I’ve been using signal for awhile now and generally have had no problems, but recently I noticed that when I’m connected to a VPN, whether it be wireguard or openVPN, my MMS won’t load.
Now I’ve have noticed this when I’m in a group that not all users are using signal. Anyone else have this issue?
I have this exact issue with non-Signal user group MMS conversations. I use NordVPN.
Group messages won’t download when I’m connected to the VPN. If I temporarily pause the VPN connection and try to download the MMS message, it downloads right away. This is a fairly recent issue too for me.
This depends on lot on your setup. Does it happen if you use an mms client other than signal or google messages?
For what it’s worth, I’ve not had any issues with MMS in Signal on ProtonVPN.
Just to clarify, is your mobile data on? If not, do you have WiFi calling enabled?
Yes this is exactly what’s happening. I’ve tried Torguard VPN and PIA. They both have the same issue.
Didn’t seem to happen when using Samsung Messages, Google Messages, or Textra.
Yes my mobile data is on and wifi calling. I’m not sure what’s going on. I’ve tried 2 different vpns as well and same deal. Once the vpn is disconnected the messages are then able to be downloaded
Check your APNs make sure they are correct, then verify your mms settings like WiFi calling.
What happens if you disable wifi calling? Can you ask someone to send you an MMS and see if it goes through when you have wifi calling disabled and your VPN enabled?
I’m assuming APNs is referring to Apple Push Notifications? I’m using android if that helps at all. It looks like my wifi calling is on. Thank you for trying to assist by the way.
Sorry for the delay in response. I tried turning off wifi calling and still no luck. The only time I can download mms messages from non signal users is by disconnecting the VPN.
Access Point Name. It’s the configuration your phone uses to connect to your carrier. Built in messengers tend to have m easier time with poorly configured APNs. Signal reads them as-is.
So I’d confirm your APN settings, then look at the mms settings within Signal.
Before you think ‘what are the chances mine are wrong’ I use T-Mobile. I’ve never bought a phone from tmo (always used or google or Apple) and the APN has never been right, but manually fixing them always worked
Disable wifi calling as it’s privacy invading. Just make sure your LTE is on (even when you’re using wifi) to receive non-signal MMS.
I have had the issue OP speaks of and I checked my APN settings - they were wrong and now my mms went through signal properly.
Thank you.
Ah that makes sense. I checked them and they seem to be correct based on my carrier.
If they were wrong before, I would take notes on what is right and save them in case you reset your phone