Eature Request: Add a "Server Address" field to the login page for easier onboarding

Feature Proposal
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I’ve been thinking about how we can make the onboarding process easier for new users. Currently, setting up Delta Chat on a specific server (especially for non-technical people) can be a bit confusing because they often have to deal with manual configurations or QR codes.

I think we can learn from how Element (Matrix) and Mastodon handle their login screens. Here is how it works in those apps:

  • Custom Server Field: Instead of just asking for an email, they have a clear field that says “Enter your server address.”
  • Automatic Discovery: When a user types a server URL (like matrix.org or mastodon.social), the app automatically checks that server’s capabilities and shows the correct “Login” or “Create Account” buttons for that specific instance.
  • Simplicity: The user doesn’t need to know technical details. They just type the “home” of the community they want to join.

Why this would be great for Delta Chat:
For example, if I want to invite my family to use a specific Chatmail server, I could just tell them: “Download the app and type nine.testrun.org in the server box.” Right now, explaining how to find the right settings or getting them to use a provider is much harder. (because it is new for them to click on a button on a website and then an account on another app is created for them)

I’d love to hear what the community and developers think about this! Could we implement a similar “Server Discovery” flow in the welcome screen?

I have searched but I did not found this exact feature request.

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I’ve heard the idea of choosing a random Chatmail server at account creation being discussed..

I agree, the “List Chatmail Servers” seems a little under-baked - why open some web page and then make users figure out the “click on the QR” thing. Too many steps. Just let people select one right away, or type a custom address.

Though your suggestion also isn’t ideal IMO. Adding another button that is very similar to “List Chatmail Servers” in functionality maybe isn’t great.

Also, I don’t want to be another crab in the bucket, but I’ve heard that there has been a loooot of discussions about the onboarding flow, so it’s gonna be hard to convince everyone that your idea is better. Our UX is rigid I’d say.

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