FluffyChat1.0

FluffyChat is a free and open source instant messaging client based on the Matrix open protocol, focusing on simplicity, ease of use, cross-platform and decentralization. It can be used for one-on-one chats, group communication and community spaces, and also allows users to choose public Matrix servers or connect to their own deployed servers.

Unlike chat software that relies on a single service provider, FluffyChat hands over account and message management to the selected Matrix server. It supports end-to-end encryption, cross-signing, and encrypted chat backups, and is suitable for individual users and small teams who want to retain their choice of servers without having to deal with complex technical interfaces.

Core functions

• Encrypted Chat: Supports Matrix end-to-end encryption, device verification, cross-signing and encrypted message backup to reduce risks from unverified devices.
• Private chats and groups: You can send text, pictures, files, voice messages and location information, and support private chats, public groups and large channels.
• Space management: Organize multiple chat rooms and communities with Matrix Spaces, and use subspaces to create hierarchical structures.
• Cross-client interoperability: Able to communicate with users and rooms in Matrix clients such as Element, Nheko, NeoChat, Cinny, etc.
• Multi-device use: Available in Android, iOS, Linux and Web versions, account data can be synchronized between different devices using the Matrix protocol.
• Notification Choices: Android users can use Firebase Cloud Messaging or the more privacy-focused UnifiedPush.

Product Features

FluffyChat is developed using Flutter, and the interface is designed using Material You. The operation logic of mobile and desktop is relatively unified. It will try to hide complex concepts such as Matrix user IDs, device keys, and server addresses, and new users can complete some invitation and verification operations through QR codes.

Decentralization is both an advantage and a threshold for use. You need to select a homeserver when registering. Different servers may have different registration policies, storage capacity, public rooms, and stability. End-to-end encrypted rooms should also keep recovery keys secure; if the account, verified device, and recovery information are all lost at the same time, old messages may not be recovered.

Installation and usage tutorial

1. Android users can install it from GitHub Releases, Google Play or F-Droid; iPhone and iPad users can get it through the App Store; Linux users can install it through Flathub, Snap, etc. provided by the official website, or directly use the Web version.
2. Select an existing Matrix server after opening it for the first time, or find a homeserver that suits you on the server selection page. If the organization has built its own server, the server address provided by the administrator should be filled in.
3. After registering or logging in to your account, complete device verification and save the recovery key in the security settings. Do not keep the recovery key on the same device or send it to a regular chat window.
4. Start a chat with a contact, Matrix ID, room alias or invitation link. After joining the encrypted room, pay attention to the unverified device prompt and confirm that the other party’s device is correct before exchanging sensitive content.
5. When you need community management, you can create a space and then add related groups and channels to the space. Rooms with more notifications can be individually muted or set to a lower priority.

Applicable scenarios

• Cross-platform personal chat: Mobile phones, Linux computers and browsers can all access the same Matrix account.
• Open source community collaboration: Public channels, group management, and Spaces are suitable for organizing project discussions and user support.
• Self-built communication service: Teams can use FluffyChat as a client to connect to the Matrix homeserver they control.
• Communicate with other Matrix users: The other party does not need to use the same client, as long as they are on a compatible Matrix network, they can communicate.

Free scope and license

FluffyChat itself is free and open source, the code is released under the AGPL-3.0 license, and there is no mandatory subscription on the client side. When connecting to a public Matrix server, whether free and available capacity is determined by the server operator; self-built servers will incur hosting, domain name, storage, bandwidth and maintenance costs. A donation portal may be provided within the application to support the continued development of the project.

Usage evaluation

FluffyChat has the advantage of friendly interface, wide platform coverage, and does not lock users into a single service provider. Commonly used capabilities such as chat, files, voice, encryption and community space are relatively complete, and the simplified Chinese translation also reduces the difficulty of getting started.

It is not a completely barrier-free replacement for traditional centralized chat software. Server selection, device verification and recovery keys still require user understanding, and video and audio calls are also marked as experimental features on the official website. It is more suitable for users who are willing to spend a little time understanding Matrix and value open protocols and server autonomy.

Update instructions

The current stable version of GitHub is v2.8.0, released on July 20, 2026. The official Android APK is approximately 143 MB, and Linux ARM64, Linux x64, and web buildpacks are also available. Before installation or upgrade, it is recommended to check the file name and verification summary on the release page. Existing users should also confirm that the recovery key can be used normally.