Getting started

Choosing a client

You can use Matrix from any compatible client. The recommended options are:

• Element web application – no installation required: https://matrix.eudat.eu.

• Element Desktop/Mobile (sometimes called “Element Classic”) – for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android: https://element.io/download

Note

Element X (the newer client generation) is currently not supported for the eudat.eu homeserver. Please use the classic Element apps linked above.

Many other Matrix clients exist (e.g. FluffyChat, Cinny, Nheko), but this guide covers only Element.

Creating or using an account

Option 1: You already have a Matrix account (e.g. on a server provided by your home organisation):

Keep using it. Matrix is federated, so you can chat with eudat.eu users directly from your existing account. This is the recommended approach – one account, all communities.

Option 2: You need a new account:

Go to https://matrix.eudat.eu and sign in. Your account will be created on the eudat.eu homeserver and will have the form @username:eudat.eu.

Warning

IMPORTANT: Save your recovery key

End-to-end encryption means your chat history can only be read with your keys. If you lose access to all your devices and don’t have a recovery key, your encrypted history is permanently unrecoverable – server administrators cannot restore it.

As soon as you create your account:

1. Go to All settings -> Encryption -> Backup (or Security & Privacy, depending on your client version).
2. Generate and download or write down the recovery key. Recovery key format: 12 groups of 4 digits, separated by spaces (48 digits in total).
3. Store it somewhere safe and private — a password manager is ideal.

 

Last update: 07.10.2026

Last review: 07.10.2026