How-to complete your Matrix setup
If you are reading this guide, you most likely completed the “Getting started with Matrix” tutorial. This document explains the next steps to complete your Matrix setup. While these steps are not required, they are greatly recommended because they will make your long-term experience a lot better.
Backup your encryption keys
Make sure your encryption keys are backed up. Without encryption keys backups, you might not be able to restore your end-to-end encrypted chats if you log off all your devices.
Recovery key
- Open your Element client, click the
gear icon at the bottom left, and select " All settings" - Select the "
Encryption" icon on the left - Navigate to the “Recovery” section and select “Set up recovery”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to generate your unique security key
- Store your unique security key in a safe place
- Ensure the button in the “Recovery” section now reads: " Change recovery key"
Export keys
Optionally, you can also manually export your encryption keys.
- Navigate to the “Advanced” section of the “Encryption” settings
- Select “Export keys”
- Read the instructions carefully, and enter a passphrase to protect your manual encryption keys
- Download the export file and store it in a safe place
Advertise your Matrix ID
To make sure people know how to reach you, it’s best to advertise your Matrix ID in a prominent place. Launchpad now has the option to advertise your Matrix ID on your profile. Edit it on https://launchpad.net/~/.
Make sure to always write the full matrix ID, including the homeserver, in the form @<username>:<homeserver>. Just specifying your username is not enough, because different people can have the same username on different homeservers.
Check our other guides
- Do you have multiple Matrix accounts and want to use them at the same time? Take a look at Using Multiple Matrix Accounts
- Do you want to create rooms for your own community? Take a look at our room administration docs
- Do you want to know who is in charge of moderation and policy making on our homeserver? Take a look at the Ubuntu Matrix Governance Structure