Services

frei.chat offers you several additional services around Matrix chat.

NTFY

The ntfy.sh service can be used to send and receive https push notifications. If you don't want to use the common Google Push Service, you can use the ntfy.frei.chat domain and keep notifications in house.

Why do I even want to do this complicated configuration?

The normal way to receive notifications is via a Google service. Since you've already started using Matrix, it only makes sense to further isolate yourself from Google services. Just remember that every communication is stored through Google and they use and probably sell your data.

Configuration

1. Download the app NTFY (for Android and iOS) and configure the address https://ntfy.frei.chat in the app settings, Settings > Default server.
2. After that you have to change the push service in the Element / Schildichat app.
   Open settings and navigate to notifications > notification method and select ntfy instead of Google Services.
3. Now check the notification settings of the NTFY app itself. It needs to be able to send system-wide notifications.
4. Close the Element app, lock your phone and ask someone to send you a message. If it doesn't notify you asap you also have to open up the NTFY app again and switch to socket notification. You should be notified by the NTFY app by an internal message.
5. Now check again if you receive notifications.

Background activity

Since Android is very strict about battery consumption and tries to put every app to sleep mode, you need to configure the setting manually.

Unfortunately you have to configure the battery usage on Android devices for each app that uses the NTFY app and the Element app itself. Depending on the os version you can find this setting by holding the app icon and press the information icon in the top right corner. You will get into the app settings and find the battery menu in the middle of the page. Select the top option like not restricted.

I don't have an iPhone so you have to google it, sorry.

Running service versions