> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.wednesdayai.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Start chatting on Matrix

> Message WednesdayAI over Matrix from any Matrix app, such as Element.

# Start chatting on Matrix

On Matrix, WednesdayAI looks and behaves like a regular person: it runs on its own Matrix account, so you chat with it from whatever Matrix app you already use — Element, for example. Your account can be on a different server than the bot's.

## What you need

* A Matrix account and a Matrix app such as Element
* The bot's Matrix address from your administrator — it looks like `@name:server.org`

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get the bot's address">
    Ask your administrator for the bot's full Matrix address. Matrix addresses start with `@` and include the server name after a colon, like `@wednesdayai:example.org`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start a direct message">
    In your Matrix app, start a new chat and enter the bot's address. In Element, tap the **+** (New chat) and paste or type the address into the search box, then select it when it appears.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send your first message">
    Type a message and send it. The bot will reply within a few seconds.

    <Note>
      Depending on how your administrator configured access, the first reply may be a **pairing code** — a short message with an 8-character code. Send that code to your administrator. Once they approve it, message the bot again and you will get a normal reply. Codes expire after one hour; if that happens, message the bot again for a fresh one.
    </Note>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## In rooms (group chats)

Your administrator may have added the bot to a room, or you can invite it yourself. In rooms the bot stays quiet by default and only responds when you mention it:

> @wednesdayai:example.org can you summarise this discussion?

Each room has its own separate conversation with the bot — what happens in one room does not affect your private chat or other rooms.

## Tips

* **Encrypted chats work** — Matrix supports end-to-end encryption, and the bot can take part in encrypted rooms. If its messages in an encrypted room appear unreadable, the bot's device may need to be verified — ask your administrator to check it.
* **Works across servers** — you do not need an account on the same server as the bot.
* **Replies, files, and reactions are supported** — you can reply to specific messages, share images and files, and the bot can react to messages.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="The bot does not reply">
    Make sure you are using the exact address, including the `@` and the part after the colon. If the address is right and there is still no reply, ask your administrator to check the bot's connection.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The bot's messages in an encrypted room look garbled or unreadable">
    The bot's encryption setup may be incomplete. Ask your administrator to verify the bot's device — after verification, encrypted messages become readable.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The bot ignores me in a room">
    In rooms the bot only replies when mentioned. Type `@` and pick the bot from the suggestions so the mention is registered. If it still stays quiet, the room may not be allowed — ask your administrator.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My direct messages are ignored">
    You may be waiting for pairing approval. Send the 8-character code you received to your administrator, then message the bot again.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related

* [Pair your first channel](/users/pairing/first-channel)
* [Group chats](/users/groups)