Add support for multiple matrix accounts via matrix-web and/or element-desktop

[stevleibelt]

This discussion is based on issue/2320 raised by richvdh on 20.09.2016.
t3chguy suggested that this place here would be a better one to discuss this idea.

What is intended as a feature is to be able to manage and use multiple matrix accounts in all of the matrix front-ends.

Thanks to the success of matrix, it is common to have a private- and a work-account. Thanks to the success of remote working, it is common to use both accounts in parallel on the phone or on the desktop.

As pointed out by paboum on April 3., Fluffy-Chat had added support for this feature on its 0.4.10 release.

Cheers,
Stev

[t3chguy]

My suggestion was to a specific commenter who wanted a per-space identity within a single account instead of multiple account support ftr

[genofire]

a nice idea for a feature. But that is no replacement for multiaccount support.

I have multiple for work and for private. My company like to have the control over there server, so a special space where i join with my privat account whould noz be possible.

[genofire]

Found option to rename in room /myroomnick. Spaces are also only rooms ... but there is no option in any UI (Element) for that. A rule ofer inheritage of nickname is unclear.

[t3chguy]

@genofire how would you suggest such inheritance to work for rooms which are in multiple spaces?

[genofire]

nope, i believe to define it manuelle everywhere is the cleanes option ...

So my suggestion would be to add real multi-account support

[genofire]

To remember the list of issues and Discussion, here an overview:
element-hq/roadmap#11 (comment)

(just as link here, i like to improve it, if another one pop up)

PS: Hope we good an discussion about the how and bot about the if ... it is obviously that element need it.

[genofire]

found another discussion: #1832

[BloodyIron]

Maybe instead of matrix-web or element-desktop we could have it AND? ;)

[ghost]

Just throwing it out there, I have a use case now where I have a need for two matrix accounts.

• A workplace issued account for a home server for work
• A personal account I use for a personal home server

It would be nice to access all my chats from one Element Web session. It also would be more beneficial on the iOS clients so my phone can access both.

[KeebCat]

Just in case this isn't already planned, once this feature is added, it would be nice if push notifications worked for all logged in accounts, not just the currently active one, if that's reasonably possible :)

[cadaniel]

I have a use case for this as well.

I have disassociative identity disorder, or by what used to be known as multiple personality syndrome.

I'd like to create an app where all my different alternative selves (alters) can not only chat with each other, but with friends and have them separated out by alter instead of user. Though multiple players can be up front at the same time.