For: everyone
Short answers to the questions people ask most often before and after they link WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram and other messengers. For the steps themselves, see Connect your other messengers.
Will the other person know?
Your contacts keep writing to you in their usual app. Messages you send from Element are sent from your own account, so they look like messages from you. In WhatsApp and Signal, Element shows up only in your list of linked devices.
Do I need to keep my phone on?
- WhatsApp: your phone doesn't need to be on all the time, but WhatsApp disconnects linked devices if the phone isn't used for about 14 days. Open WhatsApp on the phone now and then.
- Signal: the phone stays your main Signal device. Keep Signal installed and open it from time to time.
- Telegram, Discord, Google Chat, Messenger, Instagram, LinkedIn: you sign in to the account itself, so your phone doesn't need to stay on.
Can I delete the original app?
- WhatsApp and Signal: no. Element is a linked device, so the app on your phone must stay installed.
- The other messengers: we recommend keeping the app, so you can confirm logins and security notices from the service.
Can my colleagues read my bridged chats?
No. Each person links their own accounts from their own Element account. Your bridged chats are visible only to you, unless you invite someone into one of those rooms yourself.
Are bridged chats encrypted?
Bridged chats are end-to-end encrypted on the Matrix side, like your other private chats in Element. The other messenger protects the message on its own side as usual.
Does it cost extra?
No. All bridges are included in every plan and always active.
Why do I see phone numbers instead of names?
WhatsApp and Signal often send only the phone number. Connect your Google Contacts and the real names appear.
Can I answer WhatsApp calls in Element?
No. WhatsApp calls can't be answered through the bridge. Set up a call redirect so callers get an automatic reply with another way to reach you. Calls between Element users work normally, see Voice and video calls.
How do I stop using a bridge?
Send logout to the bot, for example whatsappbot. Your messenger account keeps working as before.