Using Element Web
Log in to chat.m8chat.au and set up your secure chat account in your browser.
Use this guide when: You’re setting up your M8Chat chat account for the first time, or you want to use chat from a web browser. This is the easiest way to get started.
Open chat.m8chat.au
Go to https://chat.m8chat.au in your web browser.
You’ll see the Element welcome screen. Click “Sign In”.
Check the Homeserver
CRITICAL: The homeserver MUST be set to matrix.m8chat.au. If it shows “matrix.org” or anything else, your login will NOT work.
Look for the homeserver field on the sign-in screen. If it doesn’t say matrix.m8chat.au, click “Edit” and type:
Enter Your Username and Password
Use the username and password you chose when you signed up for M8Chat. These are the same details you use to log in to m8chat.au.
Click “Sign In”.
Verify Your Session (If Prompted)
You may see a screen about unverified sessions. This is normal for a first-time login. You can review these later — click “Skip for now” or verify if you prefer.
Set Up Your Security Phrase
IMPORTANT: This step protects your encrypted messages. If you skip this, you may lose access to your message history. We strongly recommend doing it now.
- Select “Enter a Security Phrase”
- Choose a phrase you will remember, but that does NOT contain your name, email, or phone number
- It must be at least 8 characters long
- Enter it twice to confirm
Example of an acceptable phrase: my-favourite-beach-is-noosa
But use your own — don’t copy this one.
Save Your Security Key
The system generates a backup key. Click “Copy” or “Download” and store it somewhere safe — a password manager, a printed sheet, or a secure note on your phone.
This key can recover your messages if you ever forget your security phrase. Treat it like a spare house key.
You’re Ready to Chat
You should now see your rooms in the left sidebar. Your default rooms are General Discussion and your group space.
Click any room to open it and start chatting.
How to Navigate Element Web
Left sidebar — Your rooms and direct messages. Click a room name to open it.
Top bar — The current room name, search, and room settings.
Bottom — The message composer. Type your message and press Enter to send.
“+” button — Create a new room or start a direct message with someone.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
What Happens Next?
You’re all set on the web. From here you can:
- Start chatting in your default rooms
- Set up the mobile app so you get messages on the go
- Install the desktop app for notifications when your browser is closed
