Push notifications not working reliably

pm97

Hi, I am not receiving fcm notifications reliably. I have installed the Google suite and made an account. I have granted all notification permissions to all Google services. I have allowed unrestricted battery use to all Google services. I have allowed unrestricted battery usage and all notifications for the apps also. However, after longer periods of inactivity (> ~ 15-20mins) , notifications fail sometimes (not all the time). I am wondering if Graphene is blocking Google services somehow in sleep mode, and if I can allow Google services because I am missing important calls. From what I understand, Google simply wakes up the phone with the notification and informs the app to connect to the server to receive the message (or call). Is Google services maybe unable to pass required info to the app?

other8026

pm97 I am wondering if Graphene is blocking Google services somehow in sleep mode

pm97 That is why I think Graphene may be blocking Google play services somewhere.

GrapheneOS isn't blocking things. There must be something about your setup or environment that's causing this to happen. I've seen others report the same problem and then come back later to say their wifi / mobile data signals were weak, or some sort of content blocker was set up and had been blocking connections.

If you're not sure what could be causing this, then you can try different things, including (off the top of my head):

try changing VPN settings if you use a VPN, for example turn off any features that block ads or trackers
completely turn off the VPN
disable private DNS if it's enabled
disable "firewall" apps like NetGuard
test using a different network
make sure your wireless or mobile connection's signal isn't weak

You get the idea. You can try disabling or changing things and figure out what the cause is by process of elimination.

TheGodfather

pm97

GrapheneOS doesn't block Google services. Some apps need to be (re-)installed after Play Services have been installed, so that they properly recognize and make use of Play Services.

[deleted]

None of the Google services are required for calls to come through.

pm97

[deleted] Sorry, I meant voip calls to chat apps.

Eirikr70

What app do you use ? Is it just regular phone calls ? Can you be a bit more specific ?

pm97

Eirikr70 I am using session and other chat apps. When I say "call" I mean voip call to the chat app.

Eirikr70

pm97 The answer might be there ? Which parameters did you choose for notification ? https://getsession.org/faq#push-notifications

pm97

Eirikr70 Thanks for reply but I have already set it to "fast mode" to use Google fcm. That is why I think Graphene may be blocking Google play services somewhere.

pm97

other8026 Thanks for suggestions. I have done what you suggest and notifications usually work. It's just sometimes they don't, and I'm really curious what it could be. I have good signal strength, but maybe the tower goes down sometimes? My primary concern was that it wasn't Graphene, which you say it isn't. Does Play services have the space to function correctly regarding notifications within the Graphene environment? Does Play services require unnecessary and invasive permissions to function correctly? Could it be the app that is failing, or does the notification sound first and then the app fails (if the app is failing)?

other8026

pm97 Does Play services require unnecessary and invasive permissions to function correctly?

Yes, which is why GrapheneOS has GmsCompat, the compatibility layer that allows us to use Google Play as a regular non-privileged app.

pm97 Does Play services have the space to function correctly regarding notifications within the Graphene environment?

I'm not sure I follow what you mean here, but Google Play works perfectly for most people. Sure, there are some issues that pop up from time to time, but the developers are good about fixing those problems quickly.

pm97 Could it be the app that is failing, or does the notification sound first and then the app fails (if the app is failing)?

I suppose there has to be an explanation for what you're experiencing, but I'm not sure it would be this. Google Play may crash and you'll be able to see the crash log. Without seeing popups saying it crashed, I wouldn't assume that's what's happening.