Getting Started with ShadowPhone
Set up your first phone and start automating in under 10 minutes. This guide walks you through everything from installation to your first workflow.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A Windows 10+ or macOS 10.15+ computer - At least one Android phone (Pixel 6 recommended) with USB debugging enabled - A USB data cable (not a charge-only cable) - An active ShadowPhone subscription or free trial - Instagram installed on your phone
Step 1: Download the Desktop App
Head to the Download page and grab the ShadowPhone Desktop app for your operating system. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard -- it takes about 60 seconds.
Step 2: Sign In
Launch ShadowPhone Desktop and sign in with your account. If you do not have one yet, click 'Sign Up' to create a free trial account. Your account syncs between the website and the desktop app automatically.
Step 3: Install ADB
The first time you launch the app, it will prompt you to install ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Click the 'Install ADB' button and wait for the process to complete. This is a one-time setup that takes about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Connect Your Phone
Plug your Android phone into your computer via USB. Make sure USB debugging is enabled in Developer Options. When prompted on your phone, tap 'Allow USB debugging' and check 'Always allow from this computer'. Your phone should appear in the Phones tab within a few seconds.
Step 5: Add an Instagram Account
Navigate to the Accounts tab and click 'Add Account'. Enter your Instagram credentials. ShadowPhone will securely log in through the Instagram app on your connected phone, keeping the session authentic and safe.
Step 6: Run Your First Module
Go to the Modules tab, select your connected phone and account, pick a module like 'Engage' or 'Follow', configure the settings, and hit 'Run'. Watch the real-time progress as ShadowPhone controls your phone to execute the automation.
Next Steps
Now that you are up and running, explore the Workflows section to build complex automation sequences, or check the Safety & Security guides to optimize your settings for maximum account protection.
Need more help?
Join our Discord community or contact support for personalized assistance.