User Manual

Element X (phone).

Use Element on your iPhone or Android phone.

Use this guide when

  • You want the Element app on your phone, as well as or instead of the M8Chat app.

Tip: if you have not set up your key before, do that in the M8Chat app or Element Web first. It makes step 5 easier.

  1. Step 1

    Download Element X

    iPhone: search “Element X” in the App Store. Android: search “Element X” in Google Play.

    Get “Element X”, not the older app called “Element”. They are different apps.

  2. Step 2

    Tap "Sign in"

    Do not choose “Create account”. Your account already exists and a new one will not work on our server.

  3. Step 3

    Change the homeserver

    The app starts on matrix.org, which is not our server. You must change it.

    • Look for “Change account provider”, “Edit”, “Other” or “homeserver” on the sign in screen.
    • Type matrix.m8chat.au (no https:// and no www).
    • Tap “Continue”.

    The wording may change with app updates. Look for the server or provider option.

  4. Step 4

    Enter your username and password

    Use the same ones as m8chat.au.

  5. Step 5

    Verify this device

    Element X needs to verify the device. If you already have a Security Phrase or Security Key, enter it. If this is your first device you will be asked to create one. Without this you cannot read encrypted messages.

  6. Step 6

    Start chatting

    Your chats appear in the list. Tap one to open it. Use the “+” button to start a new chat.

Finding other members

  • Tap the search icon and type a name or username.
  • Send them a message. It works as an invitation, and they can accept or decline.
  • Public chats show in the room directory. Private chats need an invitation.

Turn on notifications in your phone settings so you do not miss messages.

If something goes wrong

I cannot find Element X in the store

Your phone may be too old for Element X. The M8Chat app works in your phone browser instead: set it up here.

It says the homeserver was not found

Check the spelling: matrix.m8chat.au, with no www and no https://. Check your internet connection.

I cannot verify my device

Enter your Security Phrase or Security Key. If you do not have one, set it up in Element Web first.

Messages say "Unable to decrypt"

This device needs verifying. Open the app settings, go to Security, and enter your Security Phrase or Security Key.

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