User Manual

Element Web (browser).

Sign in to chat.m8chat.au and set up your encrypted chat in your browser.

Use this guide when

  • You prefer Element, or you need something the M8Chat app does not do.
  • You want to chat from any computer without installing anything.
  1. Step 1

    Open chat.m8chat.au

    Go to chat.m8chat.au in your browser. On the Element welcome screen click “Sign In”.

  2. Step 2

    Check the homeserver

    The homeserver must be matrix.m8chat.au. If it shows matrix.org or anything else, your login will not work.

    If it does not say matrix.m8chat.au, click “Edit” and type it in.

  3. Step 3

    Enter your username and password

    Use the same username and password as m8chat.au, then click “Sign In”.

  4. Step 4

    Verify this session

    You may see a screen about verifying your session. If you already have a Security Phrase or Security Key, use it. Otherwise carry on to the next step.

  5. Step 5

    Set up your Security Phrase

    Important. This protects your encrypted messages. If you skip it you may lose your message history.

    • Select “Enter a Security Phrase”.
    • Choose a phrase you will remember that does not contain your name, email or phone number.
    • Make it at least 8 characters, and enter it twice.
  6. Step 6

    Save your Security Key

    Element gives you a backup key. Click “Copy” or “Download” and keep it somewhere safe, such as a password manager or a printed page. It recovers your messages if you forget your Security Phrase. Treat it like a spare house key.

  7. Step 7

    Start chatting

    Your chats appear in the left panel. Click one to open it.

Finding your way round

  • Left panel: your chats and direct messages.
  • Top bar: the chat name, search and chat settings.
  • Bottom: type a message and press Enter to send.
  • “+” button: start a chat or a direct message.

If something goes wrong

I cannot change the homeserver

Clear your browser cache, or open chat.m8chat.au in a private window.

My password does not work

Check the homeserver is matrix.m8chat.au. If it is, reset your password.

I do not see any chats

Give it a minute. If the panel is still empty after five minutes, use the contact form.

I skipped the Security Phrase

You can set it up later: click your profile picture at the top left, then Security and Privacy, then set up Secure Backup.

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