I used to see a “VPN Connected” notification (the “key” icon) in the status bar, but recently re-set up my VPN (through OpenVPN) and now it doesn’t show up. It is not just minimized either - even when I pull down on the notification area, it doesn’t show up anywhere. Any idea what happened to this notification? I’ve been googling for a while, but all I can find is people trying to get rid of it. I like it there because it’s useful to just glance at my phone and know whether it is connected to the VPN or not.
Do you have the latest security patch update? My icon also disappeared and I think it’s because of the update. If you swipe twice from the top to get to the extended quick settings menu you’ll see “Network may be monitored” followed by the key sign. I’m not sure if there’s any way to add the key back.
Confirmed. I have the S8+ on GSM, and about three days ago I accepted a security patch update and after that my VPN “key” on the status bar vanished. I actually really need it now because I’m so used to it! I really hope they fix this issue fast! For now you’ll have to rely on the icon from your VPN’s actual app, so remember to long press the app on your status bar to get the notifications back for VPNs under your individual app if you disabled them because you had the status bar VPN key until it’s fixed again system-wide with another patch update.
TL;DR : Samsung fucked up, there’s no bypass or fix at the moment and your only REAL work around is to rely on notifications and kill switches from your actual VPN App provider itself, and NOT the Android system itself.
More Info :
Samsung Galaxy S8+ (GSM, Not Unlocked)
Android Version 9
Baseband : G955USQU8DUA2
Kernel : Jan 14th 2021
Android Security Patch Level : December, 1, 2020
Build Number : PPR1.180610.011.G955USQU8DUA2
Interesting…I just swiped twice from the top, and now I do see the key icon at the top along with a message that says “Personal profile connected to OpenVPN Comnect” (this is right under the date). I guess this is just how it appears now, and it can’t be brought back to the notification area?
Damn it…well at least now I know I’m not crazy! I’ll just have to use my app’s notification for now…
Those seeing this thread for the first time, please note the only work around I can think of for the VPN-Key Status bar glitch from Samsung on our 9.0 devices is using VPNSafetyDot. An on screen overlay with a red or green dot, red for VPN IS OFF, and green for VPN IS ON. Works for almost ALL Android devices too and things like the Fire Stick while we’re at it.