IPVanish has introduced a new feature named VPN Status Indicator. When activated, a dot will appear on your screen indicating whether your VPN connection is active. IPVanish lacks a functional kill switch for Fire TV and Android TV, making this addition a valuable one.
What use is a VPN without a kill switch or the assurance of its connectivity?
Currently, Surfshark VPN is the only service known to support a functional kill switch on Fire TV and Android TV devices. While many VPN services offer a kill switch on various devices, Surfshark is unique in its implementation for Fire TV and Android TV.
Discover Why Surfshark Holds the #1 Ranking by TROYPOINT VPN
This marks the first instance of a VPN application integrating this feature. Kudos to IPVanish for pioneering this tool among VPN providers!
There exist standalone apps like VPN Monitor Dot and VPNSafetyDot that offer similar functionality. For users of VPNs other than IPVanish or Surfshark, opting for VPN Montior Dot is recommended due to its superior features.
VPNSafetyDot was a popular VPN monitor app until they started charging users in 2022. Subsequently, free alternatives emerged, leading many users to switch away from VPNSafetyDot.
If your VPN, such as Surfshark, offers a functioning kill switch for Firestick and Android TV, there is little need for a VPN monitor app. A kill switch ensures your internet connection is halted if the VPN disconnects.
Below is a tutorial for enabling the VPN Status Indicator feature on Firestick and Android TV devices. To ensure proper functionality on Fire TV systems, an ADB command must be executed. Android TV devices offer this customization more conveniently.
It’s worth noting that not all Fire TV devices have the updated IPVanish app available. In the video demonstration, an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max running Fire OS 7 is used. Feel free to share in the comments which Fire TV device you are using and if this feature is currently accessible.
IPVanish VPN Status Indicator Firestick / Fire TV Cube Tutorial
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM4VEx55arM[/embedyt]
ADB Command to Draw Over Apps Referenced in Above Video
pm grant com.ixolit.ipvanish android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW
VPN Status Indicator Android TV Instructions
Fortunately, Android TV users do not need to execute an ADB command.
1. Access IPVanish Settings and select VPN Status Indicator.
2. Tap on Open Settings.
3. Enable Allow display over other apps for IPVanish.
4. Return to IPVanish VPN Settings and activate VPN Status Indicator.
VPN Status Indicator Transparency Settings
Users have the option to adjust the transparency of the dot that indicates when the IPVanish VPN is connected.
Currently, the dot is supposed to be green, but it appears gray on Fire TV / Android TV devices. Hopefully, this issue will be resolved in a future update by IPVanish.
Hide On Connect Setting
The Hide On Connect Setting gives users the ability to hide the dot when the VPN is active. It’s a useful feature since most users wouldn’t want a distracting dot on their screen while enjoying a movie or TV show. Users utilizing VPN Monitor Dot can achieve a similar effect by setting the transparency to zero when the VPN is connected.
IPVanish VPN is a top VPN service, and it’s encouraging to see this new feature. It would be great if they could find a solution for implementing a functional kill switch on Fire TV / Android TV systems, but for now, this tool should be helpful.
We’re eager to hear your thoughts on this new feature from IPVanish in the comments section.