For: everyone
Each time you sign in on a new phone, computer or browser, Element asks you to confirm that it's really you. This step is called verification. Once the new device is verified, it can read your encrypted messages, including older ones.
Before you start
You need one of these:
- another device where you are already signed in to Element, or
- your recovery key.
Verify with another device
- Sign in on the new device. Element asks you to confirm your identity.
- Choose Use another device.
- On your other device, a request appears. Accept it.
- Both screens show the same set of emojis (or one device shows a QR code to scan with the other).
- Check that the emojis match, in the same order, and confirm on both devices.
- Done. Your messages now load on the new device.
Verify with your recovery key
- Sign in on the new device. Element asks you to confirm your identity.
- Choose the option to use your recovery key (on the phone: Enter recovery key).
- Type or paste your recovery key.
- Confirm. Your messages now load on the new device.
Verify later
If you skipped verification, you can do it afterwards.
In the browser or on the computer
- Click your profile picture at the top left and then All settings.
- Open Sessions.
- Click Verify session next to the current session and choose another device or your recovery key.
On the phone (Element X)
Element X asks for verification while you sign in. If you skipped it, sign out and sign in again.
If something goes wrong
- The emojis don't match: cancel and try again. Don't confirm emojis that differ.
- No request appears on the other device: make sure the other device is online and Element is open there.
- No other device and no recovery key: see Lost your recovery key?.