Element Web
Matrix web & desktop client for secure, decentralized communication. Supports end-to-end encryption, rooms, and integrations.
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Secure, decentralized chat client based on Matrix protocol. Best for privacy-first communication.
Core Features
- End-to-end encryption for all messages
- Group chats, file sharing, voice/video calls
- Self-hostable server for full data control
- Bridges to other platforms (Slack, Telegram, etc.)
- Cross-platform: web, desktop, mobile
What It Can't Do
- •Default server (matrix.org) may have policy constraints; self-hosting recommended for full control. 2. Mobile web experience is inferior to native apps (use element-x-android/ios). 3. Only supports latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari.
Use Cases
- Secure team collaboration
- Privacy-focused personal messaging
- Open-source community coordination
Detailed Introduction
Element (formerly Vector and Riot) is a full-featured Matrix client for web and desktop. It provides secure, decentralized messaging with end-to-end encryption, group chats, file sharing, voice/video calls (via Element Call), and bridges to other platforms. Built on the Matrix JS SDK, it supports multiple accounts, custom themes, and bots. The project is actively maintained by Element (New Vector Ltd) and has a large community. It is the flagship client for the Matrix ecosystem, ideal for privacy-conscious users, teams, and organizations.
Troubleshooting & FAQ (2)
TroubleshootingHow to fix Element recovery key verification looping back to 'Confirm your identity'?
Known bug in Element Desktop 1.12.10 (Rust SDK 0.16.0): after entering the correct recovery key under Settings > Encryption > 'Verify this device' > 'Use recovery key', the app loops back to the identity confirmation popup instead of verifying. Workaround: verify the session using another Matrix client instead. 1) Install FluffyChat (mobile or desktop) and log into the same account. 2) In FluffyChat, complete verification with your recovery key — this works. 3) Once FluffyChat is verified, use it to verify your Element session via cross-signing (emoji comparison or QR code) instead of the recovery key. Your Element device will then show as verified. Report the bug with debug logs to element-web issue #32510 to help the developers fix it.
TroubleshootingHow do I fix the flaky Playwright sliding-sync invite test for accept, reject, and rescind?
The flakiness was caused by two races: async sliding-sync subscription add/remove calls did not guarantee unsubscribe and subscribe happened in the same request, and sliding-sync proxy configuration raced with another init script. Update Element Web to include PR #29001 ("Stabilise sliding sync playwright test"). If applying the fix manually, synchronize the subscription add/remove operations and ensure proxy setup is fully awaited before the sliding-sync init script runs.
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Getting Started
Download installer
Click the button above to download the installer for your system
Install the software
Double-click the downloaded installer and follow the prompts
Step 1: Go to app.element.io or download the desktop app
Step 2: Create a Matrix account (or use existing)
Step 3: Create or join a room and start chatting
- Step 1: Go to app.element.io or download the desktop app
- Step 2: Create a Matrix account (or use existing)
- Step 3: Create or join a room and start chatting
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Open Source Transparency
View GitHub SourceUninstall Info
Desktop: Uninstall via system app manager. Web: No uninstall needed; just clear browser cache.
No Extra Dependencies
Ready to use after download. No additional runtime required.
Having issues? Check the FAQ below
2 FAQs
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