• General
  • Removal of VPN icon and message

Android currently shows a small key icon on the top right corner to represent that VPN is turned on, and it also shows a message on the control panel saying:

[This device is connected to the internet through <name of the VPN>. Your network activity, including emails and browsing data, is visible to the VPN provider.]

Although it won't be a high priority task, could GrapheneOS make an option to hide the key icon and that obvious message about VPN connection?

    hikari I can't speak for the developers, but I don't think that they would make this change. Removing the icons and notices about a VPN being on doesn't change the fact that it's obvious in the Settings app. VPN use would be obvious to an ISP or a mobile provider as well.

    So I guess my question would be, what would we be trying to achieve by removing info about VPNs from the screen?

      other8026 What I meant by "obvious" is that the message about using a VPN seems too clear to anyone concerned with privacy. We are aware that VPN providers can monitor individual internet connections, which is why we choose no-log and privacy-respecting companies.

      The reason I made this request is that it isn't about ISPs or other actors tapping on my traffic; rather, it's to prevent anyone from shoulder surfing to see if I have a VPN icon in the top right corner or to determine which VPN I am using by simply checking the control panel - even on the lock screen without having to access the Settings app after unlocking the phone. The second issue could be addressed by using the official WireGuard app, although it does have some drawbacks compared to other VPN clients. I also have to leave my phone away from time to time, and this is quite concerning to me even though I use 1 hour auto reboot option.

        hikari set your VPN app notifications to silent (which you probably already have). Then

        Settings > Notifications > Hide silent notifications in statusbar (turn on).

        They key icon can't be removed though.

        Why would you be concerned about using VPN, it is more or less a common practice. I have used always on VPN for >2 years now, I can't imagine using my device otherwise.

        14 days later

        other8026

        I'd like to add a comment in response to @other8026 and @SgtSurehand 's questions. In some countries, using a VPN is a gray area or even illegal. For example, in China, using a VPN might not always lead to punishment due to selective enforcement, but there are instances where people are targeted for using VPNs, sometimes for police performance metrics. You can refer to reports from the BBC (page link) and RFI (page link) for more information.

        In such regions, individuals may not want others to know they're using a VPN to avoid potential trouble. They prefer not to let classmates or colleagues see the VPN icon on their phone screen, as it could lead to unwanted attention or even being reported by someone with malicious intent.