Notifications Not Working In background?

TriviallyConceded

Starting with context, I'm trying to use Element X on a "Main" (secondary) profile of Graphene OS. This is separate from the Owner profile! I enabled notifications for this app and turned on use in background and unrestricted app battery usage. I installed this app through FDroid (Most of my apps are from FDroid and anonymized Aurora Store) on this secondary profile.

The notifications I do receive are from text messages, phone calls, VPN, and alarms/clock. Since switching to GOS, I've been missing Element messages, because it only notifies me of messages when I open the app! It doesn't even notify me when I leave Element open while my phone goes idle/screen off. Receiving the messages only happens when the apps are open (this also happens when I use Signal and other apps!).

Is there a setting or settings I'm missing that I need to change to get these notifications to run while my phone is on idle? The only solution was to use my other phone (a Googley phone T__T) to notify me, and I want to stop that...

Please help!
Distressed Newbie

de0u

TriviallyConceded Receiving the messages only happens when the apps are open (this also happens when I use Signal and other apps!).

Many apps depend on Google Play's Firebase Cloud Messaging for notifications. If such an app is in a profile without Play, notifications won't work right. Some apps have special editions or special configurations to use WebSocket and/or UnifiedPush instead of FCM.

other8026

TriviallyConceded Element X

I have had issues with this app specifically. Other apps work just fine. It may not be you or your setup, it may just be an issue with Element X.

Also, as de0u said, you need something to help push the notifications. Not sure what all is supported with Element X.

fid02

TriviallyConceded Go to Element X' settings > Notifications > Troubleshoot notifications > RUN TESTS

It's going to tell you that you need a push provider.

TriviallyConceded

de0u Since writing my first message, I changed my app routine. I'm using Accrescent, Obtainium, and Play Store (if really needed, Aurora Store) to download apps on my Owner Profile. Disabling network and permissions for every app in Owner. Main has Element X and Signal running. Will I absolutely have to download Google Play for my Main profile where I do all my communication and web browsing? If so, what is the best way to run Google Play?

Thank you for the responses, yall!

pxlkng

TriviallyConceded

It is generally recommended to not use Aurora Store at all. It doesn't provide any privacy benefits, even if you don't have Play Services installed. It is also dangerous and insecure to use it.

Play Services are fully sandboxed on GrapheneOS and are confined to the same app sandbox as everything else. It has no special or elevated permissions or access.

fid02

TriviallyConceded Element X doesn't have its own push implementation. You can either use Play services or a Unifiedpush app thing. https://unifiedpush.org/

If you install Play services, Element X might need to be reinstalled for it to take advantage of it. Not sure.

TriviallyConceded

pxlkng I watched a video about this topic, and it totally makes sense. With my new setup, I have no Aurora Store app installs, so I should probably delete it since I'll just use Google Play Store, anyway.
Appreciate the further explanation about sandboxed Play Services!

TriviallyConceded

fid02 Can I use Unifiedpush app for all the apps that need it? Or is it just certain ones? I'ma look up how to use this lol Thanks!

Also, I installed Element X through Obtainium.