Shadowrocket User Guide & Setup

Config and Rule Matching

Rule-based routing lets different requests use different policies. In Config, review Rule and arrange rules by domain, address, or other conditions, then select Config under Global Routing on Home. Put specific matches first and use FINAL for requests that don't match. PROXY specifies a proxy policy; DIRECT specifies a direct connection. Having rules in place doesn't mean they're active: confirm the selected configuration and mode. This example explains syntax only; example.com is not server information.

DOMAIN-SUFFIX,example.com,PROXY
GEOIP,US,DIRECT
FINAL,DIRECT

On Demand and Connection Conditions

On Demand starts connections when specified conditions are met and is best configured after you have verified a basic connection. Open Settings and review On Demand, checking the available conditions and behaviors in the current interface. It controls when a connection starts; Rule controls how requests are routed during a connection. They are not interchangeable. When setting it up, use conditions you can review and test them on the relevant networks. If the connection behaves unexpectedly, check the trigger conditions first, then review your server details and mode.

Type and Protocol Parameters

Support for multiple protocols lets you use existing server details in different formats. To add a server manually, choose Type in Add Server, then enter Host, Port, and the authentication, encryption, or transport fields required by that protocol. Shadowsocks, VMess, VLESS, Trojan, and other protocols use different fields; changing Type alone isn't enough to reuse all the same parameters. Start with the values in your existing details, then test the connection. A protocol name by itself doesn't indicate speed or battery use; performance also depends on the server, transport settings, and network conditions.

Subscribe and Existing Subscriptions

To import a subscription, you must already have your own subscription link. Use Subscribe in the app's current interface to enter the link and load its contents, then review the resulting server list and groups. Updating a subscription reloads existing details; it doesn't purchase the app or change Global Routing. Subscription links may contain authentication details, so store them only where needed and don't share them in screenshots or public messages. If entries change after an update, check the selected server first, then test the connection.

Config and Configuration Files

Configuration files keep rules and related settings together. In Config, review General, Rule, Hosts, and other sections, and make sure the selected file suits your needs. Adding a server and selecting a configuration file are separate actions: the former provides connection details; the latter controls rules and other settings. Record the original contents before making changes, adjust one relevant item at a time, then verify on Home. Before changing DNS or HTTPS Decryption settings, understand their effect and the scope of any permissions involved. Don't use an unfamiliar configuration as your default without reviewing it.

Connectivity Test and Real-World Access

Connectivity Test provides diagnostic clues, and its results should be interpreted in light of the Test Method. A test value reflects a specific method and target under the network conditions at that time; it doesn't represent the access speed of every website. First check whether the selected server passes the test, then open the actual target page to verify requests. If the test times out, check the parameters, network conditions, and test settings in that order. If the test succeeds but the page behaves unexpectedly, review Global Routing, matching rules, and DNS rather than judging usability by the number alone.