Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: Mutt PGP Error: "Could not decrypt PGP message" & "Could not copy message" on Ubuntu machine but works on macOS machine

Learn how to fix: Mutt PGP Error: "Could not decrypt PGP message" & "Could not copy message" on Ubuntu machine but works on macOS machine.

Quick Answer: Try checking your system settings or restarting.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🔍 Why This Happens
  2. 🚀 How to Resolve This Issue
  3. ✨ Wrapping Up

The error 'Could not decrypt PGP message' and 'Could not copy message' in mutt on an Ubuntu machine but works as expected on a macOS machine is frustrating for users who rely on secure communication.

This issue can be resolved by identifying the root cause, which may involve GnuPG compatibility issues or configuration problems.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • The first main reason why this error happens in detail: The Ubuntu machine's older version of GnugPG (2 years old) might not be compatible with the latest versions used on the macOS machine. This could lead to decryption and copy issues.
  • An alternative reason if applicable: Configuration problems, such as differences in PGP keys or setup, could also contribute to this issue.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

GnuPG Compatibility Update

  1. Step 1: Update the Ubuntu machine's GnugPG version to a more recent one (e.g., 3.4 or higher) that is compatible with the macOS machine's version.
  2. Step 2: Use the `gpg --upgrade-all` command to update all GnuPG components on the system.
  3. Step 3: Verify the updated versions using `gpg --version` and ensure they match the macOS machine's versions.

Configuring PGP Keys

  1. Step 1: Inspect the configuration files for any discrepancies in PGP keys, such as different public or private keys.
  2. Step 2: Compare the configuration files on both machines and update them to match exactly.
  3. Step 3: Verify that the updated configuration allows successful decryption and copying of messages.

✨ Wrapping Up

To resolve the 'Could not decrypt PGP message' and 'Could not copy message' issue in mutt on an Ubuntu machine, try updating the GnugPG version or configuring PGP keys to match those used on the macOS machine. If these methods do not work, further investigation into GnuPG compatibility issues is recommended.

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