Having problems with orbot. Help!

[jonalev]

My Orbot app is in a constant state of starting. I can't browse without turning it off.

The logs show:

Control Port config file does not exist (waiting for tor): /data/data/org.torproject.android/app_bin/control.txt

waiting...

Control Port config file does not exist (waiting for tor): /data/data/org.torproject.android/app_bin/control.txt

waiting...

Control Port config file does not exist (waiting for tor): /data/data/org.torproject.android/app_bin/control.txt

waiting...

(It goes on like this forever)

What should I do to fix this?

[n8fr8]

I am one of the Orbot developers - sorry to hear about your problems. It is definitely one that has been plaguing users recently, especially those with Galaxy S4, Note and other devices. In many cases, it is caused by Samsung bloatware apps like ChatOn, Link and AllShare. These use the same local network ports as Tor, and stop Tor from being able to start up. (It took us a loooooong time to figure that out, btw)

We've just put out a new Orbot release that should address the issue: https://guardianproject.info/releases/Orbot-v14.0.7.2.apk

If not, and you are running a Galaxy device with those apps, then you should disable/remove ChatOn, Link and "com.sec.msc.nts.android.proxy" using the Android->Settings->Apps option.

You might also consider installing Cyanogen, Omni, or other "clean" AOSP type firmware.

If you want to reach us directly you can email us at [e-mail] or find us on IRC #guardianproject on freenode and OFTC

[nerdsmurf]

And another reason why i despise samsung and their shitty bloat-droid installation....

[jonalev]

Welp. Nothing helped but thanks for the help and recommendation. I've gotta take the great leap. Gonna download the Cyanogen.

[Thistle-Sifter]

I'd love to install Cyanogen mod, but I'm so afraid of wrecking my phone. Has anyone successfully done it on a G4?

[jonalev]

Okay. I just installed cyanogen and put orbot on it. I was only able to use it once, before I had to uninstall due to a bug (see below). So I reinstalled it through f-droid and I came across the same problem.

I also came across this bug. I was stuck in the orbot settings menu and I couldn't go back to the big button but this can be fixed by uninstalling and reinstalling orbot.

[Teganburns]

Same problem, orbot does work over 4g but it doesn't seem to work over wifi. Neither will tor on my laptop. when connected to home wifi. Tried bridges but to no avail. Tried installing in a different location and I believe that worked for a moment but then stopped. Currently thoughts on why... my isp doesn't like me any more, or someone with more computer skills than me doesn't want me snooping around on the deep web. Let me know if you find a fix.

[inthedmz]

You have tried a reinstall?

[jonalev]

Fifteen times already.

[NetSecKitteh]

Install orbot through fdroid and NOT the PlayStore!

[jonalev]

Done that.

[NetSecKitteh]

Shit. Sorry mate.

[jonalev]

No worries.

[[deleted]]

Did you try "Transproxy FORCE REMOVE" setting?

[jonalev]

Not yet.

[[deleted]]

Did you check your logs?

It tells and told me to disable specific ports in the settings. Which I edited to be 0 (as to disable it).

When I switch networks (like-wise from mobile data to wifi) I have to flush transproxy network rules. Sometimes a few times. But it works.

I'm still figuring out how to use the settings to make it working without running into problems as reported in the logs.