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How to Switch from Slack to Element

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Slack
Element
Element
Medium 45 minutes Updated 21 January 2026 Privacy Registry Team

Introduction

This guide will help you switch from Slack to Element, a secure messaging platform built on the Matrix protocol. Element offers end-to-end encryption, federation, and self-hosting options.

Why switch?

  • Slack stores all messages indefinitely with full access
  • Data stored on US servers under Salesforce ownership
  • No end-to-end encryption available
  • Expensive for larger teams
  • Vendor lock-in concerns

Why Element?

  • End-to-end encryption by default
  • Self-hosting option for full control
  • Open source and federated protocol
  • No vendor lock-in (Matrix is a standard)
  • Free for small teams, affordable scaling
  • EU-based hosting available

Prerequisites

  • Slack workspace admin access (for export)
  • Element/Matrix server (self-hosted or matrix.org or EMS)
  • About 45 minutes for setup
  • Team coordination for migration

Info: You can use the free matrix.org server, or self-host for complete control. Element Matrix Services (EMS) offers managed hosting.

Step 1: Choose your Matrix server

Option A: matrix.org (Free, quickest setup)

  1. Great for testing and small teams
  2. Visit app.element.io to get started
  3. Create accounts on matrix.org server
  4. Note: You don’t control the server

Option B: Element Matrix Services (Managed hosting)

  1. Visit element.io/matrix-services
  2. Choose your plan based on team size
  3. Get a managed, hosted Matrix server
  4. Best balance of convenience and control

Option C: Self-host Matrix (Full control)

  1. Set up a server (VPS or on-premises)
  2. Install Synapse (Matrix homeserver)
  3. Configure domain and SSL
  4. More complex but maximum privacy

Tip: For most teams, EMS provides the best balance of privacy, convenience, and support.

Step 2: Create your workspace structure

In Element, channels are called “rooms”:

  1. Create a Space (equivalent to Slack workspace)
  2. Create rooms for each Slack channel you want to migrate
  3. Set room visibility (public or private)
  4. Configure room permissions

Example structure:

  • Space: “Company Name”
    • #general
    • #engineering
    • #marketing
    • #random

Step 3: Invite team members

Create accounts

  1. Team members create Element accounts
  2. Or use SSO/SAML if configured (Enterprise feature)
  3. Share the Space invite link
  4. Or invite individually to each room

For managed hosting (EMS)

  1. Use the admin panel to invite users
  2. Send email invitations
  3. Set up SSO for seamless login

Step 4: Export Slack message history (optional)

Slack history export depends on your plan:

  1. Free Slack: Only admins can export, limited history
  2. Paid Slack: Full export available

To export:

  1. Go to Slack Administration
  2. Navigate to Settings & Administration > Workspace Settings
  3. Click “Import/Export Data”
  4. Select “Export” and choose date range
  5. Download the export file

Warning: Free Slack plans only retain 90 days of messages. Export quickly if this matters.

Step 5: Set up bridges (optional)

Element can bridge to Slack during transition:

  1. Use the Slack bridge to connect rooms
  2. Messages flow between both platforms
  3. Gradual migration without disruption

For self-hosted: Set up mautrix-slack or other bridges For EMS: Bridge features may be included

Step 6: Train your team

Key differences from Slack:

  • Threads: Use “Reply in thread” similar to Slack
  • Reactions: Emoji reactions work the same
  • Mentions: Use @username to notify people
  • Encryption: Verify devices for secure messaging
  • Search: Search works within encrypted rooms

Tip: Create a #help room for questions during transition.

Tips & Gotchas

Warning: End-to-end encryption means message history isn’t searchable server-side. Plan accordingly for compliance needs.

  • Device verification: Encourage team to verify devices for security
  • Key backup: Set up key backup to prevent losing message access
  • Integrations: Many integrations exist but differ from Slack
  • File storage: Files are stored on your Matrix server
  • Mobile apps: Element has iOS and Android apps
  • Desktop app: Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux

What’s Next?

After completing this guide:

  1. Set up integrations: Webhooks, bots, and bridges
  2. Configure notifications: Fine-tune per-room settings
  3. Enable E2EE everywhere: Turn on encryption for all rooms
  4. Train your team: Share Element’s help resources
  5. Decommission Slack: After successful transition

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