Workarounds for receiving MMS since Lollipop disabled auto-enabling data? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So, as we know, Lollipop removed the API for apps to enable data. This removal really messed up people like me who don't leave data on. Now, every MMS message is delayed because Textra says, "Couldn't recieve MMS. Please turn mobile data on and re-try."
What are people's workarounds? I have root + Xposed, but there's nothing I've found that will turn on mobile data like Textra could pre-Lollipop.
The only solution is that I enable data 100% of the time (killing my battery) + use a firewall to only allow Textra.

Agree...unfortunately, no help
I understand your frustration and have been stuck on KitKat for this very issue until it is resolved.

Sanndennis said:
I understand your frustration and have been stuck on KitKat for this very issue until it is resolved.
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Yup. I just gave up and went the old route: installed a root-only firewall and just let Textra have access. I leave mobile data on all the time now, but it might've been anyways because of that insane mobile radio active bug even present in Marshmallow. Yeesh.
But, it did help me try to turn the situation around: I also allowed firewall access to my garage opening app, WhatsApp (only for messages, no text), and the A&T Visual Voicemail app.

Related

Android OpenVPN connected no MMS

I am using the Google Play Nexus 5 on T-Mobile US.
I am running CyanogenMOD 11 Snapshot M9 hammerhead
Android 4.4.4
OpenVPN for Android
DD-WRT Router using the OpenVPN server
I currently have a phone and VPN connection as described above. It connects and works great. The issue I am having, and have searched xda and google for the answer, is that when the VPN is connected everything works fine, except MMS. The APN is correct, per T-Mobile's website. I can send and receive MMS without the VPN connected. The moment I connect to the VPN my MMS in and out fail. I have read on Cisco's website that android has something blocking MMS when connected to VPN.
So, my question is: Is there any way to remove this block or reroute only MMS traffic outside of the VPN? I do have Android Firewall installed, so iptables is usable to do this.
No one has anything for this?
Having the same issue here.
Sony Xperia Z3 on AT&T
Android 4.4.4
Has anyone ever found a solution/workaround for this? I had this problem on my Galaxy S4 on 5.0.1 and now I'm having the same issue on my S7 on Marshmallow. Thanks!
W1nks said:
Has anyone ever found a solution/workaround for this? I had this problem on my Galaxy S4 on 5.0.1 and now I'm having the same issue on my S7 on Marshmallow. Thanks!
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The only "solution" I found, but did not feel it was the true answer, was just a workaround. I noticed that when I am hooked to wifi as well MMS fail to send and to receive. I just have to turn it off and wait for the message than turn it back on. Sucks I know, but it works.
dl200010 said:
The only "solution" I found, but did not feel it was the true answer, was just a workaround. I noticed that when I am hooked to wifi as well MMS fail to send and to receive. I just have to turn it off and wait for the message than turn it back on. Sucks I know, but it works.
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That's a bummer! My biggest problem is receiving messages. I don't get any notification that it's trying to receive a message so I don't even know one is trying to come in.
W1nks said:
That's a bummer! My biggest problem is receiving messages. I don't get any notification that it's trying to receive a message so I don't even know one is trying to come in.
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I do get these messages, but I am using a third party MMS/SMS client (ChompSMS) that tells me when it is trying to receive something.
dl200010 said:
I do get these messages, but I am using a third party MMS/SMS client (ChompSMS) that tells me when it is trying to receive something.
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I may have found a solution but I still need to do more testing. When looking through the settings of some messaging apps I've noticed some give you a "MMS Behavior" option. In Textra it says:
Code:
Try 'System' if legacy MMS isn't work (for example with Project Fi, VPNs, WiFi MMS, etc).
So I set it to System and so far it seems to be working fine while being connected to my VPN. If I change back to "Legacy" or to a different default messaging app without that option it seems like they stop coming through again.
So far I've only tested this with pictures messages and haven't had a chance to try group texts yet. ChompSMS has the option in there but I've only tested it with Textra. I'm using a Galaxy S7 on Verizon so I'm not sure if that affects anything either.
Well, I tested it in ChompSMS, but no luck.
Sent from my DLROM on Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
I would bet this is because the MMS server only allows the carrier IP Range. If it's blocking over Wifi as well that would prove that it's not just VPN that is causing it. I would imagine you could receive MMS from anywhere if you have a way of getting your mobile/carrier IP address. (Some sort of proxy(?))
Also found this on another forum:
SuperDave426 said:
I haven't used these in a while, but when I did they both worked over wifi. Textra and 8SMS. See if installing either one helps, if not uninstall.
But beware, if your provider doesn't support MMS over wifi you won't be able to use it, here is the warning from 8sms on MMS settings:
MMS over Wifi
If your cellular network (ie. Sprint) supports mms over wifi, you can enable Settings » MMS Settings » MMS over Wifi.
If your cellular network does not support mms over wifi (or you are not sure), then DO NOT enable MMS over Wifi or mms will stop working.
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fanboys3 said:
I would bet this is because the MMS server only allows the carrier IP Range. If it's blocking over Wifi as well that would prove that it's not just VPN that is causing it. I would imagine you could receive MMS from anywhere if you have a way of getting your mobile/carrier IP address. (Some sort of proxy(?))
Also found this on another forum:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe T-Mobile USA does support MMS over wifi
Sent from my DLROM on Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
I had issues with having my VPN active and not getting SMS/MMS messages while connected. Went looking for an answer and found that there wasn't any one single solution for it so I thought I'd post what worked for me. FWIW I'm on T-Mobile USA with Android 6.0.1.
Within my VPN configuration I went to the 'Allowed Apps' tab and excluded my SMS/MMS programs and processes. Namely I made sure Textra, Messenger, and MmsService were all excluded from the VPN and this resolved my issue. After disconnecting and reconnecting the VPN my text messages are sent and received without issue.
Was a pain in the butt for me as I have tasker setup to bring my VPN to life whenever it's not connected to my home wifi network. Took me a day or two to notice that text messages weren't going anywhere while the VPN was active. Oddly enough being on my home wifi network along with wifi calling being active has never caused an issue with SMS/MMS not working, but having a VPN active did.
I have switched to the Nexus 6P and am running rooted stock 7.1.1 (beta). Still with T-Mobile. I still have issues with MMS on wifi and on VPN, but no issue with SMS. It is strange. Maybe it is time to ask T-Mobile.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app

Lollipop sms notifications

Now that lollipop is installed, I no longer see a preview for sms messages in notification bar (just an icon). The option is selected, and I even tried the popup option, but that doesn't work either. I jet her sound and see icon.
I would actually like to try either Google sms or hangouts, but mms never work. I'll take suggestions for that too.
Try replacing stock text app with Textra, close to the same, adds emojis support, with add-on from Google Play.
sent from my LG G3
Try force stoping it, or try wiping cache in recovery that may fix it. Google messenger is the best alternative sms app that I could find.
Would love an alternative but mms seems to be a big issue. Three Apps and no mms
Just FYI,
There is this issue in the Android issue tracker about turn mobile data automatically in lollipop. The API that turned on mobile data was removed in lollipop. So, SMS/MMS apps can't turn on mobile data automatically to receive MMS. Since there isn't any kind of notification of MMS when mobile data is off, you will never know when you receive a MMS if you have mobile data off.
Here is the link for the issue: https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=81891

MMS Issues - FIXED!!!

Edit: Found a fix for this.
I downloaded about 6 different texting apps and the only one that fixed my MMS issues was Textra, and I had to configure it in a very specific way.
Downloaded Textra
MMS
Use MMS for Group Chats = CHECKED
MMS Settings
Prefer WiFi = Unchecked
Activate Mobile Data = CHECKED
T-Mobile WiFi Calling Fix = Unchecked
APN Settings
Manually Configure APN = CHECKED
MMSC: http://mms.vtext.com/servlets/mms
MMS Proxy: *leave blank*
MMS Proxy Port: 80
Save the settings and reboot your device and test it out.
I tried to do similar settings on other texting apps but none of them fixed my MMS issues. Now with Textra they send super smoothly. Some apps won't even let you configure the APN. I tried this in Handcent and GoSMS and it didn't work. I also can't change the default APN settings within the phone.
I believe the specific thing that got this to work was the Activate Mobile Data = CHECKED option in Textra.
Thanks to all in the thread that previously mentioned using Textra!
The Z3V is now a perfect phone LOL
Original Post was here:
Wondering if anyone else runs into MMS issues on their Z3V? Mine is incredibly slow at both sending/receiving MMS. I am using the Verizon Messages App, I have tried almost every other Messaging app out there (Handcent, Textra, GoSMS, etc...) and none of them solve the problem.
Verizon Messages had potential as the Tablet/PC versions are able to use MMS over a Data/Wifi connection (rather than the MMS-specific data). Unfortunately, on the phone versions of the app, it only seeks through data/wifi if a regular MMS-data connection is not available. I've contacted VZW about this issue before and they've tried escalating my case and I've spoken to developers and voiced my concerns. Still no fix unfortunately.
I thought the MMS issues were inherent to VZW's network, however, iPhone users have absolutely no problem receiving or sending MMS from/to Android users. (Obviously when they send to iPhone users it uses data through iMessage).
The poor MMS performance makes group-texting very frustrating with my friends. Yes, there are alternatives like whatsapp, hangouts, that use data, but that forces other users to download those apps. (And Hangouts is super broken as is).
Wondering if anyone has figured out a solution for getting lag-free group messaging/MMS on their Z3v? I've also tried messing with the APN settings but everything is grayed out.
On another note, I will randomly get messages "No APN present on device", anyone else get those?
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I use textra and group text alot. When I'm in a place with good cell service group texts are great. However at my parents house where the service is not good as in barely can make phone calls, group texts come in bunches. Also get the apn error message and I tap the notification and all the texts come through.
I use regular text messaging app and I've never experienced problems. Maybe do a quick reboot to see if it helps?
GigaSPX said:
I use regular text messaging app and I've never experienced problems. Maybe do a quick reboot to see if it helps?
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No a reboot does not fix the issue. Maybe it's the area I'm in (Los Angeles County) that is dealing with a ton of bandwidth? But it still doesn't explain why iPhone users are able to use MMS just fine.
VZW has even gone as far as sending me a beta version of their newer app to try to run some testing, but that ended up getting replaced with a newer release of which nothing was fixed.
I have a Z3 from Tmobile and sometimes I can't download MMS...... or don't recieve them until much later. Sometimes I only recieve the replies from people, not the original sender.
I've never had a phone that didn't have a hickup or two or three with MMS from time to time. My opinion it has much less to do with the app or phone than it does with the current status of the network.
pchain said:
I've never had a phone that didn't have a hickup or two or three with MMS from time to time. My opinion it has much less to do with the app or phone than it does with the current status of the network.
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If that's the case, why do iPhone users have no problems with their MMS on verizon? And no I'm not referring to iMessage. I mean when they are sending/receiving group texts to Android users.
We can have our phones side by side, and the iPhone users will receive the group message a whole minute faster than us android users. And yes the original message was sent from an android device.
ConanOBrien said:
If that's the case, why do iPhone users have no problems with their MMS on verizon? And no I'm not referring to iMessage. I mean when they are sending/receiving group texts to Android users.
We can have our phones side by side, and the iPhone users will receive the group message a whole minute faster than us android users. And yes the original message was sent from an android device.
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Click to collapse
Ha, well if iPhone never has problems then you proved my generalized opinion on the matter wrong. My apologies. I've honestly never owned an iPhone and used it as my daily driver, much less time tested it against Androids. I have however been technical support for iPhones in my family and to say there are never issues is not exactly true either, it's just much less often when it comes to MMS.
pchain said:
Ha, well if iPhone never has problems then you proved my generalized opinion on the matter wrong. My apologies. I've honestly never owned an iPhone and used it as my daily driver, much less time tested it against Androids. I have however been technical support for iPhones in my family and to say there are never issues is not exactly true either, it's just much less often when it comes to MMS.
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Click to collapse
No need to apologize, you're correct, an iPhone isn't going to be perfect either. While they do run into their occasional hiccups with MMS, our Android hiccups seem to be constant. It's quite frustrating to be on a group text with 5+ friends and the Android users are getting incredibly delayed messages. By the time the messages come in, the topic of conversation has past.
It just makes me wonder, what about Android devices (on VZW at least) is causing the craptastic MMS issues that iPhones don't seem to have a problem with. Although these MMS issues are infuriating, it's not enough to make me switch to an iPhone. There are just too many features I love on the z3v (and Android in general).
I have to post here so I can say I have had an online conversation with ConanOBrien.
My wife has problems with her Z3v, but I don't, we can get the same MMS message and I will have no problems and hers will indicate it couldn't download the MMS . Same with sending hers has a problem mine doesn't, same room feet away from each other.
I blame an app, I have very few apps but she has a few games, I think maybe one may be accessing her MMS and causing a problem, only logical answer I can think of.
I avoid the Verizon default SMS. I switched the google messenger app for my default SMS. It works like a charms and real smooth
I typically install Textra right when I get a new phone but haven't felt the need yet except that I wish it had a dark mode which Textra has.
Another reason I have not installed 3rd party apps is that I wanted the phone to earn my trust on its own merit which it's done so far.
Sent from my D6708 using XDA Free mobile app
Bump. I found a fix, used Textra, updated first post!
Conan, thanks for posting. What was it exactly that corrected the probelm
Bobby Buggs said:
Conan, thanks for posting. What was it exactly that corrected the probelm
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I updated the first post with the instructions on how I fixed it. I believe the combination of manually setting the APN as well as checking the box to "Activate Mobile Data" within Textra is what got it to work finally
I tried this, same everything. Does not work for me.
EDIT: Went back to using Hangouts. I disabled "Queue background data" in power management and I was able to download/receive my mms. Need to further test.
Had an opportunity with Wife's phone not receiving MMS, what I found was mine had "roaming MMS" checked hers did not, once I checked it hers worked.
Open messaging app, click the three dots in the upper right hand corner, settings, find "MMS roaming" and check it.
Thanks for this, I was having problems receiving mms. I tried your steps and my problems are gone. I was going to return the phone, so glad I don't have to now.
Sent from my D6616 using Tapatalk
Can I set up Textra and still use Hangouts as my default? Or do I have to only use Textra?
id3alistic said:
Can I set up Textra and still use Hangouts as my default? Or do I have to only use Textra?
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I am not sure if that will work. I couldn't get any other app to work with my MMS settings other than textra. Other apps like Handcent allowed me to manually configure my APN, but none of them had the "Activate Mobile Data = CHECKED" setting, which I believe was key to getting it to work.

Android 10 drops SMS messages after idle?

I've got an Ulefone Armor 9 I recently purchased. As part of setting it up to work as desired, I swapped away from the default messaging app to one that supports dual SIM operation a bit more gracefully.
I've since noticed that after a prolonged idle, such as sleeping, the phone drops all SMS messages. It isn't that they don't send notifications -- they simply don't exist as far as I can tell. I tried a different messenger, and while it displayed the texts received with the other one, the missing messages weren't there either.
This doesn't appear to be an issue between the carrier and phone. Or, rather, if it is it's impacting both carriers at the same time, because sending text messages to both numbers when the problem is present results in neither being delivered. The carriers don't buffer the messages for later delivery as if the phone was offline, and calls come through okay but do not resolve the SMS issue.
I can reboot the phone or manually open the SMS app/bring it to the foreground, after which point I will start receiving messages again. Only ones sent after performing this activity, however. The prior ones are lost.
I've checked to ensure that the app itself is running in the background and Android says that it is. I've not got anything that should be pausing it (that I'm aware of), so I'm not sure why Android would stop sending it messages. I'm also not familiar enough with Android to know how the OS handles texts. Clearly there's some sort of storage & OS management, because the alternate app I tried as part of troubleshooting was able to pull my message history.
Has anyone got any ideas on further troubleshooting steps, or insight into how Android handles texts in general that might help narrow down the point of failure?
GV00 said:
I've got an Ulefone Armor 9 I recently purchased. As part of setting it up to work as desired, I swapped away from the default messaging app to one that supports dual SIM operation a bit more gracefully.
I've since noticed that after a prolonged idle, such as sleeping, the phone drops all SMS messages. It isn't that they don't send notifications -- they simply don't exist as far as I can tell. I tried a different messenger, and while it displayed the texts received with the other one, the missing messages weren't there either.
This doesn't appear to be an issue between the carrier and phone. Or, rather, if it is it's impacting both carriers at the same time, because sending text messages to both numbers when the problem is present results in neither being delivered. The carriers don't buffer the messages for later delivery as if the phone was offline, and calls come through okay but do not resolve the SMS issue.
I can reboot the phone or manually open the SMS app/bring it to the foreground, after which point I will start receiving messages again. Only ones sent after performing this activity, however. The prior ones are lost.
I've checked to ensure that the app itself is running in the background and Android says that it is. I've not got anything that should be pausing it (that I'm aware of), so I'm not sure why Android would stop sending it messages. I'm also not familiar enough with Android to know how the OS handles texts. Clearly there's some sort of storage & OS management, because the alternate app I tried as part of troubleshooting was able to pull my message history.
Has anyone got any ideas on further troubleshooting steps, or insight into how Android handles texts in general that might help narrow down the point of failure?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if this would help but try messing w/ "App Blocker's" settings for your SMS app or even disabling App Blocker altogether (in the settings menu under "smart assist" I think).
BigBossPlaya said:
I'm not sure if this would help but try messing w/ "App Blocker's" settings for your SMS app or even disabling App Blocker altogether (in the settings menu under "smart assist" I think).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, it was already off, so no dice there. Ulefone pushed an update I thought might have fixed it, but after about 18 hours of idle I sent a test message and it fell into the void. Opened up the messenger app again and sent another and that one arrived without issue, but no sign of the first.

Question Delayed texts received Version C

Anyone else experiencing this?
Had the phone about 5 weeks. Reside in Canada, its a Version C unit.
Experiencing delayed receipt of texts in group chats and single texts. Using android messenger after a full reset w Textra as previous messaging app. Settings left stock, initially after reset worked fine and boom all of a sudden receiving mms and texts as old as 4 days ago in group chats. Getting to point that considering ditching device. Spoke w carrier they show no issue on their end. Issue seems to be xross plaatform w iphone users. I dont want an S22 and only option is a Pixel 7. I bought ZF9 for size, everything else i like but this is too much
Are you using RCS?
craznazn said:
Are you using RCS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO as I far as I can tell I am not as I am outside US, being in Canada on Virgin/Bell network. Is there a way I can look or turn off this feature as I am using the default android messenging app
I'm in Toronto on bell and have the ZF9.
All text are working fine.
To check RCS, open the message app, go to settings, chat features. Should show connected or maybe trying to connect.
Try deleting data/cache for both the message app and carrier services. Then re enable RCS.
RoccoN4 said:
I'm in Toronto on bell and have the ZF9.
All text are working fine.
To check RCS, open the message app, go to settings, chat features. Should show connected or maybe trying to connect.
Try deleting data/cache for both the message app and carrier services. Then re enable RCS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks going to try this as I did find settings and turned of RCS features. I have RCS chat features turned off currently. I have deleted data/cache now for both messaging app and carrier services, will pull sim and turn off device , reinsert sim and restart. Wondering if I should re-enable RCS chat features or run without first to see if issue continues before re-enabling
Update: even following the above and having RCS disabled since restart, reinsert of sim and clearing of data/cache on carrier services and google messenging app w/o messenging app connected to my google account I am receiving delayed texts in a group chat from iphone sender. I am beginning to wonder if clearing cash on their end may resolve. My Virgin carrier says everything seems fine on their end even though they don't support this device. I guess I may have to wait a period of time to see if this resolves as I am unsure what I can do that is left. I have already factory reset the device as well. Any additional comments are welcomed

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