For: everyone
A bridge connects Element to another messenger. Once you link your account, your WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram chats appear in Element as rooms, and you can answer them from the browser, the computer or the phone. All bridges are included in your plan and always active. You don't need to install anything.
How every bridge works
Each person links their own accounts, from their own Element account. Linking a messenger never gives your colleagues access to your chats.
- In Element, start a direct chat with the bridge bot, for example
@whatsappbot:<your server>. Your server address is on your dashboard under Your Matrix login → Server. - Send the message
login. - Follow the instructions the bot sends you.
- When the bot confirms the login, your chats start to appear in Element as rooms.
To unlink a messenger later, send logout to the same bot.
Which bridge do you need?
| Messenger | Bot username | How you sign in | What you need | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
whatsappbot |
Scan a QR code with your phone | WhatsApp on your phone | Connect WhatsApp | |
| Signal | signalbot |
Scan a QR code with your phone | Signal on your phone | Connect Signal |
| Telegram | telegrambot |
Phone number and a code | Your Telegram phone number | Connect Telegram |
| Discord | discordbot |
Follow the bot's help | A Discord account | Connect Discord |
| Google Chat | googlechatbot |
Sign in as the bot instructs | A Google Workspace account | Connect Google Chat |
| Messenger | messengerbot |
Sign in as the bot instructs | A Facebook Messenger account | Connect Messenger |
instagrambot |
Sign in as the bot instructs | An Instagram account | Connect Instagram | |
linkedinbot |
Sign in as the bot instructs | A LinkedIn account | Connect LinkedIn |
Check the status of your bridges
In the portal, open Settings and scroll to Bridges. Each bridge shows one of these statuses:
- Healthy: the bridge is working.
- Unhealthy: the bridge has a problem at the moment.
- Status unknown: the status couldn't be checked right now.
Click How to connect next to a bridge for a short reminder of the steps.
Good to know
- Bridged chats are end-to-end encrypted on the Matrix side, like your other private chats in Element.
- WhatsApp and Signal need the app on your phone. WhatsApp disconnects linked devices if the phone isn't used for about 14 days.
- Bridged WhatsApp and Signal chats can show phone numbers instead of names. Connect your Google Contacts to see real names.
- WhatsApp calls can't be answered in Element. Set up a call redirect so callers know how to reach you.