How to Use Shadowrocket: A No-Nonsense Guide

If you’re here, probably you want to know how to use Shadowrocket. Maybe you’re dealing with internet restrictions, need more privacy, or just want to access content that isn’t available in your region. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Shadowrocket—how it works, how to set it up, and even some things to watch out for.

And because we know proxies can be a pain, we’ll also talk about how Proxygan fits into the equation. Shadowrocket is a great tool but pairing it with a solid proxy provider (like Proxygan) can take it to the next level. Let’s get started.

What Is Shadowrocket?

Shadowrocket is a powerful, rule-based proxy utility client for iOS devices (although it has a macOS version too). It allows you route your internet traffic through various proxy servers for privacy, security and to access restricted content.

Unlike a VPN, encrypting all network traffic, Shadowrocket gives more control over which apps and services use the proxy server. So it is perfect for specific tasks like web scraping, ad blocking or accessing region-locked content.

The Legacy of Shadowrocket

Since its release, Shadowrocket has been a fixture in the proxy server management space. Originally developed for iOS users who wanted more control over their internet traffic, it’s grown in popularity among privacy enthusiasts, developers and those bypassing geo-restrictions. Over the years it’s been updated with new proxy protocols, advanced routing, and better security. Its reliability, flexibility and ease of use has made it one of the most powerful proxy clients out there today. Many users rely on proxies with Shadowrocket to ensure seamless browsing, unrestricted access, and enhanced privacy. Its reliability, flexibility, and ease of use have made it one of the most powerful proxy clients out there today.

Features and Capabilities

Shadowrocket: Standard vs. Premium – Which One to Get?

Shadowrocket isn’t free and you have two options: Standard ($2.99) or Premium. So, which one to get and how to use Shadowrocket?

If you just need a simple proxy setup—nothing fancy—the Standard version will do. You can connect to a proxy server and route your traffic through it, and that’s it.There are no advanced rules, no ad blockers, no deep customizations.

The Premium option might be for you if you want something customizible. There are several features you can use, such as routing rules, blocking ads, filtering traffic or plugins. Basically, it gives you a lot more control over your internet traffic.

Feature Comparison

Keep Standard if you're just looking for a quick and easy proxy solution. For security, flexibility, and customization, Premium is the best option.

Getting Started: Downloading and Installing Shadowrocket

First things first—you need to get the app. Shadowrocket is a paid app available on the Apple App Store. There’s no free version, but it’s a one-time purchase, and for many users, it’s well worth the cost.

How to Download Shadowrocket

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. Search for Shadowrocket.
3. Buy the app and install it.
4. Once it’s installed, open it up and get ready to set things up.

That’s the process for Apple devices. But what if you’re on Android or Windows?

• Android users: Shadowrocket isn’t officially available, but alternative apps support similar proxy protocols (Trojan, Vmess, VLESS, Socks, and Shadowsocks).
• Windows users: You can run Shadowrocket using an Android emulator like BlueStacks, giving you the same privacy and access to blocked sites as mobile users.

Setting Up a Proxy in Shadowrocket

To get the most out of Shadowrocket, you need a good proxy to route your internet traffic efficiently. Whether you’re bypassing geo-restrictions, maintaining privacy, or optimizing performance, the right proxy makes all the difference.

This is where Proxygan comes in. With high-quality residential proxies with Shadowrocket, you get a fast, stable, and secure connection without the hassle.

Shadowrocket gives you plenty of flexibility when setting up a proxy. You can configure an application-level proxy, affecting only specific apps, or enable global routing, which directs all your traffic through the proxy. Additionally, fine-tuning your network settings lets you control how different types of traffic are handled, ensuring seamless connectivity and optimized performance.

Add a New Proxy

Adding a proxy in Shadowrocket is easy:

1. Open Shadowrocket and go to the Servers tab.
2. Tap the + icon to add a new proxy.
3. Choose the proxy type—your provider might have HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5, or Shadowsocks.
4. Enter the details:

• Server address
• Port number
• Proxy credentials (if required)

Save and toggle the switch to connect.

Tip: If you’re using Proxygan, their dashboard makes it easy to find your proxy settings, access your proxy credentials, and switch between proxies on the fly.

Shadowrocket Proxy Integration

Once you’ve set up your proxy, Shadowrocket lets you tweak how traffic goes through it. You’re not stuck with one setting—you choose what traffic goes where.

Routing Modes

• Global Proxy Mode → All internet traffic goes through the selected proxy.
• Direct Mode → Bypass the proxy and connect normally.
• Rule-Based Mode → Route traffic based on proxy rules (e.g. proxy for specific apps or domains).
• Auto Mode → Let the app decide the best proxy settings based on network conditions.

For gaming, streaming or web scraping, Proxygan’s mobile proxies have dynamic IPs—reducing the risk of detection and keeping connections smooth.

Rule-Based Routing

Shadowrocket allows custom traffic rules, meaning you control which requests go through the proxy.

Example: Let’s say you only want your browser traffic to go through the proxy, while everything else stays direct. Set Rule-Based Mode and define browser-related domain rules.

Proxygan for Shadowrocket

Shadowrocket is a great proxy client, but the experience depends on the proxy service you use.

Why Proxygan?

• Rotating proxies → Good for web scraping, ad verification, and multi-account management.
• High-speed residential proxies → Good for gaming, streaming, and secure browsing.
• Easy-to-use dashboard → Manage proxy settings and credentials in seconds.

A reliable proxy server acts as a secure gateway between you and the internet, ensuring privacy and unrestricted access. If you want a seamless proxy experience, Proxygan makes Shadowrocket even better.

iOS, Android, and Windows Compatibility

Shadowrocket is compatible with multiple devices, so users can have the same security and freedom on the internet no matter what device they use.

Shadowrocket: Common Issues and Solutions

Things don’t always go as planned. Maybe the proxy won’t connect. Maybe speeds have dropped and sites are taking forever to load. It happens. The good news? Most Shadowrocket issues have simple fixes. Let’s go over a few.

When Shadowrocket Won’t Connect

First, the basics. Is the server address correct? What about the port number? A single typo can mess things up. Double check the credentials—username, password—everything. If it still won’t connect:

• Try switching between proxy types (HTTP, SOCKS5, Shadowsocks) and see if one works better.
• Test the proxy on another device or app to figure out if the issue is with Shadowrocket or the proxy itself.
• Restart the app. Simple, but effective.

Sometimes the issue isn’t on your end. Proxy services experience downtime too. That’s why Proxygan provides rotating proxies, so you always have a working connection. If one goes down, another picks up the slack.

Slow Speeds? Here’s What to Do

Nobody likes slow connections. If Shadowrocket is slow, the cause could be:

• Shared proxies during peak hours – Too many users, not enough bandwidth. A dedicated proxy (or a faster server from your provider) is a better bet.
• Server location – Closer servers mean lower latency. Add server near your region if speed matters.
• Your own network – Run a speed test on a direct connection. If it’s slow without Shadowrocket, the proxy isn’t the problem.

Need better performance? Proxygan offers high-speed residential proxies that minimize lag, perfect for streaming, gaming or just browsing without frustration.

Some Websites Still Blocked? Try This

Even with a proxy, some websites fight back. They use detection methods that flag suspicious traffic. Workarounds include:

• Using a mobile or residential proxy (harder to detect than data center IPs).
• Clearing your browser cache and cookies before trying again.
• Enabling DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) in Shadowrocket settings to bypass ISP-level blocks.

If one method doesn’t work, mix things up. Some users find success switching to a different server or proxy type entirely.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Configuration Options

For those who want more control, Shadowrocket has some advanced settings hidden in the app.Ever wanted to run some apps through the proxy and others directly? That’s exactly what split tunneling does. It’s useful for:

• Keeping banking apps out of the proxy for security reasons.
• Letting your streaming service use local internet while other traffic is proxied.

Custom DNS for More Privacy

By default, your ISP controls your DNS requests. That’s not great for privacy. Shadowrocket lets you:

• Use Google DNS, Cloudflare or other providers instead of your ISP’s default.
• Enable DNS-over-TLS (DoT) or DoH to encrypt DNS requests and bypass censorship.

Automated Proxy Switching

Toggling proxies manually when you switch between different networks (home, office, public Wi-Fi) is a hassle. Instead, set up automated rules:

• Latency-based switching – Shadowrocket picks the fastest available proxy.
• Country-based switching – Useful if you need different IPs for different services.
• Failover settings – If one proxy goes down, another kicks in instant

Conclusion: Why Proxygan + Shadowrocket is the Best Combo

Shadowrocket is a powerful tool for managing proxies on iOS, Windows, Mac, or Android devices, giving you full control over your internet traffic. Whether you’re after privacy, unblocking, or looking to optimize network performance, this app makes it possible.

But here’s the thing—your experience depends heavily on your proxy provider. A top proxy client won’t help if your proxy service is unreliable or sluggish.

That’s why Proxygan is the top choice for Shadowrocket users.

• Lowering the chances of detection, rotating proxies assist in keeping your connection fresh.
• High-speed residential IPs work perfect for streaming, gaming and secure browsing.
• User-friendly dashboard allows to switch proxies and manage settings easily.

So if you’re looking for a smooth, secure, and unrestricted browsing experience, pairing Proxygan proxies with Shadowrocket is the way to go.