Inconsistent Tor connection via Orbot

Zap is frequently unable to connect to Tor by Orbot proxy. On my device, Orbot is configured in VPN mode and Zap is added to the Tor-enabled apps. Orbot is the only VPN / Tor service enabled on my device.

Description

Approximately 95% of the time, I receive this error when starting up Orbot and connecting to Zap:

Tor connection failed.
Please make sure that:
- Orbot is running
- Orbot is in VPN mode
- Zap is in Orbot's list of activated apps.

The noted points are fulfilled on my device. I receive this error almost every time I open the Zap application. The only time it works as expected is sometimes when I restart my device. I have had the wallet load a few times, but eventually I get the same error noted above.

Expected Behavior

Tor connection should consistently work when Zap is entered from Orbot’s activated list of apps, or by accessing the app from my device with Orbot turned on and in VPN mode.

Actual Behavior

Tor connection fails 95% of the time on app initialization and no features can be accessed.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Download Orbot
2. Download Zap from PlayStore
3. On Orbot’s main screen select the gear icon under tor enabled apps.
4. Add Zap, then press back.
5. Click STOP on the big onion logo.
6. Exit Orbot and reopen it. Turn on VPN Mode.
7. Start your connection to the Tor network by clicking on the big onion (if it has not automatically connected already)
8. Click on Zap from the list of Tor-Enabled Apps
9. Access Wallets from menu
10. Click the (+) button
11. Select “Connect to Remote Node”
12. Scan QR code or paste LND quick connect url
13. Open newly added wallet
14. See above error message where Tor connection failed

Context

LND quick connect string being used contains:

LND node address and port TLS certificate Admin macaroon

LND node address is over Tor eg: xxx.onion:10009

It was setup following instructions here.

Environment

• Zap version: 0.3.5-beta, build: 2023
• Android version: 11
• Device: Google Pixel 2
• LND Version: 0.11.0-beta

[michaelWuensch]

I have just released v0.5.0-beta which includes native Tor support. This should solve the Tor connection issues. If there are still problems after the update, feel free to open a new Issue.

[michaelWuensch]

@majikaz Yes, there are updates. Native Tor implementation is nearly done and will be rolled out with the next update in the coming weeks. Please have a look at #344 for more details.