New user, FP5. Been installing apps I used to have on Android and happy to say almost all work fine. A couple don’t and it seems to be something about how they authenticate.
Zipcar (car hire app) simply can’t log in. Logging into the site via browser works but you need the app to lock and unlock a car via NFC.
Leafsnap (plant identification app) can log in with Google credentials but not see that I’ve paid for a premium subscription - although other apps I’ve paid for can see it.
I’m guessing in each case there is (unnecessary) dependency on Google Play services? If I want these apps and can’t get developers to fix them, is there any workaround (being aware of privacy tradeoffs)?
Regain your privacy! Adopt /e/OS the deGoogled mobile OS and online services
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Hello @truemind,
Welcome to /e/OS community !!
Those apps relaying on google play store services are normaly working thanks to microG core. Can you please explain more precisly what happens when you try to log in ?
Thank you @VinK3645! I got Leafsnap working now by enabling billing requests in MicroG. Zipcar just gives a “something went wrong” error when trying to log in.
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Found another app that can’t log in: Bose (smart speaker and music control).
It may be a complete coincidence that Zipcar and Bose both control devices, one via NFC and one via Bluetooth. Although they wouldn’t be trying to do that at the point of logging in.
Can’t see any permissions missing, and I have all options enabled in MicroG. Maybe they’re doing something wacky like depending on Chrome to communicate with a website?
Normally yes, but I tried disabling it to troubleshoot these issues and that’s not it.
For what it’s worth I installed PCapDroid to see connections from those apps, here’s the result.
Try to see which of these is active when you’re sending login request. Might be a good idea to check those.
I got Bose working, by allowing one of the two trackers it was using. Sigh… at least I’m on a VPN.
Allowing all the trackers Zipcar uses does nothing, still fails at the point of sending the login request.
Ye it’s true that some trackers are unfortunately required to get the app working… I did not think about that so that’s a point for you.
I don’t think i’ll be helpful now as i’m not specialized into those internet issues… The source can be either the server of the app you’re trying to use or the app and the OS… I assume this app was working on a regular android rom with your current account ? Then it must be an issue concerning microG or your i ternet access. If you have checked your vpn, the app data access (which is allowed by default so no way), the microG settings and that the app has been downloaded from app lounge, then i have nothing else to say that this app isn’t currently supported by /e/… Maybe some more experimented users will solve that in no time, so try to ask developpers if you can.
Good luck with it, i’m sorry for not having been able to help you.
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No problem, I appreciate all the effort to help!
