually.
- Expand the node list and select a node. Set “Global Routing” to “Config” mode, turn on the connection toggle on the home screen, and confirm the system’s VPN authorization prompt.
- Open a browser and visit the webpage you want to access, then test a familiar website for comparison. Speed test results are only a guide; what matters is whether webpages load normally.
“Config” mode uses the current rules to decide which traffic goes through the proxy. “Proxy” mode can help with brief troubleshooting comparisons, but don’t leave it enabled long-term if you’re unsure what it does. A successful import doesn’t guarantee that a node is working; an expired subscription, an offline node, or network restrictions can all affect the connection.
3. How to update a subscription and troubleshoot import failures
When the subscription content changes, update it manually from the subscription management page. If your version supports automatic updates, you can enable that as needed. If an update fails, first check that your phone can access the internet, then make sure the URL is complete and hasn’t expired, and check whether your provider requires a specific client format. A Clash configuration URL isn’t necessarily compatible with Shadowrocket, so use a subscription explicitly marked as supporting Shadowrocket whenever possible.
If the list is empty or you see a parsing error, don’t keep adding the same URL. Check the format and copy the link again. If it still fails, ask your provider to confirm compatibility. If you’re using free nodes from this site or elsewhere, check the posting date and availability notes too, so you don’t mistake a temporarily unavailable node for an app issue.
4. How IP, DNS, and your browser environment affect the results
Your public-facing IP depends on the node you’re actually using and your routing rules. If a webpage shows your local IP, the rules may be sending that site’s traffic directly. You can temporarily switch to Proxy mode and check again, then restore your original settings.
DNS resolves domain names. If it isn’t working properly, some websites may not open. It’s best to keep the default DNS settings from a trusted configuration rather than blindly copying unfamiliar parameters. Browser cookies, sign-in status, and location permissions can also affect the region a website displays. A private browsing window can help you compare results, but it won’t change your public-facing IP. When troubleshooting, work through these steps in order: change nodes, check routing, check DNS, and check your browser status. Change only one thing at a time to make the cause easier to identify.