Shadowrocket: Download & Setup Guide
Shadowrocket is distributed through the Apple App Store. The current listing covers iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV and describes rule, DNS, scripting and URL-rewrite capabilities.
Three concepts to keep separate: the provider supplies the service and subscription; the client manages the connection; the core handles protocols and traffic processing.
Who it is for
If you use iPhone and need to manage a VPN or proxy subscription, nodes and routing rules, Shadowrocket is worth considering. This guide follows the path from installation to a first successful connection.
Core capabilities
- Rule-based routing
- DNS settings
- Scripts and rewrites
- On-demand connections
- Traffic and network information
- Apple device support
Download and install
Prefer the official source.
Official project · Official download / Releases
Choose the current package for your operating system and CPU architecture. Release formats change over time, so this guide intentionally avoids hard-coding an old version number.
First-use workflow
- Install the official build and launch it.
- Get a subscription URL, profile or node information from your provider.
- Add the profile or subscription in the client.
- Update the subscription and confirm the nodes appear.
- Select a node or proxy group.
- Choose system proxy, rule mode or TUN according to your needs.
- Test with a website or service you normally use.
Importing a proxy subscription
A subscription URL is provided by the VPN/proxy service, not by Shadowrocket. The usual flow is: copy the URL from the provider dashboard → add the remote profile/subscription in Shadowrocket → update → select a node. The exact button names and accepted formats depend on the current client version and provider output.
Nodes and routing modes
For a first setup, start with the client’s default or provider-recommended rule mode. Avoid changing DNS, rules, TUN and multiple advanced parameters at once. Once the basic connection works, change one setting at a time.
System proxy vs TUN
System proxy is usually enough for applications that follow the operating system proxy settings. TUN uses a virtual interface and routing to capture more traffic types, but it can introduce extra routing, DNS and permission issues. If a browser works but another application does not, check this layer first.
Subscription updates and troubleshooting
When an update fails, check whether the URL has expired, whether the client can reach it and whether the format is supported. If all nodes fail, compare another network or client; if only one node fails, the problem may be isolated to that node.
Common questions
Which package should I download? Pick the package matching your OS and architecture from the official release page.
Will every subscription import? No. Compatibility depends on the provider’s format and the client’s supported formats.
Does the client include proxy servers? Usually not; the client manages connections while the VPN/proxy provider supplies the service.
Why may the interface differ from this article? Clients change quickly; use the current official documentation when labels or settings differ.