Shadowrocket Setup Guide

Store availability and app visibility

Store region is not the same as device language

Which apps the App Store displays depends first on the storefront associated with the Apple Account used for Media & Purchases. Your device’s language, current Wi-Fi connection, or physical location alone does not tell you which storefront is in use. Device language affects interface text; the system’s Language & Region settings affect some display formats; and the store account’s country or region determines catalog, currency, and transaction conditions. These settings may sound similar, but they serve different purposes.

If Shadowrocket doesn’t appear in search, don’t start by repeatedly changing your device’s display language. First check the store account, then its country or region, and finally the message shown on the product page. Someone else finding the app with the same search term doesn’t mean your device is faulty. Store account, device compatibility, content restrictions, and current availability may differ. Comparing those conditions is more useful than clearing your search history.

Use the product page to distinguish search issues from region issues

The App Store link on this site points to the same Shadowrocket product, with app ID 932747118. The storefront path in the link only requests a storefront; it does not change your Apple Account region or guarantee that your account can complete a purchase. Opening the product page in a browser only means the webpage is accessible. The App Store still checks your actual store account and device conditions when you try to buy. The currency shown on a webpage is not a substitute for checking your account region.

If the App Store says the app isn’t available in your country or region, note the message and check your account settings rather than repeatedly trying to buy it. If the product page opens but the app doesn’t appear in search, use the product page you’ve verified and check the developer, icon, and app ID. Search ranking does not establish a product’s identity, and not finding it in search is not necessarily the same issue as being unable to purchase it. Keep the exact message so you can troubleshoot without confusion.

Check account requirements before changing your region

Your country or region should match your actual circumstances and comply with Apple’s applicable rules. If you need to change it, read the current requirements shown by the system before proceeding. Account balance, active subscriptions, pending orders, valid payment methods, and Family Sharing status may affect the process. Requirements vary by account, so a general set of steps cannot guarantee an immediate change. A region setting is not a temporary display switch.

Before making changes, consider how they may affect existing purchases and future updates. An item available in one storefront may not be available in another, and a previous purchase does not guarantee that you can download it again in every region. Check which apps and services you need to keep, then address any balance, order, or family requirements shown by the system. Don’t sign out of other services on your device just to troubleshoot a search issue. Limit changes to settings that are clearly relevant.

After making a region change in accordance with Apple’s rules, reopen the App Store and check the account and product pages before trying again. If the same message appears, check whether the change took effect, whether you’re viewing a cached webpage, and whether the App Store is still signed in to the expected account. Test one condition at a time and note what changed. Don’t treat changing regions as a universal fix for payment or download issues without clear evidence.

Check your current App Store account

Start with Media & Purchases

Check the Apple Account shown at the top of your device separately from the account the App Store uses for purchases. They may be the same or may differ because of past device settings. Use the account that completed the transaction to check purchase eligibility, purchase history, and the ability to download the app again. Seeing a familiar name on the main Settings screen does not prove that the App Store is using the account that purchased Shadowrocket. Checking this first can prevent duplicate payments and unnecessary sign-outs.

On iPhone or iPad, open the Apple Account section in Settings, tap Media & Purchases, then open the account options. You may be asked to authenticate. Menu names and layout can vary by system version, so follow what you see on your device. Compare the account identifier and country or region privately. You don’t need to send anyone your full email address, phone number, or other identifying details. If you save a screenshot for your records, conceal that information.

You can also open the App Store and tap the account button in the upper-right corner to check the sign-in status, purchase options, and account details. Confirm that you’re signed in, then check your apps or purchase history. The system may list Purchase History and apps available to download again in separate places: the first helps verify transactions, while the second helps you find apps. They serve different purposes, so checking only one does not prove that your purchase eligibility is gone.

Check the account, region, and order together

Keep a private note of three findings: whether the current store account is the one that made the purchase, its current country or region, and whether you can find a valid Shadowrocket purchase record. Record the findings, not sensitive credentials. If you bought the app on another device, check that device’s store settings and transaction history first, then compare them with the current device. Device names, contact details, and a shared backup source are not proof of which account made the purchase.

If account verification fails, stop before trying to buy

If the account page asks you to verify your identity, accept terms, or resolve a payment issue, address that first, then return to the product page. Repeatedly tapping the purchase button won’t fix an account verification issue and may make it harder to tell whether a transaction was submitted. If you receive a verification code request, make sure you initiated the sign-in or purchase and enter the code only where the system asks. You don’t need to share your account password or any verification code to confirm the app’s identity.

Don’t start by signing out of your entire device account. That may affect photo syncing, backups, or other services and create problems unrelated to App Store access. If you do need to sign back in to Media & Purchases, first make sure you can access your account and verification methods, and check the status of any existing transactions. Then follow the system prompts. On a family- or organization-managed device, check where the restrictions come from before assuming the app is at fault.

Once you’ve checked the account, establish a clear record of the facts: which account, which storefront, which transaction, and which product. Use the same information when checking purchase restoration or a failed payment. Don’t combine screenshots from different accounts to reach a conclusion. If you can’t identify the account that made the purchase, check your own order records and purchase history. Until you’ve confirmed the account, don’t buy again just because the button shows a price.

Verify the official Shadowrocket app

The app name is only the first clue

Shadowrocket may be referred to as “Little Rocket” in Chinese, but always verify the product under the name Shadowrocket in the App Store. Search results may include similarly named apps, apps with related uses, or other products using similar keywords. Appearing near the top does not confirm an app’s identity. Don’t rely on search position, promotional screenshots, or a single word in the name. On the product page, check the developer, official icon, and app ID together.

The developer should be Shadow Launch Technology Limited. Check the developer or seller information on the App Store product page; a name mentioned in the description is not an identity field. Long names may wrap or be truncated on smaller screens, so read the full name. Check the capitalization, word order, and company suffix carefully. If you can only see part of the name, expand the details before proceeding.

The app ID should be 932747118, matching id932747118 in the product link. This identifier distinguishes a specific App Store listing; it is not an account, order, or app version number. When sharing verification details, use the product page and app ID rather than describing it only as “the one with the blue icon.” The Download Guide and this page both point to the same product, so the app ID should match across both links.

Check the icon alongside the App Store identity details

Compare the official icon with the one in the site header: its white background and blue-purple outline are useful identifying clues. Icon size, screen color, and system cropping may affect how it looks, so a color difference alone is not conclusive. Conversely, even if an image looks the same, check the developer and app ID too. An image can be copied; the App Store identity details are essential to confirming the product.

Follow the checks in order to spot mismatches: open the App Store from the verified product page and confirm the title; check the developer name; then verify the numeric ID in the link and compare the icon. All three should point to the same product. Don’t combine an icon from one page with a developer name from another to reach a conclusion. If a webpage opens the App Store, check the listing again after the handoff to make sure you’re looking at the intended product.

Check product identity and device requirements separately

After verifying the app, check its compatibility and purchase information. Follow the system requirements shown on the App Store page; a successful installation on an older device does not guarantee that it will work now. The App Store may show different messages depending on your device, and the same product may have a different layout on different devices. Confirm that your current device meets the requirements before purchasing to make issues easier to identify.

User reviews, ranking, screenshot count, and search recommendations are not reliable ways to verify an app’s identity. They can change and don’t replace checking the developer and product ID. This guide does not use ratings or download counts as proof of identity. For update information, check the current App Store listing. Don’t use old screenshots from other pages to infer which version is currently available or assume that an older interface means it’s a different product.

If any of the three details don’t match, stop before paying and return to the verified link on this site. If a detail isn’t visible yet, wait for the page to load, expand the information, or check it in the App Store on your device. Don’t fill in missing information yourself. After verification, review the checklist in the app verification section of the Download Guide. If the app is verified but you still can’t get it, check the purchase, device, or store status rather than guessing the product name again.

Purchase and one-time payment

Check the current storefront’s price and payment details

Shadowrocket is a paid, closed-source commercial app, available as a one-time purchase on the App Store. The U.S. storefront price is approximately $2.99; prices are shown in local currency in other storefronts. Check the App Store page for the current price and payment terms. This reference price describes the payment model; it is not a guaranteed fixed conversion rate or a price that should appear in every region. Before you buy, check the currency, product name, and confirmation screen for your storefront rather than relying on a converted estimate.

The account holder should make the purchase on their own device and account. Open the verified product page, check the information shown on the purchase button, and follow the system prompts to confirm your identity. Depending on your device settings, you may need a password, biometric authentication, or another verification method. If you see a payment method, billing details, or terms prompt before confirming, read it carefully. If the transaction result isn’t clear, don’t confirm repeatedly; check Purchase History first.

Whether a payment method works depends on the account region, billing information, and payment channel status. A method that worked before may not work for the current transaction. If you see a declined or pending payment, check the account details and any unresolved orders rather than changing Shadowrocket settings. Before the app is installed, its Proxy, Config, and connection options have no bearing on App Store payments. Changing them won’t fix a billing issue.

Buying the client does not include connection service

A one-time client purchase is not a service plan. The purchase gives you the right to obtain and use the client, subject to applicable conditions. It does not create a server connection or renew any service you already have. Continued use depends on your own existing subscription or server details. Check your access address, account validity, and server parameters against your own records. This site explains importing and managing your own details; it does not provide, sell, or recommend nodes or subscriptions.

This distinction helps identify where to troubleshoot. If the App Store transaction is complete and the app opens, the purchase and installation steps are essentially done. An empty server list does not mean the purchase failed, and a connection problem with an existing server does not mean you need to pay again. Keep App Store purchase records, client configuration, and the status of your existing service separate. Mixing them up can make an expired service look like an app license issue, or an order issue look like a network settings problem.

Confirm the transaction before proceeding with installation

After the system confirms a successful purchase, check the product page button and download status, and review Purchase History if needed. A charge alert from your bank or payment service does not always confirm that the App Store order is complete. Check the App Store transaction result. If the order is pending, wait for its status to resolve and follow any prompts. If a purchase failed but you have a billing concern, check the original order rather than paying again to see whether the download resumes.

For cancellations, refunds, or billing disputes, use Apple’s account and order support channels and follow the final outcome. This page does not promise a processing time or specific result. A refunded order should not be treated as proof of valid purchase eligibility. Keep your transaction records for your own reference. If you need to describe the issue, share only the necessary status information with sensitive details concealed; don’t disclose a full bill, payment details, or account verification information.

To download on another device, check the original purchase account, current storefront, device compatibility, and App Store listing. A one-time purchase does not mean purchase eligibility transfers between arbitrary accounts. For more on the app price and the difference between the client and a service plan, see One-Time Purchase Price vs. Service Plans. If the button still shows a price after purchase, go to the purchase restoration section of this guide before confirming payment again.

First-time installation and system permissions

Get the app from the store before checking in-app settings

After purchasing, wait for the App Store download and installation to finish, then open Shadowrocket from the Home Screen or the product page. If the download is still in progress, don’t mistake an app that won’t open for an in-app configuration issue. Check that your device has enough free storage, the download hasn’t paused, and your system meets the requirements. Follow the requirements and compatibility information on the App Store page. A device model or past experience installing a similar app is no substitute for this check.

The steps are the same on iPhone and iPad, though the layout may vary by screen size and system version. Look for interface labels such as Home, Config, and Settings; they may not appear in exactly the same places as in older images. If you can open Home, you’ve completed the App Store installation stage. If the list is empty, first check whether you’ve imported your own details. Don’t return to the store and download the app again. Purchase eligibility does not add server information automatically.

If you have a subscription, use the relevant Subscribe option to import it. If you have individual server details, look for Add Server. For the full walkthrough, see the Shadowrocket Quick Start Guide. Before importing, make sure the details are for a service you already use and check that all fields are complete. Don’t post a subscription URL containing access credentials publicly. A successful import only means the client read the information; it does not confirm that the connection works or that the App Store installation succeeded.

What VPN configuration permission means

When you first try to connect, the system may ask to let Shadowrocket add a VPN configuration and authenticate on the device. This grants the permission needed to establish the relevant network connection. It is not another purchase and does not prove that a subscription is active. Read the prompt when you’ve deliberately started a connection in Shadowrocket. If you canceled, return to the app and start the connection again, then follow the system prompts. You don’t need to delete the app first.

Family content restrictions or organization management may prevent a device from adding a VPN configuration. Check the system message and ask the person authorized to manage the device. Don’t mistake a managed restriction for a missing app setting. If another VPN configuration is already present, first check which one is establishing the connection rather than changing multiple network settings at once. A connection indicator in the status bar shows the system connection state; it does not mean every destination is being handled as expected.

Separate Global Routing from purchase status

After installation, Global Routing and related settings determine how traffic is handled. Config uses rules in the current configuration; Proxy and Direct select different routing behaviors. These settings affect connections, not App Store purchase eligibility. If the app opens but access doesn’t behave as expected, check the current routing mode, selected server, and configuration instead of changing the store region. Change one variable at a time so you can tell what made a difference.

[Rule]
DOMAIN-SUFFIX,example.com,PROXY
IP-CIDR,192.168.0.0/16,DIRECT
GEOIP,CN,DIRECT
FINAL,PROXY

This example only shows the structure of rule lines in a Shadowrocket configuration file; it is not a complete, ready-to-use configuration. Domain suffixes, destination IP ranges, and the final policy serve different matching purposes, and rules are generally checked in order. PROXY in the example is a policy expression, not your server information. You don’t need to import this example to confirm the app is installed. See Rule Syntax Basics for more detail, without adding configuration variables while troubleshooting app access.

Once permissions are granted, connect using your own valid details and verify the connection with Connectivity Test and by checking actual access. Test results, access to a destination, and purchase records answer different questions; record them separately. If installation and opening work but the connection fails, continue with Connection Troubleshooting. If the App Store download is still stuck, return to the access troubleshooting section. Identifying the stage first avoids unnecessary reinstalls and preserves your existing configuration for comparison.

Moving to a new device and restoring purchases

Restore purchase eligibility first, then your configuration

Moving to a new device or reinstalling involves two separate tasks: downloading the app again and restoring your own configuration. The first depends on App Store purchase eligibility and current availability; the second depends on your saved details, device migration, or an applicable backup method. A cloud download button does not mean your server list has been restored, and seeing your old device’s configuration does not mean the new device is using the original purchase account. Get the app first, then check its configuration.

On the new device, check whether Media & Purchases is signed in to the account that originally completed the transaction. Open the account section in the App Store and look for purchased apps or the relevant app list, then search for Shadowrocket. Section names may change, so follow the current interface. Verify the developer and product ID again, then tap the download-again button. Whether you can download it again, device compatibility, and storefront availability are all subject to the App Store listing.

If the product page shows a price again, don’t confirm the purchase yet. Check Purchase History for the original order and its status, then make sure you’re using the right account. The issue may be a different store account, a hidden purchase, a region change, or a change in order status. A device backup, matching contact details, or the same home network does not prove which account made the purchase. Find the transaction first, then decide what to troubleshoot.

If the app isn’t in your purchased list, narrow down the issue step by step

First, distinguish between “not in the list” and “no valid purchase record.” If the app isn’t listed, check Purchase History and look for hidden purchases. A hidden item affects what appears in the list; it does not by itself mean the order is invalid. If you find the original order, compare the app name and transaction status to make sure you have the right product. Lists may have different filters and search behavior, so check what the current page displays before changing filters.

Next, check your current region and device requirements. A past purchase does not guarantee that the current storefront still offers the same download conditions, and an app that ran before may not meet the requirements of a new device. If the App Store shows a specific region or compatibility message, follow it up rather than assuming a purchase record is missing. If you contact Apple Account Support, have the original order details, current message, and checks you’ve completed ready. Conceal sensitive information.

Make sure your data can be restored before deleting the app

While the old device is still usable, note your existing subscription source, essential server parameters, current Config, and custom rules. Keep passwords, tokens, and private addresses somewhere secure that you control; don’t share them in public comments. Deleting the app may remove local data, so reinstalling is not a backup strategy. If the issue is that the App Store won’t update the app, check the account and error message first rather than deleting it to avoid troubleshooting the account.

After migration, check the details on the new device one by one: whether your subscription updates, whether server fields are complete, whether the expected Config file is selected, and whether Global Routing is set as before. Don’t assume that every setting matches the old device just because the app icon appears. Device migration, downloading the app again, and the validity of your existing service are separate. A change in any of them may make the new device behave differently, so verify each separately.

The first connection after restoring may still require system VPN configuration permission. Follow the prompts on the new device; authorization on the old device does not carry over, and purchase eligibility does not replace system permissions. You can test the basic connection with one known-valid server before restoring complex rules, reducing the number of variables. If importing works but connecting doesn’t, check connection troubleshooting rather than returning to the store to buy again. For a short version, see Restore Purchases in the Download Guide.

Family Sharing and purchase availability

Check the current App Store listing first

Whether Family Sharing applies to this product, family, and transaction depends on the App Store listing and your account’s current status. Don’t assume Shadowrocket is available to your family just because another app was shared successfully. App purchases, family groups, and purchase sharing are related but separate conditions; check each one. A product supporting a sharing feature doesn’t mean every family member’s account is already set up to use it.

Before troubleshooting, confirm that the purchaser has a valid order, that the person who wants the app is in the expected family group, and that purchase sharing is active. Joining a family group does not guarantee that every purchase will immediately appear. Member permissions, purchase sharing settings, and product availability can all affect the result. Follow the system prompts rather than assuming that a missing app means the purchaser needs to buy it again or that the app has been removed from the store.

The purchaser and each family member should use their own Apple Accounts for system processes. Purchase sharing lets the system provide access based on family membership and applicable rules; it does not require everyone to sign in with the same purchasing account. To troubleshoot, check the group, sharing settings, purchase record, and product availability. Don’t collect family members’ passwords or verification codes. For child accounts or purchase approvals, the family organizer or other authorized adult should review the current prompt.

Check the purchaser, family member, and product separately

First, check the purchaser: Was the order completed? Is it still valid? Is the app hidden? Is purchase sharing set up as expected? Next, check the family member: Is the App Store signed in to their own correct account? Is the family relationship active? Are there content or purchase restrictions? Finally, check the product: Is it available in the current storefront? Does the device meet compatibility requirements? Does the App Store listing indicate that sharing applies? Checking each level in order helps prevent unnecessary changes on the wrong device.

If the item isn’t in a family member’s purchase list, first check the purchaser’s account instead of repeatedly refreshing the member’s device. If the item appears but can’t be downloaded, read the prompt and distinguish between a region, compatibility, account verification, or family settings issue. Being able to see an item and being able to download it are two different things. After changing a setting, check the original page again to see what changed. Don’t sign out of the group, change regions, and update payment details all at once without keeping track.

Family purchases don’t share your connection details

Even if a family member can get the app through an applicable Family Sharing option, your server details, subscription access, and configuration files do not automatically become shared family resources. Each person still needs their own details that they are entitled to use and must follow the relevant service terms. App purchase eligibility does not replace server-side authorization or determine how many devices a service allows to connect at once. This guide makes no general claims about the device limits or account rules of your existing service.

Family members’ devices may also use different Config, Global Routing, or On Demand settings. One member’s working connection doesn’t mean other devices need no configuration, and a connection failure on one device doesn’t prove that Family Sharing is the problem. First check whether the app opens, then review that device’s details and permissions. If the app is already installed, follow the usage guide for importing and connecting rather than looking for network settings on the family purchase page.

If your family group, region, or purchase sharing settings change, follow Apple’s current rules and the messages shown in your account to determine whether existing content remains available. Don’t assume in advance that purchase eligibility will definitely continue or end. Read the system information before making changes, and keep your own configuration details. If you’ve checked the family settings and product listing but the result still doesn’t match, contact Apple through its account support channels. Share only status information with sensitive details concealed, not family members’ identifying information.

Can’t find the app, payment failed, or download is stuck

First, identify the stage where it failed

Don’t start troubleshooting by reinstalling. First, describe the issue in a way that can be reproduced, such as “search returns no results,” “the product page says it’s unavailable in my region,” “payment was declined after confirmation,” “the download hasn’t moved for a long time,” or “the app opens but won’t connect.” These occur at different stages and require different evidence. Note where it happened, the exact message, whether you’ve checked the current store account, and whether there’s a valid order before choosing what to do next.

If you can’t find the app, use the verified product page to distinguish a search issue from product availability, then check the store region, device compatibility, and content restrictions. If the product page allows you to purchase it, there’s no need to keep troubleshooting search ranking. If it says the app is unavailable, return to the region and account sections. A product page opening in a browser does not prove purchase eligibility, and a webpage that won’t open the App Store does not prove the product is unavailable. Check the final status shown in the App Store on your device.

If payment fails, check whether the account needs verification, the payment details need attention, or Purchase History shows a pending order. Confirm the order status before trying anything else. Tapping repeatedly won’t make the transaction more likely to succeed and can make it harder to tell what happened. If the transaction record doesn’t match your payment provider’s alert, check the original order rather than changing proxy rules on your device. App Store transactions and in-app connections follow separate processes.

Check the device and store if the download is stuck

If you’ve purchased the app but the download is stuck, check for a paused or pending status, low storage, or an account verification prompt. Confirm that you have enough free space, then check whether your local network can reliably load other App Store pages and content. If available, compare Wi-Fi and cellular data, changing only one condition at a time. Check the system settings that control cellular data and downloads. A webpage loading successfully does not prove that the network conditions needed for App Store downloads are working.

If multiple apps won’t download, the issue is more likely related to the store service, account, or local network than to Shadowrocket’s configuration. Check Apple’s service status and the message on your device, then try again later if appropriate. If only this product fails, focus on its product page, purchase status, and compatibility. While you wait, don’t delete an app that still has local configuration. Identify the cause first to avoid turning a download issue into a data restoration problem.

Once the app opens, switch to connection troubleshooting

If Home loads normally, troubleshoot the issue as part of using the app. First check whether the list contains your own valid server details, then check system VPN permission, the selected item, and Global Routing. A failed Subscribe update is not the same as an App Store download failure. The former may involve your existing subscription URL, its validity, or the network request; the latter happens during the store download process. Record them separately instead of describing both as “can’t download.”

Slow speeds after connecting don’t mean you need to purchase or download the app again. Compare server status, connection conditions, protocol settings, and your local network one layer at a time. See Troubleshooting Slow Speeds Step by Step. For subscription update messages, see Subscription Troubleshooting. These pages assume you already have your own details; they don’t affect App Store purchase eligibility or provide connection services.

Before reporting an issue, write down the steps to reproduce it, the exact message, the stage where it occurred, and what you’ve already checked. Don’t just say “it doesn’t work.” Conceal your account email, sensitive order details, subscription URL, and server credentials in screenshots. For App Store transactions, contact Apple through its account and order support channels. For app usage, compare your settings with the official guide. Then repeat the original failing step to confirm whether the result changed. Don’t consider the issue resolved just because an intermediate page started working.