Signal-android: Receiving MMS messages twice after about 4 days

[nathanvy]

I have:

• [x] searched open and closed issues for duplicates
• [x] read https://github.com/WhisperSystems/Signal-Android/wiki/Submitting-useful-bug-reports

---

Bug description

A duplicate MMS or "picture message" is received after a period of about 4 days. This does not appear to be a duplicate of #5355

Steps to reproduce

• ask someone to send you an MMS
• wait

Actual result:
Receive the MMS as intended, but then receive it again about 4 days later.

Expected result:
Only receive the MMS once, when it is sent.

Device info

Device: LG Nexus 5
Android version: 6.0.1
Signal version: 3.14.2

Link to debug log

https://gist.github.com/899ad2de68957e3a7c86db4fedc4dd0d

[riyapenn]

contact [email protected]

[nathanvy]

I have, and was directed here.

[johanw666]

Similar to https://github.com/SMSSecure/SMSSecure/issues/321 ?

[snaggen]

I see this also, using the latest Marsmallow on my Nexus 5X. After reading the SMSSecure issue, this sounds very much like that. I get the first MMS as expected, then after a few days I get a message pointing me to the web for reading the message. So, it sounds likely that this is due to the provider are moving the message off the servers and Signal have not confirmed that it got the MMS in the first place.

[2-4601]

Related #5177 (or dupe?)

[fmikker]

Can confirm that this issue is also present in my LG G4 as well.

Device : LG G4 (LG-H815 )
Android : 7.1.2 (LineageOS 14.1)
App version: Signal 4.11.5
Carrier: Telia, Sweden

Debug Log: https://gist.github.com/fmikker/a8c9ef536347d12daeeec94b5ed0eb2f

@riyapenn Please include this updated information in your summary.

[ashelley]

Here to confirm this bug as well:

Device: Samsung S5 Model: SM-G900W8
Android: 6.0.1 (patch level june 1, 2016)
Signal: 3.17.0

Edit:

Carrier: Bell Canada

[mchadrdk]

Experiencing the same

Device: Oneplus 2
Android: 6.0.1 (patch level August 1, 2016)
OxygenOS 3.1.0
Signal 3.21.3
Carrier: Previuously Telia Denmark, now 3 Denmark

[smd2008]

I also have this issue. LG G3 Virgin Mobile Canada (Bell network). Android 6.0, Signal 3.21.3

[graffen]

I am also receiving MMS messages twice. Usually within a few hours but sometimes after 1-2 days.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Android 6.0.1
Patch level Oct 1, 2016
Carrier: 3 Denmark

[chrishii]

Same issue for me, typically I get a duplicate MMS 3-4 days after the original.

LG G5, Bell Canada, Android 6.0.1, Signal 3.22.2.

[stephen-webresults]

Issue is confirmed on an updated, unrooted Nexus 5x. This problem existed in Marshmallow, persists in Nougat (same device). MMS only. Carrier: Virgin/Bell Canada

[andersekbom]

Since most reports here seem to be from Bell Canada and 3 Denmark, I can confirm this bug on Swedish operator Telenor on an stock Nexus 5x running Android 7.1.1.

[LoweLand]

Same issue here. Samsung S6. Bell Canada network.

Issue only occurs so far with MMS messages received from off-net. That is to say from customers of other carriers be they domestic (Telus, Rogers) or international (t mobile USA, Verizon).

Android version:6.0.1

[xDeadpoolx]

I have the same issue.
Carrier : Bell Canada
Phone Sony z5 e6683
Previously with MM, now with Nougat (both had the issue).
Signal version : 3.30.4

[andersekbom]

I've only had this issue when communicating with non-Signal recipients. Recieving MMS from other Signal users does not result in repeated messages.

[graffen]

@andersekbom, @LoweLand Yeah it's only when receiving MMS from people outside of Signal. And it's starting to get _really_ annoying :( Enough so, that a couple of people I know have stopped using Signal altogether because of it.

I wish this issue would get some attention from the devs - or at least that someone would tell us what more information they need to be able to identify and fix the issue.

[hessiebell]

Same as everyone else. MMS come in fine right away, then repeat three days later. This is very annoying and I'm probably going to stop using Signal if there isn't a resolve soon.

Carrier: Bell Canada
Phone: LG G5 RS988
Android Ver: 6.0.1
Signal Ver: 4.3.2

[moxie0]

Like most MMS issues, this is a carrier-specific thing, and the fix will likely be slightly different for each carrier. If someone wants to tackle this, the best strategy is probably to observe the network traffic of the stock SMS app that came with the phone when receiving an MMS vs Signal.

[devlinzed]

How can this be carrier-specific if the stock SMS app works?

[nlansing]

Don't think this is a Signal-specific issue. Same problem occurred on Android Messages. Will test out stock SMS app next.

[nathanvy]

I've never had the issue occur on any other app across 2 other devices
(Oneplus 3T, blackberry passport) with any app other than Signal.

Moxie seems to indicate that they have no interest in addressing this bug,
so I've stopped using Signal entirely.

On Tue, May 9, 2017 at 11:23 AM, nlansing [e-mail] wrote:

Don't think this is a Signal-specific issue. Same problem occurred on
Android Messages. Will test out stock SMS app next.

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[kasperkarlsson]

Same problem on the following setup:

Carrier: Telenor
Phone: LG G4
Android Ver: 6.0
Signal Ver: 4.5.3

[stephen-webresults]

I switched to using the stock SMS app for four days, I did not experience this issue. I then switched testing to Google hangouts, no issue after an additional 4 days. I switched back to signal, problem returned; in my testing, the interval between duplicates is consistently within +/- 10 minutes of 72 hours.

Stock Nexus 5x / Canada, Bell Mobility

[moxie0]

There's a chance this could be fixed in 4.6.0

[pwd-github]

I'm seeing this also. Initially saw it on my LG G3 and now I'm seeing it on my LG G6, so it's a long standing problem.

I'll receive the MMS and then two days later I'll receive a message that says "I've sent you an EE Photo/Video Message. Go to https://ee.mms.ee.co.uk/eeuk/ Your message is valid for 7 days" and another that says "A Photo/Video message was sent to you but couldn't be delivered. A notification on how to view this message will follow shortly. Your password is:"

[johanw666]

Apparently there are issues with Signal reporting to the provider the MMS has been delivered. Would it be possible for someone to place a network sniffer between Signal communication with the provider and the same with the standard MMS app to see the differences?

[haffenloher]

@johanw666 yes, that would be the way to debug MMS issues. There's a chance though that many of them are gone in version 4.6.0 due to 51d61445.

[pwd-github]

4.6.0 is up on the Play Store as a beta, so I guess we'll find out in the next couple of days.

[pwd-github]

I can confirm that this issue is fixed in 4.6.0 I received a picture message on Wednesday morning and haven't had the follow-up message.

[FaffeF]

And I can confirm that the issue is still there this morning on 4.6.0, the second message was received 49 minutes after the first,

[graffen]

I also still see this issue unfortunately. Received the second message after around 49 minutes as well.
Carrier: 3 Denmark

[stephen-webresults]

Issue persists on 4.6.0, exactly as previously described.

Stock Nexus 5x / Canada, Bell Mobility

[moxie0]

Are there people still seeing this on Lollipop+ devices with stock ROMs?

[FaffeF]

I'm running a Sony Z5 Compact with stock Android 7, on Swedish 3 carrier. Every MMS gets repeated.

[graffen]

Yes, I'm seeing it on my Galaxy S8 with 7.0. 

null

[kasperkarlsson]

I still have the same problem.

Carrier: Telenor (Sweden)
Phone: LG G4
Android Ver: 6.0
Signal Ver: 4.6.0

[deValmont]

Same problem here. I keep on getting the same MMSs over weeks.

Carrier: Swisscom/Switzerland and Orange/France
Phone: Huawei Mate 9
Signal: 4.6.1.

[chuckmckinnon]

Same here, MMS repeat a few days after the original message was received.

LG-H831 (LG G5)
Android 7.0
Signal 4.6.1
Virgin Mobile Canada (Bell Canada)

[idajon]

Same issue. Does not seem to happen in other SMS apps.

Device: Sony Xperia XA1
Android: 7.0
Signal 4.7.4
Carrier: Vimla Sweden

[michaelelleby]

Same issue

Android 7.1.1 may 2017 security patch level
Signal 4.8.1
Carrier: 3 Denmark

[flatfourtwenty]

Same issue

Android 7.0, July 1st Security Patch
Signal 4.8.1
Bell Canada
Samsung Galaxy S8

[stephen-webresults]

Issue persists on 4.9.8, exactly as previously described.

Stock Nexus 5x / Canada, Bell Mobility

[Lokdal]

I have the same issue since I changed to Bell/Virgin network (Canada) in December 2016.
Device : One Plus 3
Android version : 7.1.1 (FreedomOS)
Signal version : 4.9.8
App State : everything else functionning as normal
I submitted a debug log : https://gist.github.com/525605ff66f580a6667202aecb675356

[riyapenn]

Summary of providers with repeat mms:

• Telia, Sweden
• Telia, Denmark
• Telia/Telia Sonera/Chess, Norway
• Telering, Austria
• Telenor
• Vimla Sweden (Telenor's network)
• Telekom Germany
• Telfort, a virtual ISP on the KPN network, Netherlands
• 3 Denmark
• Bell Canada / Virgin Mobile Canada
• Swisscom, Switzerland
• Orange, France
• Swedish 3
• Mobitel Slovenia

Additional logs for more recent Signal versions posted below:

Device: Samsung Galaxy S7
Android version: 7.0
Signal version: 4.9.9
Provider: Telia, Norway
Log: https://gist.github.com/919187bc407c39e92b24ff206e3f1f79

Device: LG G3
Android version: 6.0
Signal version: 4.9.9
Provider: Mobitel, Slovenia
https://gist.github.com/anonymous/c6d23f95f87d8093f9c9b125b35d2577

Device: Samsung Galaxy S4
Android version: 7.1.2 / LineageOS 14.1
Signal version: 4.10.5
Provider: Telekom Germany
https://gist.github.com/7cc9a675f14aefbafcd5960b78e6a74e

Device: Samsung Galaxy S5
Android version: 7.1.2
Signal version: 4.11.5
Provider: Vimla Sweden
https://gist.github.com/3ea9a3d8a47db4fd8c211bafd31fa8c5

[Lokdal]

The issue is still ongoing in version 4.11.5. I'm writing to support about this.
New log : https://gist.github.com/9a954b237630a898ec36fdb779624592

[DalaRille]

Still the same issue on my Nexus 5X with Signal 4.12.3 (Swedish carrier Telia).

I get the first MMS as expected, then after aprox. 24 hours I get a message pointing me to
the web in order to read the message. Most likely this is due to the provider are moving
the message off servers and Signal has not confirmed that it actually recieved the MMS?

This needs to be fixed. It's so annoying that many contacts are now uninstalling Signal
to go back to stock sms app...

Device : LG/Google Nexus 5X
Android : 8.1.0
App version: Signal 4.12.3
Carrier: Telia, Sweden

[deValmont]

Issue persists on the following setup:

Device : Huawei Mate 9 Pro
EMUI : 5
Android : 7.0
Signal : 4.13.6
Carriers: Swisscom/Switzerland and Orange/France

[gnoorod]

Issue persists here:

Device : Huawei Nexus P (angler)
Android : 8.0.0 (4397986, OPR.170623.011)
Signal : 4.13.6
Carriers: Bell Canada

First MMS received: December 1st, 11h36
Duplicate MMS recevied: December 4th, 11h32

[flatfourtwenty]

Same as above, 36hrs later I receive the same mms.

Device : samsung SM-G950W (dreamqltevl)
Android : 7.0
OS Host : SWHD2402
App : Signal 4.13.6
Bell Canada

[johanw666]

Of course the issue persists, nothing has been done to fix it.

[codeofcarson]

Screenshots

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xYLEvyCUwSgbtNh_sUT3gbELEwWjfg7S
https://drive.google.com/open?id=12ZDQnsTawsEV1SA8WQaVMapWTZlsA--J

Device: Google Pixel 2 (Bell Canada version)
Android version: 8.0.0
Signal version: 4.13.6

Link to debug log
https://gist.github.com/ea8351730a42f9d19c8bbc4f0bdf04d1

[UserX404]

Same here. Receiving same MMS every 24h for 7 days.
Device : HTC ONE Mini 2 (memul)
Android : 7.1.2 (LOS14)
App : Signal 4.13.6
Carrier: Telering Austria

[cwillhelm]

I am experiencing this issue as well, MMS are received a second time after 3-4 days, for every single one that is sent. I do not have this issue with other SMS/MMS apps.

Device: Moto Z2 Play
Android Version: 7.1.1
App: Signal 4.14.10
Carrier: Bell Canada

[ghost]

This is SUPER ANNOYING! Just switched from Rogers to Virgin Mobile (Bell) and could not for the life of me understand where this problem was coming from.

Device: Samsung S8+ G950W
Version: 7.1.2
Signal latest
Carrier: Virgin/Bell

[MichaelAtomic47]

This is happening to me on a Nexus 4, on Virgin Mobile in Canada. It's very annoying, and is the main reason I'm considering switching from Signal back to the default sms app.

[Lokdal]

Issue ongoing since December 2016
Device : One Plus 3
Android version : 8.0 (FreedomOS 3.3)
Signal version : 4.15.5
App State : everything else functionning as normal
Ran out of time to attach my debug log, just wanted to let you know it hasn't changed.

[SebastianGrans]

I also have this issue.

Device: OnePlus 5
Android version: 8.0 (OxygenOS 5.0.2)
Signal verison: 4.15.5

Debug log

[magdesign]

Same issue, any hack to fix this so far ?

Android Version: 7.0
Signal Version: 4.16.9

[nathanvy]

They're not interested in fixing this issue.

On Mar 11, 2018 18:23, "magdesign" [e-mail] wrote:

Same issue, any hack to fix this so far ?

Android Version: 7.0
Signal Version: 4.16.9

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[johanw666]

There is a fix in 4.17: https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Android/commit/694a5de2c33db3550c3c3a1d4ee9e4793dd741fe and https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Android/commit/40d14698b8acae34be18c8138f623f1739f55e14

[nathanvy]

Only took a few years.

On Mar 11, 2018 20:01, "johanw666" [e-mail] wrote:

There is a fix in 4.17: 694a5de
https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Android/commit/694a5de2c33db3550c3c3a1d4ee9e4793dd741fe
and 40d1469
https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Android/commit/40d14698b8acae34be18c8138f623f1739f55e14

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[johanw666]

You could say it's too late in the day. I can't even test it here because most providers here have dropped support for mms already.

[automated-signal]

GitHub Issue Cleanup:
See #7598 for more information.