Element Call and federated Matrix callers
Last updated: June 2026
When you use Sparks with federated Matrix contacts (other homeservers, e.g. with Element Call or Element Server Suite / ESS), they may call you via Element — not via the Sparks call button. Sparks and Element use different call technologies; fully answering in the Sparks meeting UI is not supported yet.
What happens on an Element call?
| Call type | Typical source | Sparks behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Sparks call | Call button in Sparks chat | Normal incoming call with ringtone and Accept/Decline |
| Legacy Matrix VoIP | Older Element clients (m.call.invite) | Depending on settings: auto-decline + chat hint or desktop notification only |
| Element Call (MatrixRTC) | Modern Element clients (m.rtc.notification) | Only when “Respond to Element Call (MatrixRTC)” is on — otherwise no reaction |
Important: MatrixRTC calls do not show the Sparks call dialog and do not ring inside Sparks. You may get a desktop notification only, or Sparks may decline the call on the protocol level.
Settings
Path: Settings → Chats and channels (Ctrl+. / Cmd+.)
Element / Matrix native calls (legacy VoIP)
Applies to older Matrix calls via m.call.invite:
| Option | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Automatically reject and suggest Sparks | Sparks declines and posts a chat message (e.g. “Please use Sparks for calls …”) |
| Only notify (accept in Element) | Desktop notification; answer in Element — no automatic decline |
Respond to Element Call (MatrixRTC)
Separate switch under the same section. Default: off (safe rollout).
| Switch | “Reject” option | “Notify only” option |
|---|---|---|
| Off | No reaction to MatrixRTC ring events | No reaction |
| On | Decline to Element + optional chat hint | Desktop notification only; caller gets no decline |
Details: Settings – Chat
Starting calls inside Sparks
For calls between Sparks users, use the Call or Video button in the Matrix chat. Everyone uses the same Sparks/LiveKit infrastructure.
Federated contacts who start Element Call reach you through their client — Sparks cannot join that call in the meeting UI (as of June 2026).
FAQ
Why doesn’t Sparks ring when someone calls me from Element?
Modern Element calls use MatrixRTC, not Sparks signaling. Without the MatrixRTC option enabled, Sparks does nothing; with “Notify only” you may see a desktop alert at most.
Does the caller see that I declined?
For legacy VoIP and for MatrixRTC with the switch on + “Reject”: yes — Sparks sends a protocol-level decline. With “Notify only”, the caller gets no automatic decline.
Can I still answer in Element?
Yes — open Element (or the caller’s Matrix client) and answer there. Sparks does not replace Element for those calls.
What about Microsoft Teams calls?
Teams calls appear in the Teams app, not in Sparks. See Parallel meeting apps for using both at once.
Related pages
- Dialog: Incoming call — Sparks-native calls
- Area: Calls
- Settings – Chat
- End-to-end encryption