Frequently Asked Questions

SchildiChat Legacy for Android

How do I set up UnifiedPush?

Follow the guide at unifiedpush.org to set up UnifiedPush. Once you have that working, SchildiChat should pick it up automatically. You can also change the distributor in Settings/Notifications/Notification Method.

If you want to use ntfy, and don't want to self-host a server yourself, feel free to use ntfy.schildi.chat.

Why is UnifiedPush not working?

Here are some common reasons for UnifiedPush not working:

For debugging UnifidedPush setups, first try to get the "UP-Example" application to work, which you can get on F-Droid. You may also get help at #unifiedpush:matrix.org.

What are the different variants?

You can find information about all available variants here.

How to use multiple accounts?

Unfortunately, that's not possible right now. We will hopefully get support for multiple accounts once Elements supports it (they have it on their roadmap at least). Until then, as workaround, the best thing we can offer is using 5 variants of SchildiChat, when using our own F-Droid repo, as you can install all of these alongside each other:

Why does SchildiChat not support Android Auto? Element does!

We have disabled Android Auto support for the app provided in the Google Play Store, since Google requires you to fill extra legal paperwork for that, and you have to guarantee that you did thoroughly test this scenario. But in fact, we haven't tested this at all. If you want to use Android Auto with SchildiChat, you can still download SchildiChat from any of our F-Droid or direct download sources (even if it's the FCM variant) - we haven't disabled Android Auto there, but use at your own risk.

What are the differences compared to Element Android?

I'm maintaining a list here, but note that this may not be complete and partly outdated.

Is there any way to find (and join) public rooms?

In case you enabled easy mode during initial setup, you need to first disable it in Settings / Preferences / Easy mode. Then, just click the + / #+ buttons while viewing the home rooms list. You may want to click the "Change network" options menu item in case you want to see public rooms on suggested homeservers other then your own homeserver.

Where to report bugs and request features?

Feel free to support existing issues, or file new issue on GitHub.
In case you experience bugs that require logs to debug, such as app crashes or other bugs not commonly reproducable, send a bug report from within the app (e.g. use the options menu in the chat overview, or enable "rageshake" in the settings and shake the device), and make sure to have the logs option enabled. Also make sure to always provide a concise description of what your issue is and what you did in order to get it.

Can I verify downloads from the SpiritCroc F-Droid repository?

You can check the downloaded apk from the SpiritCroc F-Droid repository for following SHA-256 hashes (as output e.g. by keytool -printcert -jarfile) to ensure the app was properly signed with our signing keys:

What does the name mean?

Schildi = Schildkröte = German for turtle. So "Turtle"-Chat. Feel free to call it Shieldy-Chat (shield for security?), if that's easier to pronounce for you.

What does the icon depict?

A turtle with a post horn.

How can I help to translate SchildiChat?

You can contribute SchildiChat translations at translate.schildi.chat.

How can I donate you something?

Thanks for asking! However, we currently do not accept donation. Our goal is not to make money with this project, but just create a chat client that we enjoy using. As a result, we also do not feel any obligations to satisfy user expecations or wishes - this is a hobby project, after all. Feel free to donate to a charity of your choice instead, or to matrix.org directly for maintaining the matrix specification.

How to get in touch?

Matrix is a chat network, and so you can use it to get in touch with the SchildiChat community! Feel free to join any of the following:

How to get notified of updates?

We have announcement rooms that you can join: