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The official onboarding guide for the 8bitcats Matrix instance. Learn how to set up your account via PocketID, manage your Passkeys, and choose the right chat client.
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 docs: add German translation
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README_de.md docs: add German translation 2026-03-31 14:04:52 +02:00

README.md

Welcome to the 8bitcats Matrix Instance

This guide will help you get started with our communication network. We value privacy, independence, and secure communication. To achieve this, we use the Matrix protocol combined with a modern login system called PocketID.

What is Matrix?

Matrix is an open standard for real-time, decentralized communication. Think of it like email, but for chat: you aren't tied to one specific provider. It supports end-to-end encryption, voice and video calls, and persistent chat rooms.

Key Technical Aspects

  • Decentralization: No single entity owns Matrix. While we host our own instance at 8bitcats.de, you can still communicate with users on other servers (like matrix.org).
  • Bridges: Matrix can connect to other platforms like Telegram or Signal, keeping your chats in one place.
  • Security: All private conversations are encrypted by default, meaning only you and your chat partner can read them.

Choosing a Client

Matrix is the "language" (the protocol), but you need an "interpreter" (the client/app) to use it. There are many options available depending on your device and taste. You can find a comprehensive list at matrix.org/ecosystem/clients/.

Setup Guide

Follow these steps to create your account and start chatting.

1. Registration & SSO

We use PocketID as our Single Sign-On (SSO) provider. This means your PocketID account acts as your master key for our services.

  1. An administrator will send you a personal registration URL.
  2. Open this link and follow the instructions to create your PocketID account.

2. Setting up your Passkey

Instead of traditional passwords, we use Passkeys. They are more secure and easier to use.

  • Option A (Recommended): Save your Passkey in a cross-device password manager (like Bitwarden, iCloud Keychain, or Google Password Manager). This way, you only need one Passkey for all your devices.
  • Option B: If you don't use a manager, you must create a separate Passkey for every device you want to use.

Note: To manage or add more Passkeys later, log in at id.8bitcats.de. If you need to log in on a new device, you can generate a one-time password (OTP) via email or through an already logged-in session.

3. Choose and Configure your Client

We have successfully tested the following clients:

  • Element (The most popular choice)
  • FluffyChat (Simple and colorful)
  • SchildiChat
  • Polycule
  • Cinny

Important Configuration: When you open your chosen app for the first time, it will usually show matrix.org as the provider. You must change this to our instance:

  • Homeserver URL: https://8bitcats.de

4. Logging In

  1. After changing the homeserver, click the "Login with PocketID" button.
  2. You will be redirected to our SSO service. Authenticate using your Passkey.
  3. On your first login, you will be asked if your data (like your name) should be shared with the Matrix instance. Confirm this to proceed.
  4. The app will redirect you back, and you are ready to go!

Your Identity

Once registered, your unique Matrix ID will follow this format: @USERNAME:8bitcats.de

Happy chatting!