🚀 Matrix Social Media Bridge (Beeper Alternative - Side Hustle Project)

A complete system to bridge WhatsApp/Instagram into a secure Matrix server. This project allows you to control a WhatsApp account programmatically or via a custom interface.

Note: This is an vibe coded project.

🛠 Prerequisites

Before running this, make sure you have:

1. Docker Desktop (Running on your Mac)
2. Node.js & NPM
3. Expo Go App (On your physical phone)

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⚙️ Step 1: Backend Setup (Docker)

The backend handles the server (Synapse) and the connection to WhatsApp (Mautrix Bridge).

1. Navigate to the backend folder:

   cd unified-backend

2. Get your Local IP: Run this in terminal: ipconfig getifaddr en0 (or en1). Note this down! We will call it YOUR_MAC_IP.

3. Update Configuration: Open docker-compose.yml and replace YOUR_MAC_IP with your actual IP.

4. Generate & Fix Configs (One-Time Setup): Since we don't push passwords to GitHub, you must generate them locally:

   • Generate Synapse Config:

     docker run -it --rm -v "$PWD/synapse-data:/data" -e SYNAPSE_SERVER_NAME=YOUR_MAC_IP -e SYNAPSE_REPORT_STATS=no matrixdotorg/synapse:latest generate

   • Edit synapse-data/homeserver.yaml:

     • Change enable_registration: false → true
     • Change bind_addresses: ['::1', '127.0.0.1'] → ['0.0.0.0']
     • Add this to the very bottom:

       app_service_config_files:
         - /data/registration.yaml

   • Setup Bridge Config: Create a file whatsapp-data/config.yaml and paste this (Update YOUR_MAC_IP):

     homeserver:
       address: http://synapse:8008
       domain: YOUR_MAC_IP
     appservice:
       address: http://mautrix-whatsapp:29318
       hostname: 0.0.0.0
       port: 29318
       database: { type: sqlite3, uri: file:/data/whatsapp.db }
       id: whatsapp
       bot: { username: whatsappbot, displayname: WhatsApp Bridge }
       as_token: "temp_as"
       hs_token: "temp_hs"
     network: { mode: default }
     bridge:
       permissions: { "*": "relay", "YOUR_MAC_IP": "user", "@admin:YOUR_MAC_IP": "admin" }
       relay: { enabled: true, admin_only: true }
     logging: { print_level: debug }

   • Generate Registration File:

     docker run --rm -v "$PWD/whatsapp-data:/data" dock.mau.dev/mautrix/whatsapp:latest
     cp whatsapp-data/registration.yaml synapse-data/registration.yaml

5. Start the Server:

   docker-compose up -d

6. Create Admin User:

   docker exec -it synapse register_new_matrix_user http://localhost:8008 -c /data/homeserver.yaml -u admin -p password123 --admin

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📱 Step 2: Frontend Setup (React Native)

The mobile app is used to scan the QR code and link your device.

1. Navigate to the frontend folder:

   cd ../WhatsAppLogin

2. Install Dependencies:

   npm install

3. Configure IP: Open App.js. Find the HOMESERVER and BOT_ID constants at the top. Replace 192.168.X.X with your YOUR_MAC_IP.

4. Run the App:

   npx expo start --clear

   Scan the QR code with your phone using the Expo Go app.

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🔗 Step 3: Connect WhatsApp

1. On the App, wait for "Client Ready" logs.
2. Tap Start Setup (This invites the bot).
3. Tap Send Login.
4. A QR Code will appear in the app logs.
5. Open WhatsApp on your real phone → Linked Devices → Link a Device.
6. Scan the QR code shown on the Expo app.

🎉 Success! Your WhatsApp is now bridged to your Matrix server.

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🛑 Troubleshooting

• App crashes on startup? Make sure YOUR_MAC_IP is correct in App.js and your phone is on the same Wi-Fi.
• Bot doesn't reply? Run docker restart mautrix-whatsapp.
• Connection Refused? Ensure Docker is running (docker ps).