Why Is Shadowrocket Not Working? 10 Fixes That Actually Help
Expert troubleshooting guide for Shadowrocket not working issues including connection failures, server problems, and app crashes. Proven solutions for iOS, Windows, and Android.
Quick Problem Identifier
Identify your specific Shadowrocket troubleshooting issue:
🛠️ Troubleshooting Guide
Common Shadowrocket Problem Symptoms
Before diving into solutions, identify your specific issue. Shadowrocket not workingcan manifest in various ways, each requiring different troubleshooting approaches.
🚫 Connection Problems
- • "Connection failed" or "Timeout" errors
- • App shows "Connected" but no internet access
- • Frequent disconnections and reconnections
- • Slow speeds or partial connectivity
- • Cannot reach specific websites or services
- • DNS resolution failures
💥 App Behavior Issues
- • App crashes on startup or during use
- • Interface freezes or becomes unresponsive
- • Settings don't save or reset unexpectedly
- • Import/export configuration failures
- • Missing features or broken functionality
- • Excessive battery drain or resource usage
⚙️ Configuration Errors
- • Server information appears incorrect
- • Proxy rules not working as expected
- • Certificate or authentication failures
- • Port blocking or firewall issues
- • Protocol compatibility problems
- • Routing table conflicts
🌐 Network-Related Issues
- • Works on WiFi but not cellular data
- • Regional blocking or censorship
- • ISP throttling or traffic shaping
- • Corporate firewall interference
- • IPv6 connectivity problems
- • MTU size and packet fragmentation
🔍 Quick Diagnostic Questions
Ask yourself these questions to narrow down the issue:
- • Did Shadowrocket work previously and suddenly stop?
- • Does the problem occur on all devices or just one?
- • Are you using the same server/configuration that worked before?
- • Have you recently updated the app, OS, or changed networks?
- • Do other VPN apps work on the same device/network?
Fix Connection and Network Issues
Shadowrocket connection failed errors are the most common problems users face. These step-by-step solutions address network connectivity issues systematically.
Solution 1: Verify Server Information
Check Your Server Configuration:
- Server Address: Ensure IP address or domain name is correct and accessible
- Port Number: Verify the port isn't blocked by your network or ISP
- Authentication: Double-check passwords, UUIDs, and encryption methods
- Protocol Settings: Confirm protocol type (Shadowsocks/V2Ray/Trojan) matches server
- DNS Configuration: Try different DNS servers (8.8.8.8, 1.1.1.1, 9.9.9.9)
Solution 2: Test Network Connectivity
Basic Network Test
Test your basic internet connectivity before troubleshooting Shadowrocket:
- • Open browser and visit major websites (Google, BBC, etc.)
- • Try both WiFi and cellular data connections
- • Check if other apps can access the internet normally
- • Test different networks (home, office, mobile hotspot)
Server Reachability Test
Test if your device can reach the Shadowrocket server:
ping your-server-ip
telnet your-server-ip your-port
No response? Your server may be down, blocked by your ISP, or behind a firewall. Try different servers or contact your VPN provider.
Solution 3: Reset Network Settings
📱 iOS Reset Steps
- Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Select "Reset" → "Reset Network Settings"
- Enter passcode and confirm reset
- Device will restart and clear all network configurations
- Reconnect to WiFi and reconfigure Shadowrocket
Warning: This removes all WiFi passwords and VPN configurations.
💻 Windows Reset Steps
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Run:
netsh winsock reset - Run:
netsh int ip reset - Run:
ipconfig /flushdns - Restart computer and test Shadowrocket again
Note: These commands reset TCP/IP stack and DNS cache.
Solution 4: Change DNS and Routing
🌐 Recommended DNS Servers:
Primary: 8.8.8.8
Secondary: 8.8.4.4
Primary: 1.1.1.1
Secondary: 1.0.0.1
Primary: 9.9.9.9
Secondary: 149.112.112.112
Configure custom DNS in Shadowrocket settings or your device's network settings. DNS issues often cause websites to load slowly or not at all even when connected.
Resolve App Crashes and Freezing
Shadowrocket app crash issues can stem from memory problems, corrupted data, or conflicts with other software. These solutions address stability problems systematically.
Solution 5: Clear App Data and Cache
Before Clearing Data
Export your configurations first! Go to Shadowrocket → Settings → Export Config to save your server list and settings.
📋 Backup Guide📱 iOS: Offload and Reinstall
- Settings → General → iPhone Storage
- Find Shadowrocket in the app list
- Tap "Offload App" (keeps documents and data)
- Tap "Reinstall App" to download fresh copy
- Or use "Delete App" for complete removal
💻 Windows: Clean Reinstall
- Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall Shadowrocket
- Delete remaining folders in Program Files
- Clear %AppData%\Shadowrocket\ directory
- Restart computer to clear registry entries
- Download and install latest version
Solution 6: Fix Memory and Resource Issues
💾 Memory Optimization Tips:
- • Close unnecessary background apps before using Shadowrocket
- • Restart your device weekly to clear memory leaks
- • Reduce concurrent connections in Shadowrocket settings
- • Disable detailed logging if enabled (increases memory usage)
- • Use simpler proxy rules to reduce processing overhead
- • Keep only essential server configurations active
Solution 7: Check for Software Conflicts
Common Conflicting Software:
- • Other VPN apps running simultaneously
- • Antivirus software with network protection
- • Firewall applications with strict rules
- • Network monitoring or security tools
- • System optimization utilities
- • Corporate endpoint protection software
Testing for conflicts: Temporarily disable other security software and VPN apps, then test Shadowrocket. If it works, re-enable software one by one to identify the conflicting application.
Server Configuration and Timeout Problems
Shadowrocket server issues often involve incorrect configuration, server overload, or protocol mismatches. These solutions address server-side problems.
Solution 8: Validate Server Configuration
🔍 Configuration Checklist:
Basic Settings:
- • Server address format (IP vs domain)
- • Port number (typically 443, 8080, or custom)
- • Protocol type (SS, SSR, V2Ray, Trojan)
- • Encryption method compatibility
- • Authentication credentials
Advanced Settings:
- • Transport layer settings (TCP/UDP)
- • TLS/SNI configuration
- • Plugin or obfuscation settings
- • Multiplexing options
- • Custom routing rules
Solution 9: Handle Timeout and Latency Issues
⏱️ Timeout Optimization
Adjust timeout settings in Shadowrocket to accommodate slow or overloaded servers:
- • Connection Timeout: Increase from default 5s to 10-15s
- • Read Timeout: Set to 30-60s for stable connections
- • DNS Timeout: Allow 10-15s for DNS resolution
- • Retry Attempts: Enable 2-3 automatic retries
- • Keep-Alive: Enable TCP keep-alive for long connections
🌍 Server Location and Load
Choose optimal servers based on your location and usage patterns:
Ideal for gaming and real-time apps
Good for general browsing and streaming
May cause timeouts and slow performance
Solution 10: Test Alternative Servers and Protocols
🔄 Server Testing Strategy:
- Test multiple servers: Try 3-5 different server locations
- Check server status: Contact provider for server health information
- Try different protocols: Switch between Shadowsocks, V2Ray, Trojan
- Test during off-peak hours: Server load varies by time of day
- Use server speed tests: Run built-in latency and speed tests
- Monitor connection stability: Track disconnection frequency
💡 Quick Server Test Commands:
Platform-Specific Solutions (iOS/Windows/Android)
Different platforms have unique requirements and limitations. These platform-specific solutions address Shadowrocket troubleshooting for each operating system.
iOS-Specific Issues
VPN Profile Issues:
- • Go to Settings → VPN → Delete old profiles
- • Reset VPN configurations completely
- • Allow VPN access when prompted
- • Check Screen Time restrictions
iOS Updates:
- • Update to latest iOS version
- • Check Shadowrocket compatibility
- • Reinstall after major iOS updates
Battery Optimization:
- • Disable Background App Refresh for other apps
- • Allow Shadowrocket background activity
- • Use Low Power Mode carefully
Windows-Specific Issues
Windows Defender:
- • Add Shadowrocket to exclusions list
- • Disable real-time protection temporarily
- • Check quarantine for removed files
- • Whitelist installation directory
UAC and Permissions:
- • Run as Administrator always
- • Check user account permissions
- • Disable UAC temporarily for installation
Network Adapters:
- • Update TUN/TAP drivers
- • Reset Windows network stack
- • Check adapter conflicts in Device Manager
Android-Specific Issues
Battery Optimization:
- • Disable battery optimization for Shadowrocket
- • Add to protected apps list
- • Allow autostart permissions
- • Disable adaptive battery for the app
VPN Permissions:
- • Grant VPN permission in settings
- • Check always-on VPN conflicts
- • Disable built-in VPN features
Manufacturer Issues:
- • Samsung: Disable Smart Manager restrictions
- • Huawei: Add to protected apps
- • Xiaomi: Disable MIUI optimizations
- • OnePlus: Allow background activity
Advanced Diagnostic Techniques
When basic solutions don't work, these advanced techniques help identify and resolve complex Shadowrocket proxy error situations.
Network Analysis and Logging
🔍 Enable Detailed Logging:
- Open Shadowrocket → Settings → Advanced → Enable "Verbose Logging"
- Attempt to connect and reproduce the issue
- Access log files through Settings → Logs → Export
- Look for error patterns, timeout messages, and connection attempts
- Share relevant log excerpts with technical support
Professional Support Resources
🆘 When to Seek Help
- • Multiple solutions attempted without success
- • Error messages you can't interpret
- • Network-specific blocking or restrictions
- • Hardware or system-level conflicts
- • Performance issues after configuration changes
📋 Information to Provide
- • Device model and operating system version
- • Shadowrocket version and build number
- • Network type (WiFi, cellular, corporate)
- • Server configuration details (anonymized)
- • Error messages and log file excerpts
- • Steps taken before the issue occurred
🔧 Expert Troubleshooting Tools
- • Wireshark for packet analysis
- • MTR for network path testing
- • Traceroute for routing analysis
- • Process Monitor for file/registry access
- • Resource Monitor for performance issues
- • Event Viewer for system error logs
⚡ Need Immediate Help?
If you're experiencing critical issues, visit our dedicated support center:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does Shadowrocket keep disconnecting?
A: Frequent disconnections are usually caused by unstable server connections, network switching (WiFi to cellular), or aggressive power saving settings. Try switching to a more stable server, disable automatic network switching, and ensure Shadowrocket is excluded from battery optimization features.
Q: What does "connection timeout" mean in Shadowrocket?
A: Connection timeout indicates the app cannot establish a connection to your VPN server within the specified time limit. This is often due to server overload, incorrect server configuration, or network blocking. Try different servers, check your configuration, and increase timeout values in advanced settings.
Q: How do I fix Shadowrocket showing "connected" but no internet?
A: This typically indicates DNS issues or routing problems. Try changing your DNS servers to public options like 8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1, reset your network settings, or contact your VPN provider for updated server information. Check if the issue affects all websites or just specific ones.
Q: Can I use multiple VPN apps simultaneously?
A: No, running multiple VPN apps simultaneously usually causes conflicts and connection issues. Only use one VPN app at a time. If you need to switch VPN providers, completely disconnect from one service before connecting to another.
Q: Why is Shadowrocket slower than expected?
A: VPN speed depends on server location, server load, your internet connection, and encryption overhead. Choose servers closer to your location, try different servers during off-peak hours, and experiment with different protocols. Some speed reduction is normal when using any VPN service.
Q: How often should I update Shadowrocket?
A: Update Shadowrocket whenever new versions are available, especially for security updates and bug fixes. Enable automatic updates if possible, but be aware that major updates might require reconfiguration. Always backup your settings before updating.
Still Having Issues with Shadowrocket?
If these solutions didn't resolve your Shadowrocket not working problems, our technical support team is here to help with personalized assistance.