Matrix clients #

Matrix's biggest strength is that clients are interchangeable. Your messages, rooms, encryption keys and contacts all live on the homeserver — any compatible client sees the same data. You can run two, three or ten clients at once and they stay in sync.

Quick connect #

Whichever client you pick, the sign-in flow is the same:

  1. Open the client and choose Sign in.
  2. When prompted for a homeserver, don't use the default (matrix.org). Click Edit or Other.
  3. Enter your Meldry homeserver URL: https://<your-name>.meldry.com
  4. Enter the Matrix handle + password shown in your Meldry dashboard under Server → Matrix users.
  5. On first sign-in, the client creates a new device. Verify it against your other devices or set up a recovery passphrase (see Encryption).

Your user ID will be @<your-name>:<your-name>.meldry.com — which is the address other people use to DM you from anywhere on Matrix.

The main clients #

Element #

The reference Matrix client, maintained by Element (the company that employs most of the core Matrix team). Available on every platform.

  • Platforms: Web (app.element.io), Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), iOS, Android.
  • Strengths: Widest feature coverage — spaces, voice/video calls, widgets, bridges, cross-signing, location sharing. The only client that exposes all Matrix features.
  • Weaknesses: Can feel heavy on older hardware. The UI has a lot of surface area; new users sometimes get lost.
  • Best for: Teams, beginners, anyone who wants a "just works" experience.

Sign in: on the welcome screen tap Sign in → Edit next to the homeserver field, enter https://<your-name>.meldry.com, then your handle + password.

Element X #

A ground-up rewrite of Element for iOS and Android built on the new sliding-sync protocol. Dramatically faster cold-start, instant message delivery, lower battery drain.

  • Platforms: iOS, Android.
  • Strengths: Dramatically faster than classic Element on mobile. Better push notifications.
  • Weaknesses: Still catching up on feature parity — some advanced features (widgets, custom power-levels, cross-signing initial setup) may bounce you back to classic Element once.
  • Best for: Heavy mobile users who don't need the power-user knobs.

FluffyChat #

A friendly, playful cross-platform client with a focus on mobile UX and accessibility.

  • Platforms: iOS, Android, Web, Desktop (Linux, Windows, macOS).
  • Strengths: Extremely clean interface, stickers, nice onboarding, works well on low-spec phones. Great for onboarding non-technical friends or family.
  • Weaknesses: Some advanced admin features (device keys, space hierarchy management) are hidden or absent.
  • Best for: Family chats, casual conversations, anyone turned off by Element's density.

Cinny #

A modern lightweight web client, easy on resources.

  • Platforms: Web, Desktop (via Electron wrapper).
  • Strengths: Fast, minimal, beautiful UI. Supports spaces, E2EE and cross-signing. A great secondary client on slower laptops.
  • Weaknesses: No mobile apps (you use the Web version on a phone browser); smaller community means slower feature landing.
  • Best for: People who want a Slack/Discord-like look on the web.

Nheko #

A native Qt desktop client.

  • Platforms: Linux, Windows, macOS.
  • Strengths: Fast, low memory footprint, extensive keyboard shortcuts, theme support. Fully native — no Electron.
  • Weaknesses: Learning curve; some config lives in files, not in the GUI.
  • Best for: Keyboard-driven users and anyone allergic to Electron.

SchildiChat #

A fork of Element with sensible defaults and a more traditional IM layout (sorted room list, compact message display, etc.).

  • Platforms: Android, Desktop.
  • Strengths: Feature parity with Element, plus tweaks that make it feel more like Telegram or WhatsApp.
  • Weaknesses: Slightly delayed behind upstream Element releases.
  • Best for: Android users migrating from Telegram/WhatsApp who want a familiar layout.

Picking one #

If you're unsure, start with Element on desktop + Element X on mobile. Both are free, open-source, and will make you a happy Matrix user for months before you have any reason to change.

Once you're comfortable with the basics, try a second client as a backup (FluffyChat is a good second pick). You can sign into both with the same account — your messages sync automatically.

Troubleshooting sign-in #

  • "Unable to connect to homeserver" — check https:// prefix and that you used your subdomain (your-name.meldry.com, not just meldry.com). Open https://<your-name>.meldry.com/_matrix/client/versions in a browser — you should see a small JSON response. If you don't, your workspace isn't running — check the dashboard.
  • "Invalid credentials" — your Meldry dashboard password and your Matrix password are separate credentials. Reset the Matrix one under Server → Matrix users.
  • "Device needs verification" — this is expected on every new sign-in. Use an already-signed-in device (or your recovery key) to verify. See Encryption for why this matters and Security for the step-by-step.

What's next #

  • Encryption — why device verification matters and how cross-signing works
  • Getting Started — end-to-end walkthrough from signup to first message
  • Bridges — bring your Telegram / Slack / Discord into the same client