Create the account from a web browser

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Prepare paper and pencil. You’ll need to write down a security key that looks something like:

EsTU wicT NjeF 7cA8 n6NM hjqy RvDZ nYFW MwNd SCQD iscU JRuc

You can store it in your password manager, but if you’re serious about encryption and privacy, don’t put it anywhere else.

Open Element Web

https://app.element.io/

Choose Create Account

  • Others will search you as @<USERNAME>:matrix.org (so I’d go for something short but wouldn’t use a full real name)

Enter and confirm email

  • Used for account verification
  • By default nobody will be able to search you with it

Back up your Security Key

  1. Go to the home screen
  2. Tap the round icon with your initial at the top left
  3. Security & Privacy -> Encryption -> Secure Backup -> Set up -> Generate a Security Key
  4. Write the key on a piece of paper and put it between your birth certificate and your high school diploma. Alternatively, you can save the key in your password manager.
This is important. The broader context here.
  1. After you write down the key, you need to click Copy to complete the setup. Only then will Continue get unlocked and the setup can be completed.

Initial settings

  • Icon with your initial at the top left -> Notifications
    • Enable email notifications for…
      • You probably want to turn this off. In my experience, email notifications don’t work reliably anyway.

Find others and start chatting

  • In the left column under “People” click on + on the right (“Start chat”)
  • Search others as @<USERNAME>:matrix.org
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Try it with @vlaje-test:matrix.org. It’s my test account. I may or may not approve you and reply at some point.
  • As soon as you send the first message to the person, they’ll receive a chat invitation

Next steps

Security Key
Info and context
 Link Other Device
How to do it
 Known Issues
In case of any problems, take a look here
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