[bug/question] How to get signal messenger working on XA2 [released]

asked 2019-04-12 00:09:51 +0200

Will-Do gravatar image

updated 2019-04-24 19:06:03 +0200

So far I can receive Signal messages on my Xa2 running Sailfish, but can't send anything. It even looks like Signal isn't sending anything back to the server (my contacts said they couldn't see if messages arrived and they didn't get a notice for a new key when I re-registered with the Xa2, while they did receive both from the Signal I use via my Jolla1)

Since I read that another user got Signal working by just waiting a long time for the first messages to send [1], I registered Signal with my (previously not registered to Signal ever) work number and tried that.. and that worked! (after waiting for about two hours to send) But, I tried to also register my normal number and that didn't work.

After two days of trying the things below I tried reconnecting my workphone to Signal on my Xa2 again (and waited at least 8 hours for something to send) but that doesn't seem to work anymore now either.

I tried:

  • Waiting for more than 12 hours

  • Changing from mobile data, to wifi, to hotspot (via the Jolla1)

  • Editing the Android settings in Sailfish and gave all apps unrestricted data-acces and no battery-saving settings

  • Put location services and bluetooth on/off

  • Re-registered the Xa2-Signal multiple times

  • Re-checked the Signal-key for my contact

  • Set the dissapearing-messages-time again

  • Cleared the cache of Signal and rebooted the app

  • Rebooted the phone a lot

Added since first post:

  • Uninstalled and installed Android support again

  • Cleared the data of Signal and started it from fresh

  • Installed Signal from the Signal-website (version 4.37.2)

Any ideas on what to try next?

Specs:

  • Xa2 'normal' single sim (not the plus, not the ultra, the basic Xa2)

  • Sailfish 3.0.2.8

  • Signal 4.37.2

[1] https://together.jolla.com/question/198517/wiki-state-of-sailfish-x-sensors-apps-and-androidtm-support-on-sony-xa2-variants/?answer=203296#post-id-203296

Update: Since Sailfish 3.0.3 Signal works!!

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The question has been closed for the following reason "released in a software update" by Will-Do
close date 2019-04-24 19:06:52.196068

Comments

Unfortunately, I don't have any hints what else to try. But for me, signal works fine on XA2 (there are sometimes connection issues though, but it seems that this affects also other android apps it hopefully fixed soon)

bomo ( 2019-04-12 00:45:46 +0200 )edit

Hey, I didn't see any notification for your comment on the other thread, apologies! Glad you got it working for that other number although it's strange that the same app doesn't work with the other one... I waited about an hour (maybe, I was setting up other things) after installing the apk from https://signal.org/android/apk/ (at the bottom of the page in the "danger zone"). I was on wifi the whole time. The version from the site looks a bit older, 4.36.2. I have the same phone and Sailfish version you do otherwise. I'm a recent Signal user (started an account on Jolla C just a couple of weeks before migrating to XA2), not sure if that could have an impact... (e.g. my account is more similar to your new work number account). I never connected to Signal using another client. I'm not sure if trying the older apk direct from Signal might make a difference? (I can only comment once per 30mn as a new user with low karma, so I'll follow up tomorrow on anything if that helps!)

jpichon ( 2019-04-12 00:51:41 +0200 )edit

Thanks from thinking with me!

  • I tried installing the Signal from the website (it gives me the option to download 4.37.2 tough).

  • Also tried uninstalling Android support - rebooting the phone - installing Android support again, and

  • uninstalling Singal and installing it again from store

No fix till now

Will-Do ( 2019-04-12 08:16:07 +0200 )edit

@Will-Do: If the official Signal application doesn't work, in the meantime, you can use Whisperfish: https://github.com/aebruno/whisperfish/releases

Unfortunately the developer stopped developing it, but it still works fine for sending and receiving messages and pictures, and linking it to Signal Desktop is easy and works well.

nthn ( 2019-04-12 19:19:16 +0200 )edit

@rthn well, some people got it working (see above) so I'm super set on getting this problem figured out. It can't just be a random thing. My whole idea of using Signal is to have secure communication. Whisperfish doesn't even hint that it's still secure so I don't see the benefit of that over sms / calling (and I have irc / my old phone+Signal and mail for more secure coms)

Will-Do ( 2019-04-12 22:01:58 +0200 )edit