Problem setting up Element for use with homeserver in networks where matrix.org resources are blocked

[ipavlenko14]

Steps to reproduce

1. Block access to matrix.org on your firewall (alternatively - come to Russia)
2. Install and launch element app
3. Tap Sign In
4. Wait until server connection error appears

Outcome

What did you expect?

Application before connecting to any network resources must suggest a choice:

1. use matrix.org
2. use homeserver, in this case no attempts to connect with matrix.org should be made

What happened instead?

User can never specify homeserver because of connection error to default server, which is not needed at all.

The workaround is using VPN (e.g. orbot) to pass the first screen, then disable VPN and set up homeserver.

Your phone model

Pixel 7

Operating system version

Android 15

Application version and app store

1.6.24 from FDroid

Homeserver

No response

Will you send logs?

No

Are you willing to provide a PR?

No

[bro2020]

Access to matrix.org is not closed for no reason. If this happened, it means that you need to immediately leave the place where you are. Or even better, get together and solve the problems in your country. And do not look for solutions to the problems that your country creates for the whole world, outside its borders. The Matrix was created for free people, not slaves who kill people for money.

[ipavlenko14]

I got tired of killing ukrainian separatists for money, so I decided to become a free man. I need working matrix client for that. If the problem wont be fixed, I'll take up the old business.

Access to matrix.org is not closed for no reason. If this happened, it means that you need to immediately leave the place where you are. Or even better, get together and solve the problems in your country. And do not look for solutions to the problems that your country creates for the whole world, outside its borders. The Matrix was created for free people, not slaves who kill people for money.

[bro2020]

I got tired of killing ukrainian separatists for money, so I decided to become a free man. I need working matrix client for that. If the problem wont be fixed, I'll take up the old business.

Access to matrix.org is not closed for no reason. If this happened, it means that you need to immediately leave the place where you are. Or even better, get together and solve the problems in your country. And do not look for solutions to the problems that your country creates for the whole world, outside its borders. The Matrix was created for free people, not slaves who kill people for money.

@bmarty this account has no right to exist.

[ressit]

I would not expect any access to matrix.org for setup connection to a selfhosted homeserver, too.

A short test with element 1.6.24 from playstore on Android 11 (LineageOS) did not show a problem to setup connection to a homeserver.
Access to Matrix.org and vector.im was blocked via a filterlist and checked to be not reachable with a browser from the device.
The setup hung on a "support improvement of element page" which was overcome by pressing the back button.

You could try with schildichat android app if the problem persists.

[ipavlenko14]

I built APK from branch v1.6.26 (assembleFdroidRelease) and tested it on the same phone. App attempts to connect to matrix.org for a minute, then shows homeserver setup screen.
Didn't test gplay flavor cause I have not google services on my phone.
So I ended up building and signing my own APK for personal use, btw changed matrix.org to my homeserver in vector-config/src/main/res/values/config.xml. This obviously is not good solution, but acceptable until assembly from Fdroid will become usable.

P.S. I believe that github is a technical resource and it is not a right place for political discussions. So I apologize for our little ukrainian brothers. Soon we will teach them good manners, so they wont bother people any more.

[ressit]

Similar issue seems to have been fixed #6888 . Suggest to block matrix.org and vector.im at your router and do the same with a firewall (NetGuard app?) at your smartphone until this gets a fix.

Possibly duplicate to #7078 .