---
id: matrix-nio
version: "0.26.0"
license: Internet Systems Consortium license =================================== Copyright (c) `2018`, `Damir Jelić <poljar@termina.org.uk>` Permission to use, copy, modify, and/or distribute this software… (full text in the JSON record)
license_treatment: unclear
maintenance: active
---

# matrix-nio — A Python Matrix client library, designed according to sans I/O principles.

License: unclear · Maintenance: active · Downloads: 943.8K/mo

## What it is and what it does

matrix-nio is a multilayered Matrix protocol client library that separates the protocol logic (sans-IO base layer) from the network transport (asyncio/aiohttp layer). It handles the full lifecycle of Matrix client operations—authentication, room management, message synchronization, and user presence—with built-in support for end-to-end encryption when the optional libolm dependency is installed.

The library is designed for developers building bots, bridges, or interactive clients that need to connect to Matrix homeservers. It provides type hints throughout, supports custom authentication flows, and includes features like typing notifications, read receipts, message redaction, and emoji verification. File uploads and downloads are encrypted when E2EE is enabled. The package depends on aiohttp for HTTP, aiofiles for async file operations, h11 and h2 for HTTP protocol handling, jsonschema for validation, and pycryptodome for cryptographic operations.

Use it for:

- Build a Matrix chat bot that listens to room messages and responds based on commands or triggers
- Create a bridge between Matrix and another chat platform by syncing messages bidirectionally
- Develop a custom Matrix client UI with end-to-end encryption support for secure messaging
- Monitor Matrix rooms programmatically and log or alert on specific message patterns
- Automate user registration and room management tasks on a Matrix homeserver

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

matrix-nio is an asyncio-based Python client library for the Matrix protocol, providing end-to-end encryption support, room management, and real-time synchronization with Matrix homeservers.

Yes. matrix-nio is actively maintained, has low install friction, no known vulnerabilities, and a permissive license. It is the standard choice for Python developers building Matrix clients or bots. Install without hesitation if you need Matrix protocol support; add the [e2e] extra only if you need end-to-end encryption and can install libolm on your system.

## Install

pip install matrix-nio
uv add matrix-nio
poetry add matrix-nio

## Installing matrix-nio

Before you install: Low friction install with a pure-Python wheel; active maintenance with a recent release 22 days ago. Optional E2EE support requires the libolm C library (version 3.x) installed separately via system package manager.

License in practice: Licensed under the Internet Systems Consortium license (ISC), a permissive open-source license similar to MIT. No notable restrictions for commercial or private use.

Quickstart:

pip install matrix-nio

import asyncio
from nio import AsyncClient

async def main():
    client = AsyncClient("https://matrix.org", "@user:matrix.org")
    await client.login("password")
    await client.sync()
    await client.close()

asyncio.run(main())

Requires Python 3.10 or later. For end-to-end encryption, libolm C library (version 3.x) must be installed system-wide before installing matrix-nio[e2e].

Verify before relying:

- Whether cross-signing and server-side key backup features are planned or deprioritized
- Performance characteristics under high message volume or large room counts
- Compatibility with non-standard or older Matrix homeserver implementations

## Package facts

- License: Internet Systems Consortium license =================================== Copyright (c) `2018`, `Damir Jelić <poljar@termina.org.uk>` Permission to use, copy, modify, and/or distribute this software… (full text in the JSON record) (unclear)
- Python support: supports_current
- Install friction: low
- Maintenance: active
- Downloads: 943.8K/month (top 5,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

matrix client library python, matrix protocol asyncio, end-to-end encryption matrix, matrix chat client sdk, matrix homeserver python, matrix room management, matrix live sync, matrix-protocol, async-io, e2e-encryption

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