synchronisation of messages between mobile and desktop

[andrew8steele]

• [x ] I have searched open and closed issues for duplicates
  it looks like you have had this issue in the past, I'll add me findings hoping it may help.

---

Bug Description

synchronisation of messages between mobile and desktop

messages not synchronised when using both mobile app (android) and desktop app (linux).

Steps to Reproduce

first I did contact support, here is the message I sent

Problem: I use signal on my mobile and desktop. I send messages to myself instead of using something like a notepad.

I like the product and it is easy to make notes but the problem is how to synchronise the messages.
I mostly work from the desktop but add notes when out and about using my mobile.
From my desktop I delete messages as I process them, in any order.
My mobile phone however keeps the message.
I have just updated the mobile app from 4.48.17 to 4.49.14
Is there a way to synchronise the messages

more recently, I am trying to get others to use signal but its hard, too many alternatives to choose from. Eventually one person moved to signal and I could see all previous txt messages on both my mobile and desktop. these are messages sent using his standard messenger. so far all is good. he then forgot to use signal and sent me a message using his default messenger. I can see his message on my mobile but not on the desktop. internet connectivity to the desktop is working, it is easy to verify.

1. create a list of new messages as a 'Note to Self'
2. goto the other device and delete one or two messages
3. I don't think it matters which device you delete from, I seem to still have synchronisation problems.

Expected Result:
the message list on the two devices should be identical

Platform Info

Signal Version:
mobile: 4.49.14
desktop: v1.28.0

Operating System:
android: 8.0.0
kubuntu: 19.04

Linked Device Version:
4.1.01.6

I hope this helps

[mds08011]

I could see all previous txt messages on both my mobile and desktop.

When you say txt messages, are you referring to SMS ("regular" messages) or Signal messages?

I can see his message on my mobile but not on the desktop. internet connectivity to the desktop is working, it is easy to verify.

This is normal. From the support page: "Signal Desktop does not send or receive SMS/MMS messages. Only Signal messages will be sent or received."

[andrew8steele]

Hi Malcolm, I appreciate the response. I will get back with a more detailed response but in the mean time 1) I can see all non signal messages on my desktop when this person joined, that is an inconsistency with your question; if I can see previous non signal messages on the desktop then why not future ones if that person send the message using signal or not -- they have joined signal.
2) the more important question is synchronisation, you have had this issue in the past and it seem to be still there. Incoming messages come in via the IOos or android, I don't know this technology but my guess is the problem may lie here.
cheers

[mds08011]

No problem! To clarify, I am just a fellow user, not a Signal employee:

1. Are you sure that you were able to see previous non-signal messages on your desktop? Do you still have any of those messages to verify? Overall, I completely agree with your "why not future ones" sentiment but my understanding is that the previous/older non-signal messages should not have been in Desktop.
2. I'll have to defer to someone else with better technical knowledge on your synchronization question.

[scottnonnenberg-signal]

he then forgot to use signal and sent me a message using his default messenger. I can see his message on my mobile but not on the desktop.

There is no way Signal Desktop would be able to show a message sent from your contact with 'his default messenger.' So that behavior is expected.

From my desktop I delete messages as I process them, in any order.
My mobile phone however keeps the message.
I have just updated the mobile app from 4.48.17 to 4.49.14
Is there a way to synchronise the messages

No, we do not synchronize deletion. There's a feature request tracking this: #643

I'm going to close this.