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Element Messenger

Version 8.6 by Thomas Coelho on 2026/02/16 10:45
Warning

The Element Messenger is in testing. You can try it and report problems and ask questions. Currently voice and video calls are untested. The service can be taken down and your data (chats) can be deleted without notice.

What it is

Element is an implementation of the open Matrix protocol. Matrix is a messenger protocol with the same intend like What's app, also with features from Mattermost. As the main differences is, it is self hosted and federated (like email). This means, we run the server in our server room and you can communicate with people from other Matrix instances.

Glossary

There many names involved we should clear out

  • Matrix: The open communications protocol
  • Element: The main developer of your software stack (Element.io)
  • Element-web: The Matrix Web client
  • Element X: The recommended mobile app
  • Synapse: The Matrix server backend
  • MAS: Matrix Authentication Server - Backend Managing the Matrix Users

Where to start

Starting is quite easy: Go to our Element-Web Client ITP Element-Web

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ITP Users and other users select select "Sign In".

Then you have to choose your "Home Server". The Element Web Client is independent from Matrix server. Click on continue, the ITP Matrix Service is preconfigured.

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Then you will be redirected to MAS, the Matrix Authentication Service. This service manages the access to Matrix.

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ITP Users click on "Continue with Authentik" which redirects you the our Single Sign One Provider. See "Authentik".

The you have to confirm your user and your have successfully login in. The Element Session will normally not expire.

External User

User with a different Matrix home server

Matrix is a federated service. You can communicate with any other Matrix user in the world. The HRZ offers a non unsupported matrix instance. Communicating with university members is straight forward.

People without a Matr