What is Shadowrocket

Shadowrocket is a proxy client for iPhone and iPad. It uses on-device rules to send a request direct or to a node you provide. It does not sell traffic.

A client, not a plan

You buy an app: import config, pick a node, turn the connection on, split traffic by rule. The servers that actually forward packets are yours. With no nodes, the app opens but cannot reach sites that need a proxy.

On the App Store it is a one-time purchase, about $2.99, with no in-app subscription. If you later pay monthly, that is a subscription you bought from a third party, billed separately.

This site is independent documentation, not the developer’s store, and it does not provide Apple IDs or nodes. The download entry is the App Store button on the download page.

ItemGuide
PlatformiOS / iPadOS, generally 13 or later
How to get itApp Store only; some regions require switching the store account
PricingOne-time purchase, no in-app subscription
DataConfig stays on the device by default; iCloud sync is optional
NodesBuild your own or buy a subscription; the app ships no lines

How it relates to the system VPN

The first time you turn the switch on, iOS asks to add a VPN configuration. That is the system channel for Network Extension, so Shadowrocket can see requests from Safari and other apps. The permission is on this device. It is not registering an official account, and it is not buying a commercial VPN plan.

A commercial VPN usually bundles the client and the lines. Shadowrocket splits those: you handle the lines; the client only handles how traffic is sent.

Protocols and routing

Common protocols include Shadowsocks, VMess, VLESS, Trojan, Hysteria2, WireGuard, HTTP / SOCKS5. Which you pick depends on your node, not on this site.

The difference from “send everything through the proxy” tools is rules: banking, Apple services, and other traffic that should stay local can go DIRECT; only hostnames that need the node go PROXY. Syntax: rule-based routing. Daily steps: tutorial.

Who it is for

A fit if

  • You already have a subscription or can run your own server
  • You want everyday apps to skip the proxy detour
  • You only use iPhone / iPad

Do not expect

  • Buying the app to include worldwide lines
  • The same software on Android or a computer
  • This site to hand you an account or a subscription

What to do next

Not installed: open the App Store from the download page; if the current region is unavailable, switch the store account. Already installed: import a subscription in the tutorial. Will not connect: troubleshooting.