We're upgrading the Matrix homeserver that runs chat on prometheus.systems. This post covers what's changing, what stays the same, and the maintenance window to plan around.
What you get
Element X. The new Element client, on mobile and web, is a large step up from the classic app: near-instant startup, faster room switching, and better handling of end-to-end encryption. This upgrade moves our server to the sync protocol Element X needs, so you can switch to it.
A current server. We're moving from an older server build to a current, actively maintained one, with the security and performance work that has landed since.
Modern login. Authentication moves to an OpenID Connect flow. That means cleaner session handling, better control over your logged-in devices, and support for newer sign-in methods like QR-code login.
Media on object storage. Uploaded files and images move to object storage, which is more durable and scales better than local disk.
What stays exactly the same
Your account, your rooms, and your message history carry over. Same user ID, same room addresses, same server name. Federation with other Matrix servers is preserved, so conversations with people on other homeservers keep working and nobody has to rejoin anything.
If you use end-to-end encryption, your keys stay on your devices, where they have always been. Keep an existing session signed in through the migration and your encrypted history stays readable on that device.
The maintenance window
Moving the data across needs a planned downtime window. While it runs, chat on our server will be offline. Everything comes back when it completes.
- When: Friday, 24 July 2026, 03:00 to 11:00 UTC.
- Expected duration: We have reserved up to 8 hours. We expect the work to finish within 3 to 5, and we will be back as soon as it is done.
- We will post a reminder in your rooms before we start, and again once we are back.
Why we're posting this
Two reasons. First, so the downtime is expected rather than a surprise. Second, because this is the kind of work we think a hosting provider should do out loud: say what is changing, why, and what it means for the data you trust us with.
If you want the exact schedule and a note the moment we are back online, subscribe below. One email before the window, one after. Nothing else.