How to Self-Host Matrix Synapse with Docker Compose

What Is Matrix Synapse? Matrix is an open, decentralized communication protocol for real-time messaging, voice, and video. Synapse is the reference homeserver implementation -- the software you run to participate in the Matrix network. Think of it like email: you run your own server, but you can communicate with anyone on any other Matrix server worldwide. Updated March 2026: Verified with latest Docker images and configurations. Synapse replaces Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams, and other centralized chat platforms. Pair it with Element (the most popular Matrix client) and you get end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice/video calls, file sharing, and bridging to other platforms -- all under your control. Federation means your users can chat with anyone on the Matrix network, not just people on your server. Prerequisites A Linux server (Ubuntu 22.04+ recommended) Docker and Docker Compose installed ( guide ) A domain name pointed at your server (e.g., matrix.example.com ) 2 GB of RAM mini