Streisand iOS Guide: Free Proxy Client Setup for iPhone & iPad (2026)

What Is Streisand?

Streisand is a free proxy client for iOS and macOS built on the sing-box core. It has been available on the App Store since 2023 and is designed for users who need to connect to custom proxy servers. Unlike commercial VPN apps that sell server access, Streisand is purely a client — you bring your own server subscription or configuration.

Key features include:

• Rule-based proxy setup for precise traffic routing
• Multi-protocol support: VLESS (Reality), VMess, Trojan, Shadowsocks, Socks, SSH, Hysteria (V2), TUIC, and WireGuard
• Custom DNS support with DoH, DoT, and DoU options
• Built-in routing rules using geosite and geoip databases
• No data collection — all configurations and activity logs stay on your device

Streisand requires iOS 14.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac (Apple Silicon), and Apple Vision. The app is completely free with no ads, tracking, or in-app purchases.

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How to Download Streisand on iPhone/iPad

Step 1: Switch to a U.S. Apple ID

Streisand is available on the U.S. App Store. If you are using a China-region or other restricted Apple ID, the app will not appear in search results. You need to switch to a U.S. Apple ID in the App Store. Sign in only to the App Store, not to iCloud.

Step 2: Search and Install

Open the App Store, search for "Streisand," and download the app. The developer is ARCADIA ODYSSEY INC. The app is free to download.

Step 3: Launch and Grant VPN Permission

After installation, open Streisand. The first time you enable the proxy, iOS will prompt you to add a VPN configuration. Tap Allow and authenticate with your passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID.

How to Import a Subscription in Streisand

Streisand supports three major subscription formats: Clash YAML, sing-box JSON, and V2Ray base64.

Method 1: Import from Clipboard

1. Copy your subscription link from your provider's user panel.
2. Open Streisand and tap the "+" button in the top-right corner.
3. Select "Import from Clipboard".
4. Your configurations will load automatically.

Method 2: Import from URL

1. On the main screen, go to Config → Add → Import from URL.
2. Paste your subscription URL.
3. Set a name and an auto-update interval.
4. Save the configuration.

Method 3: Scan QR Code

1. Tap the "+" button in Streisand.
2. Select "Scan QR Code".
3. Scan the QR code provided by your proxy service.

After importing, the subscription and its nodes will appear in the main list.

How to Test Nodes and Connect

Step 1: Test Latency

Long-press the imported subscription to open the context menu. Select Latency to calculate the delay for all configurations. You can also run TCP Ping or ICMP Ping for alternative test methods.

Step 2: Select a Node

Tap on a node from the list. Choose one with low latency and good connectivity. Streisand also supports automatic speed testing and node group selection.

Step 3: Enable the Proxy

Turn on the main switch at the top of the screen. If prompted, confirm the VPN configuration permission. The status indicator will show "Connected" when the tunnel is active.

How to Update Nodes and Subscriptions

To update your subscription:

1. Long-press the subscription line in the main screen.
2. Select Update.
3. Wait a few seconds for the server list to refresh.

You can also enable "Update On Open" in Settings → Subscription so Streisand automatically refreshes the subscription every time the app launches.

Tip: If you switch nodes frequently, note that Streisand disconnects the current tunnel each time you change nodes — you need to tap the switch again to reconnect.

DNS Settings in Streisand

Streisand supports custom DNS configurations with three encrypted DNS protocols:

To configure DNS, go to the main screen and enter the DNS settings. You can specify a custom DNS server (for example, 8.8.8.8 for DoH). After changing DNS settings, restart the tunnel for the changes to take effect.

Routing Rules and Split Tunneling

Streisand includes built-in routing rules based on geosite and geoip databases, allowing you to split traffic between direct and proxy connections.

Setting Up Routing

1. Go to Settings → Routing.
2. Enable routing rules.
3. Choose a preset rule set:

Adding Custom Rules

To add routing rules manually:

1. Navigate to Settings → Routing → Add Rule.
2. Add rules such as GEOIP,RU,DIRECT and DOMAIN-SUFFIX,ru,DIRECT to route specific regional traffic directly.

You can also update geo-resource files by going to Settings → Routing → Geo Resources → Update. This helps when nodes fail to connect due to outdated geo databases.

Troubleshooting Common Streisand Issues

Nodes All Show Timeout

• Subscription expired: Contact your proxy provider.
• Network issue: Check your local internet connection.
• App killed in background: Enable background app refresh for Streisand in iOS Settings → General → Background App Refresh.

Empty Node List After Import

• Subscription URL invalid: Re-copy the link and re-import.
• Unsupported format: Convert the subscription through Sub-Store before importing.

Streisand Not Appearing in App Store

• Region restriction: Switch to a U.S. Apple ID. Streisand is not available on the China App Store.

Connection Button Disabled

• Update geo-resources: Go to Settings → Routing → Geo Resources → Update.
• Server stopped working: Long-press the subscription and select Update.
• Too many subscriptions: Remove all but one and try again.

Fragment Activation for TLS

To bypass TLS-based blocking, you can enable fragment mode on TLS connections. Tap on the connection in Streisand and activate the Fragment option. Suggested parameters:

• Packets: tlshello
• Length: 100-200
• Interval: 10-20

Depending on your ISP, you may need to adjust the packet type to tcp segment 1-3.

Streisand vs. Shadowrocket: Which Should You Choose?

Streisand is the best free alternative to Shadowrocket for iOS users who primarily need to import node subscriptions without complex scripting or request rewriting. If you need advanced features like URL rewriting and script automation, Shadowrocket remains the stronger choice.

Security and Privacy Notes

• Streisand does not collect network activity data. All configurations and logs stay on your device.
• Never publicly share your subscription link, node URLs, or server credentials.
• If any sensitive credentials have been exposed, delete them and rotate passwords immediately.
• Ensure you comply with local laws and regulations regarding proxy usage.

Where to Go Next

Once your iOS setup is stable, the same subscription link usually works on every other device you own.

• Android: the Android VPN tutorial category covers Clash for Android, V2freeGo, and more.
• Desktop: dedicated walkthroughs for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Need a subscription? Compare Wraith VPN plans → — plans start at just $19/year, with anonymous USDT payment and instant activation.
• New to all of this? Start with the VPN beginner's guide.