VPN Automatic Connection in Android Boot Up

[Fritz-69]

I am trying to get my DroidBOX whilst in android mode (and other android devices/boxes) to auto Start and connect to my VPN (IP Vanish) when android boots up.

I have the IPVanish app installed, however the android app is not as functional as the PC version. The PC version allows much more connectability options.

I am unable to find an app that will do this for me on an unrooted device (and i don't know how to root an android device anyway).

I have set up a VPN Connection within the native android settings (which does connect), set up a lock screen, and tried enabling the 'Always On' function. But it states that i need to setup a profile first to do this. I cannot see where to set up a profile within the native android settings or DroidBOX settings. That's assuming that this will then allow me to auto connect when android boots up.

I have also tried downloading from the 'Play Store' an app called 'Auto Start - No Root' by 'Guro Labs', however whilst this does auto start android apps upon boot, the 'IPVanish' app has no auto connect to a server built in. You have to manually connect.

I am trying to do this so that both Kodi and my VPN auto load upon booting into android, so my son doesn't forget to start the VPN and i get the potential wrath of my ISP. This has nothing to do with OpenELEC which has the 'OpenVPN Manager' to do this. However in android this does not work, hence my dilemma.

Apologies for going on a bit, but i wanted to get all the facts down correctly.

 

[ChrisM]

I think the only way forward from here would be to make a request to IPVanish for an auto-connect option to be included in the Android application. I'll mention it to them in the next meeting we have, but it'll come across more strongly from an actual customer! There should be an option to contact them when logged in at the website.
I would keep the request simple and clear. No need to mention the Android device you're using (had a couple of instances when their staff weren't aware of DroidBOX hardware) as it won't effect the request.

Just a quick query, which DroidBOX model do you have @Fritz-69 ? Most of them are rooted, with the odd exception over the years here and there. If it turns out your device is rooted and you ever need to autostart an app again, not had any problems with https://droidboxforums.com/threads/startup-manager-free.86/ (Startup Manager (Free)) in the past.

 

[Fritz-69]

Thanks for your advice.

I have a T8-S, but I want the function on other android devices as well.

I've already contacted Ipvanish twice via there email option on there Web page, however both messages seem to have fallen on deaf ears!

I'll give that app you suggested a try.

Thanks for your help.

 

[kawasakiinit]

how did you get on with this fritz ?????

 

[Fritz-69]

I contacted IPVanish again. As usual they haven't replied. Three times now!!

I had a look at that app SilentlyScreaming stated, quite interesting with plenty of options, however still comes down to even if you auto start IPVanish app, you still have to manually connect to a server. So still no solution.

 

[kawasakiinit]

i just contacted them and they replied 2 mins later . they said its gonna be on an update soon so i asked how long its gonna be and now waiting for reply .

 

[Fritz-69]

Let's see what they say.

 

[kawasakiinit]

just got this back ?? not good enough imo

Mario replied:
Hello,

Honestly, we are not so sure as well. However, once it will be part of the update, we will let you know.
- Mario
IPVanish Support

 

[Fritz-69]

Very non committal.

I think that's there way of saying they don't know!

 

[ChrisM]

The support staff you will have spoken to there won't be the same team as the application coders.

Personally I prefer to get told a definite "unknown" than "two months" then something doesn't arrive.

Regarding the e-mails that weren't replied to, I'll raise this with them, can you PM me details of the date and time the messages were sent and we can check why they didn't get a response.

 

[kawasakiinit]

Is there any way to contact them re this other than their gineric stuff as im thinking of getting rid of ipvanish at the end of my trial month and look for something else that will auto connect . I have set up a vpn on the box directing it to an ipvanish server but it wont let me set it to always on vpn ? When the always on vpn is pressed it asks me to specify a vpn service but the list has none in it ?? So I have to put 2 passwords in everytime I switch the box on .

Thanks

 

[ChrisM]

I've drawn their attention to this thread, I'll relay any information I receive regarding this if they don't respond here directly.

 

[kawasakiinit]

Thanks

 

[kawasakiinit]

ok i kicked off again tonight and got this back this time from the same person why didnt he say that before ???????????? i have highlighted the important part

we'll see what happens eh ..


JUL 21, 2016 | 01:30PM MST
Mario replied:
Hello,

Thanks for contacting us. Our Android app is designed to work with most standard mobile devices. While our current Android app was not designed specifically for DroidBOX, it can be used with your device. Our next IPVanish app for Android, scheduled to be released late July, will officially support DroidBOX to provide a more seamless experience.

If you are having any current issues with the Android App, you can use a DD-WRT or Tomato router to initiate the VPN connection. You would then connect your DroidBOX via Ethernet or Wireless to that router in order to share the VPN connection. Visual guides for both DD-WRT and Tomato routers on our VPN Setup page at this URL -https://ipvanish.com/vpn-setup/#routers. Please note that we only support DD-WRT and Tomato firmware compatible routers.
- Mario
IPVanish Support

 

[kawasakiinit]

ok i contacted them again tonight re the update from late july (above)and they tell me they never actually promised this ?????????

are ipvanish a partner or supporter of droidbox ? the droidbox site pushes the use of ipvanish so i assume so ??

has anybody actually managed to auto connect ipvanish with the droidbox yet without the need to click on their app etc .my windows pc has ipvanish and it has the kill switch/auto connect no problem ???

i have cancelled my subscription to ipvanish now but if things improve i might go back ,shame cause the connection was actually quite reliable but there are others i guess..

cheers .

Dave....

 

[ChrisM]

Their support team do seem to have a different understanding of our current relationship, compared to the people higher up we communicate with, sorry.

We're (internally) testing beta builds from IPVanish still. We can't (specifically asked to not disclose info yet) reveal details of the changes to be found, presumably in case some new features have to be dropped after testing completes.
I would say it is worth keeping them in your bookmarks, and considering trying them again once the new update is public, if all goes well with the planned new features.

 

[kawasakiinit]

Thanks for that.
Any idea on time scales please?.

 

[ChrisM]

Days/couple of weeks tops is my best unofficial guesstimate.
There is no official timeline as the testing continues until everyone is happy, at that point a public release will occur.