Verify a colleague

For: everyone

Verifying a colleague confirms that you are really writing to them and that nobody is listening in. It is optional, but useful for teams that share sensitive information. You do it once per person.

Before you start

• Both of you are signed in to Element and have verified your own devices.
• Best done together: in the same room, or while talking on a call, so you can compare the emojis.

Steps

In the browser or on the computer

1. Open a chat with your colleague.
2. Click their name or profile picture to open their profile.
3. Click Verify.
4. Your colleague accepts the request on their device.
5. Both screens show the same set of emojis. Compare them together, in the same order.
6. If they match, both of you confirm. If they differ, cancel.

On the phone (Element X)

1. Open a chat with your colleague and tap their name to open their profile.
2. If you see Verify, tap it and follow the same steps as above.
3. If you don't see this option, do the verification in Element in the browser or on the computer.

After verification, Element shows a shield or a check mark next to your colleague.

Good to know

• If a verified colleague's identity changes later (for example after they reset it), Element shows a warning. Ask them in person whether it was them, then verify again.
• You don't need to verify colleagues to chat with them. Messages are encrypted either way.
• Bots like @ai or the bridge bots don't need to be verified.

Related

• Verify a new phone or computer
• Lost your recovery key?
• Glossary