---
title: "How-to complete your Matrix setup\n    | Ubuntu"
description: Ubuntu is an open source software operating system that runs from the
  desktop, to the cloud, to all your internet connected things.
url: https://ubuntu.com/community/docs/communications/matrix/completing-setup?format=md
keywords: index, follow
---

*Submit*

# How-to complete your Matrix setup

If you are reading this guide, you most likely completed the “[Getting started with Matrix](https://ubuntu.com/community/communications/matrix/onboarding)” tutorial. This document explains the next steps to complete your Matrix setup. While these steps are not required, they are greatly recommended because they will make your long-term experience a lot better.

## [Backup your encryption keys](https://ubuntu.com/community/docs/communications/matrix/completing-setup?format=md#p-107771-backup-your-encryption-keys)

Make sure your encryption keys are backed up. Without encryption keys backups, you might not be able to restore your end-to-end encrypted chats if you log off all your devices.

### [Recovery key](https://ubuntu.com/community/docs/communications/matrix/completing-setup?format=md#p-107771-recovery-key)

* Open your Element client, click the  gear icon at the bottom left, and select " All settings"
* Select the "  Encryption" icon on the left
* Navigate to the “Recovery” section and select “Set up recovery”
* Follow the on-screen instructions to generate your unique security key
* Store your unique security key in a safe place
* Ensure the button in the “Recovery” section now reads: "  Change recovery key"

### [Export keys](https://ubuntu.com/community/docs/communications/matrix/completing-setup?format=md#p-107771-export-keys)

Optionally, you can also manually export your encryption keys.

* Navigate to the “Advanced” section of the “Encryption” settings
* Select “Export keys”
* Read the instructions carefully, and enter a passphrase to protect your manual encryption keys
* Download the export file and store it in a safe place

## [Advertise your Matrix ID](https://ubuntu.com/community/docs/communications/matrix/completing-setup?format=md#p-107771-advertise-your-matrix-id)

To make sure people know how to reach you, it’s best to advertise your Matrix ID in a prominent place. Launchpad now has the option to advertise your Matrix ID on your profile. Edit it on <https://launchpad.net/~/>.

Make sure to always write the full matrix ID, including the homeserver, in the form `@<username>:<homeserver>`. Just specifying your username is not enough, because different people can have the same username on different homeservers.

## [Check our other guides](https://ubuntu.com/community/docs/communications/matrix/completing-setup?format=md#p-107771-check-our-other-guides)

* Do you have multiple Matrix accounts and want to use them at the same time? Take a look at [Using Multiple Matrix Accounts](https://ubuntu.com/community/docs/communications/matrix/multiple-accounts)
* Do you want to create rooms for your own community? Take a look at our [room administration docs](https://ubuntu.com/community/docs/communications/matrix/management)
* Do you want to know who is in charge of moderation and policy making on our homeserver? Take a look at the [Ubuntu Matrix Governance Structure](https://ubuntu.com/community/docs/communications/matrix/governance)

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Protecting against spam](https://ubuntu.com/community/docs/communications/matrix/spam)

This page was last modified 1 year, 2 months ago. [Help improve this document in the forum](https://discourse.ubuntu.com/t/how-to-complete-your-matrix-setup/43116).