diff --git a/examples/vars.yml b/examples/vars.yml
index 9623ad392..0f6c1a55f 100644
--- a/examples/vars.yml
+++ b/examples/vars.yml
@@ -14,6 +14,10 @@ matrix_domain: YOUR_BARE_DOMAIN_NAME_HERE
 # See `roles/matrix-base/defaults/main.yml` for valid options.
 matrix_homeserver_implementation: synapse
 
+# A secret used as a base, for generating various other secrets.
+# You can put any string here, but generating a strong one is preferred (e.g. `pwgen -s 64 1`).
+matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key: ''
+
 # This is something which is provided to Let's Encrypt when retrieving SSL certificates for domains.
 #
 # In case SSL renewal fails at some point, you'll also get an email notification there.
@@ -28,10 +32,6 @@ matrix_ssl_lets_encrypt_support_email: ''
 # You can put any string here, but generating a strong one is preferred (e.g. `pwgen -s 64 1`).
 matrix_coturn_turn_static_auth_secret: ''
 
-# A secret used to protect access keys issued by the server.
-# You can put any string here, but generating a strong one is preferred (e.g. `pwgen -s 64 1`).
-matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key: ''
-
 # A Postgres password to use for the superuser Postgres user (called `matrix` by default).
 #
 # The playbook creates additional Postgres users and databases (one for each enabled service)
diff --git a/group_vars/matrix_servers b/group_vars/matrix_servers
index 3c2161dc9..a39b46657 100755
--- a/group_vars/matrix_servers
+++ b/group_vars/matrix_servers
@@ -79,14 +79,14 @@ matrix_appservice_discord_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_appservice_discord_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'discord.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_appservice_discord_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'discord.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_appservice_discord_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'discord.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_appservice_discord_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'discord.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 # We only make this use Postgres if our own Postgres server is enabled.
 # It's only then (for now) that we can automatically create the necessary database and user for this service.
 matrix_appservice_discord_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_appservice_discord_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'as.discord.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_appservice_discord_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'as.discord.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -111,12 +111,12 @@ matrix_appservice_webhooks_container_image_self_build: "{{ matrix_architecture !
 # matrix-appservice-webhooks' client-server port to the local host.
 matrix_appservice_webhooks_container_http_host_bind_port: "{{ '' if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else ('127.0.0.1:' ~ matrix_appservice_webhooks_matrix_port) }}"
 
-matrix_appservice_webhooks_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'webhook.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_appservice_webhooks_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'webhook.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_appservice_webhooks_homeserver_url: "{{ matrix_homeserver_container_url }}"
-matrix_appservice_webhooks_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'webhook.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_appservice_webhooks_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'webhook.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_appservice_webhooks_id_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'webhook.id.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_appservice_webhooks_id_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'webhook.id.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_appservice_webhooks_systemd_required_services_list: |
   {{
@@ -150,12 +150,12 @@ matrix_appservice_slack_container_image_self_build: "{{ matrix_architecture != '
 # matrix-appservice-slack's client-server port to the local host.
 matrix_appservice_slack_container_http_host_bind_port: "{{ '' if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else ('127.0.0.1:' ~ matrix_appservice_slack_slack_port) }}"
 
-matrix_appservice_slack_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'slack.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_appservice_slack_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'slack.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_appservice_slack_homeserver_url: "{{ matrix_homeserver_container_url }}"
-matrix_appservice_slack_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'slack.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_appservice_slack_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'slack.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_appservice_slack_id_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'slack.id.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_appservice_slack_id_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'slack.id.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_appservice_slack_systemd_required_services_list: |
   {{
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ matrix_appservice_slack_systemd_required_services_list: |
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_appservice_slack_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'nedb' }}"
-matrix_appservice_slack_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'as.slack.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_appservice_slack_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'as.slack.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -205,12 +205,12 @@ matrix_appservice_irc_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_appservice_irc_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'irc.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_appservice_irc_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'irc.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_appservice_irc_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'irc.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_appservice_irc_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'irc.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_appservice_irc_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'nedb' }}"
-matrix_appservice_irc_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'as.irc.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_appservice_irc_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'as.irc.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 
 ######################################################################
@@ -242,15 +242,15 @@ matrix_beeper_linkedin_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_beeper_linkedin_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'linked.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_beeper_linkedin_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'linked.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_beeper_linkedin_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'linked.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_beeper_linkedin_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'linked.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_beeper_linkedin_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_shared_secret if matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_enabled else '' }}"
 
 matrix_beeper_linkedin_bridge_presence: "{{ matrix_synapse_presence_enabled if matrix_synapse_enabled else true }}"
 
-matrix_beeper_linkedin_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'maulinkedin.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_beeper_linkedin_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'maulinkedin.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -280,9 +280,9 @@ matrix_mautrix_facebook_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mautrix_facebook_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'fb.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_facebook_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'fb.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mautrix_facebook_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'fb.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_facebook_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'fb.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mautrix_facebook_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_shared_secret if matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_enabled else '' }}"
 
@@ -291,7 +291,7 @@ matrix_mautrix_facebook_bridge_presence: "{{ matrix_synapse_presence_enabled if
 # We'd like to force-set people with external Postgres to SQLite, so the bridge role can complain
 # and point them to a migration path.
 matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.fb.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.fb.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -322,9 +322,9 @@ matrix_mautrix_hangouts_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mautrix_hangouts_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'ho.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_hangouts_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'ho.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mautrix_hangouts_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'ho.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_hangouts_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'ho.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mautrix_hangouts_container_http_host_bind_port: "{{ '' if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else '127.0.0.1:9007' }}"
 
@@ -332,7 +332,7 @@ matrix_mautrix_hangouts_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_pro
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_mautrix_hangouts_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_mautrix_hangouts_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.hangouts.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_hangouts_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.hangouts.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -363,9 +363,9 @@ matrix_mautrix_googlechat_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mautrix_googlechat_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'gc.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_googlechat_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'gc.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mautrix_googlechat_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'gc.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_googlechat_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'gc.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mautrix_googlechat_container_http_host_bind_port: "{{ '' if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else '127.0.0.1:9007' }}"
 
@@ -373,7 +373,7 @@ matrix_mautrix_googlechat_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_p
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_mautrix_googlechat_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_mautrix_googlechat_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.gc.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_googlechat_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.gc.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -404,9 +404,9 @@ matrix_mautrix_instagram_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mautrix_instagram_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'ig.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_instagram_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'ig.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mautrix_instagram_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'ig.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_instagram_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'ig.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mautrix_instagram_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_shared_secret if matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_enabled else '' }}"
 
@@ -415,7 +415,7 @@ matrix_mautrix_instagram_bridge_presence: "{{ matrix_synapse_presence_enabled if
 # We'd like to force-set people with external Postgres to SQLite, so the bridge role can complain
 # and point them to a migration path.
 matrix_mautrix_instagram_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_mautrix_instagram_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.ig.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_instagram_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.ig.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -450,14 +450,14 @@ matrix_mautrix_signal_homeserver_domain: '{{ matrix_domain }}'
 
 matrix_mautrix_signal_homeserver_address: "{{ matrix_homeserver_container_url }}"
 
-matrix_mautrix_signal_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'si.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_signal_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'si.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mautrix_signal_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'si.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_signal_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'si.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mautrix_signal_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_shared_secret if matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_enabled else '' }}"
 
 matrix_mautrix_signal_database_engine: 'postgres'
-matrix_mautrix_signal_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.signal.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_signal_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.signal.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mautrix_signal_container_image_self_build: "{{ matrix_architecture not in ['amd64', 'arm64'] }}"
 matrix_mautrix_signal_daemon_container_image_self_build: "{{ matrix_architecture != 'amd64' }}"
@@ -493,11 +493,11 @@ matrix_mautrix_telegram_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mautrix_telegram_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'telegr.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_telegram_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'telegr.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mautrix_telegram_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'telegr.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_telegram_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'telegr.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mautrix_telegram_public_endpoint: "/{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'telegram') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_telegram_public_endpoint: "/{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'telegram') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mautrix_telegram_container_http_host_bind_port: "{{ '' if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else '127.0.0.1:9006' }}"
 
@@ -505,7 +505,7 @@ matrix_mautrix_telegram_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_pro
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_mautrix_telegram_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_mautrix_telegram_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.telegram.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_telegram_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.telegram.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -535,16 +535,16 @@ matrix_mautrix_twitter_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mautrix_twitter_appservice_token: "{{ matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key | password_hash('sha512', 'twt.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_twitter_appservice_token: "{{ matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key | password_hash('sha512', 'twt.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mautrix_twitter_homeserver_token: "{{ matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key | password_hash('sha512', 'twt.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_twitter_homeserver_token: "{{ matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key | password_hash('sha512', 'twt.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mautrix_twitter_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_shared_secret if matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_enabled else '' }}"
 
 # We'd like to force-set people with external Postgres to SQLite, so the bridge role can complain
 # and point them to a migration path.
 matrix_mautrix_twitter_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else '' }}"
-matrix_mautrix_twitter_database_password: "{{ matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.twt.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_twitter_database_password: "{{ matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.twt.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -574,15 +574,15 @@ matrix_mautrix_whatsapp_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mautrix_whatsapp_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'whats.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_whatsapp_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'whats.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mautrix_whatsapp_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'whats.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_whatsapp_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'whats.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mautrix_whatsapp_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_shared_secret if matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_enabled else '' }}"
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_mautrix_whatsapp_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_mautrix_whatsapp_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mauwhatsapp.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mautrix_whatsapp_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mauwhatsapp.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -608,10 +608,10 @@ matrix_sms_bridge_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_sms_bridge_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'sms.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_sms_bridge_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'sms.as.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_sms_bridge_homeserver_port: "{{ matrix_synapse_container_client_api_port }}"
-matrix_sms_bridge_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'sms.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_sms_bridge_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'sms.hs.token') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -628,9 +628,9 @@ matrix_sms_bridge_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_se
 # We don't enable bridges by default.
 matrix_heisenbridge_enabled: false
 
-matrix_heisenbridge_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'heisen.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_heisenbridge_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'heisen.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_heisenbridge_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'heisen.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_heisenbridge_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'heisen.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_heisenbridge_systemd_wanted_services_list: |
   {{
@@ -667,15 +667,15 @@ matrix_mx_puppet_skype_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_skype_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'skype.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_skype_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'skype.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_skype_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'skype.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_skype_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'skype.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mx_puppet_skype_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_shared_secret if matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_enabled else '' }}"
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_mx_puppet_skype_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_mx_puppet_skype_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.skype.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_skype_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.skype.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -706,15 +706,15 @@ matrix_mx_puppet_slack_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_slack_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxslk.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_slack_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxslk.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_slack_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxslk.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_slack_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxslk.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mx_puppet_slack_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_shared_secret if matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_enabled else '' }}"
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_mx_puppet_slack_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_mx_puppet_slack_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.slack.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_slack_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.slack.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -744,9 +744,9 @@ matrix_mx_puppet_twitter_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_twitter_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxtwt.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_twitter_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxtwt.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_twitter_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxtwt.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_twitter_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxtwt.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mx_puppet_twitter_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_shared_secret if matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_enabled else '' }}"
 
@@ -754,7 +754,7 @@ matrix_mx_puppet_twitter_container_http_host_bind_port: "{{ '' if matrix_nginx_p
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_mx_puppet_twitter_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_mx_puppet_twitter_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.twitter.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_twitter_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.twitter.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -785,15 +785,15 @@ matrix_mx_puppet_instagram_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_instagram_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxig.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_instagram_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxig.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_instagram_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxig.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_instagram_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxig.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mx_puppet_instagram_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_shared_secret if matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_enabled else '' }}"
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_mx_puppet_instagram_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_mx_puppet_instagram_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.ig.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_instagram_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.ig.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -823,15 +823,15 @@ matrix_mx_puppet_discord_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_discord_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxdsc.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_discord_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxdsc.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_discord_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxdsc.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_discord_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxdsc.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mx_puppet_discord_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_shared_secret if matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_enabled else '' }}"
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_mx_puppet_discord_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_mx_puppet_discord_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.dsc.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_discord_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.dsc.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -861,15 +861,15 @@ matrix_mx_puppet_steam_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_steam_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxste.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_steam_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxste.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_steam_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxste.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_steam_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxste.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mx_puppet_steam_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_shared_secret if matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_enabled else '' }}"
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_mx_puppet_steam_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_mx_puppet_steam_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.steam.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_steam_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.steam.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -899,15 +899,15 @@ matrix_mx_puppet_groupme_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-nginx-proxy.service'] if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_groupme_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxgro.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_groupme_appservice_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxgro.as.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_mx_puppet_groupme_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxgro.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_groupme_homeserver_token: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxgro.hs.tok') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_mx_puppet_groupme_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_shared_secret if matrix_synapse_ext_password_provider_shared_secret_auth_enabled else '' }}"
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_mx_puppet_groupme_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_mx_puppet_groupme_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.groupme.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_mx_puppet_groupme_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mxpup.groupme.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -937,7 +937,7 @@ matrix_bot_matrix_reminder_bot_systemd_required_services_list: |
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_bot_matrix_reminder_bot_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_bot_matrix_reminder_bot_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'reminder.bot.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_bot_matrix_reminder_bot_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'reminder.bot.db') | to_uuid }}"
 matrix_bot_matrix_reminder_bot_container_image_self_build: "{{ matrix_architecture != 'amd64' }}"
 
 ######################################################################
@@ -1142,7 +1142,7 @@ matrix_dimension_systemd_required_services_list: |
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_dimension_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_dimension_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'dimension.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_dimension_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'dimension.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -1167,7 +1167,7 @@ matrix_etherpad_systemd_required_services_list: |
     (['matrix-postgres.service'] if matrix_postgres_enabled else [])
   }}
 
-matrix_etherpad_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'etherpad.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_etherpad_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'etherpad.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -1226,9 +1226,9 @@ matrix_jitsi_jvb_container_colibri_ws_host_bind_port: "{{ '' if matrix_nginx_pro
 
 matrix_jitsi_prosody_container_http_host_bind_port: "{{ '' if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled else '127.0.0.1:5280' }}"
 
-matrix_jitsi_jibri_xmpp_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'jibri') | to_uuid }}"
-matrix_jitsi_jicofo_auth_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'jicofo') | to_uuid }}"
-matrix_jitsi_jvb_auth_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'jvb') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_jitsi_jibri_xmpp_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'jibri') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_jitsi_jicofo_auth_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'jicofo') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_jitsi_jvb_auth_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'jvb') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_jitsi_web_stun_servers: |
   {{
@@ -1331,7 +1331,7 @@ matrix_ma1sd_systemd_wanted_services_list: |
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_ma1sd_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_ma1sd_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'ma1sd.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_ma1sd_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'ma1sd.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -1926,7 +1926,9 @@ matrix_synapse_container_manhole_api_host_bind_port: "{{ '127.0.0.1:9000' if mat
 # For exposing the Synapse worker (and metrics) ports to the local host.
 matrix_synapse_workers_container_host_bind_address: "{{ '127.0.0.1' if (matrix_synapse_workers_enabled and not matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled) else '' }}"
 
-matrix_synapse_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'synapse.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_synapse_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'synapse.db') | to_uuid }}"
+
+matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'synapse.mac') | to_uuid }}"
 
 # We do not enable TLS in Synapse by default.
 # TLS is handled by the matrix-nginx-proxy, which proxies the requests to Synapse.
@@ -2077,7 +2079,7 @@ matrix_prometheus_scraper_postgres_targets: "{{ ['matrix-prometheus-postgres-exp
 ######################################################################
 
 matrix_prometheus_postgres_exporter_enabled: false
-matrix_prometheus_postgres_exporter_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'prometheus.pg.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_prometheus_postgres_exporter_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'prometheus.pg.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 matrix_prometheus_postgres_exporter_systemd_required_services_list: |
   {{
@@ -2153,7 +2155,7 @@ matrix_registration_systemd_required_services_list: |
 
 # Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres)
 matrix_registration_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}"
-matrix_registration_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mx.registr.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_registration_database_password: "{{ '%s' | format(matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key) | password_hash('sha512', 'mx.registr.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 ######################################################################
 #
@@ -2208,9 +2210,9 @@ matrix_dendrite_container_http_host_bind_address: "{{ '' if matrix_nginx_proxy_e
 # For exposing Dendrite's HTTPS server to the local host.
 matrix_dendrite_container_https_host_bind_address: "{{ '' if matrix_nginx_proxy_enabled or not matrix_dendrite_https_bind_port else ('127.0.0.1:' + matrix_dendrite_https_bind_port|string) }}"
 
-matrix_dendrite_registration_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_dendrite_generic_secret_key | password_hash('sha512', 'dendrite.rss') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_dendrite_registration_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key | password_hash('sha512', 'dendrite.rss') | to_uuid }}"
 
-matrix_dendrite_database_password: "{{ matrix_dendrite_generic_secret_key | password_hash('sha512', 'dendrite.db') | to_uuid }}"
+matrix_dendrite_database_password: "{{ matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key | password_hash('sha512', 'dendrite.db') | to_uuid }}"
 
 # Even if TURN doesn't support TLS (it does by default),
 # it doesn't hurt to try a secure connection anyway.
diff --git a/roles/matrix-base/defaults/main.yml b/roles/matrix-base/defaults/main.yml
index c71061f8b..dc273afd6 100644
--- a/roles/matrix-base/defaults/main.yml
+++ b/roles/matrix-base/defaults/main.yml
@@ -16,6 +16,9 @@ matrix_domain: ~
 # The homeserver implementation of an existing server cannot be changed without data loss.
 matrix_homeserver_implementation: synapse
 
+# This contains a secret, which is used for generating various other secrets later on.
+matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key: ''
+
 # This is where your data lives and what we set up.
 # This and the Element FQN (see below) are expected to be on the same server.
 matrix_server_fqn_matrix: "matrix.{{ matrix_domain }}"
diff --git a/roles/matrix-base/tasks/sanity_check.yml b/roles/matrix-base/tasks/sanity_check.yml
index b9c8348fd..298a994c1 100644
--- a/roles/matrix-base/tasks/sanity_check.yml
+++ b/roles/matrix-base/tasks/sanity_check.yml
@@ -33,14 +33,25 @@
     - {'old': 'hostname_riot', 'new': 'matrix_server_fqn_element'}
     - {'old': 'matrix_server_fqn_riot', 'new': 'matrix_server_fqn_element'}
 
+# We have a dedicated check for this variable, because we'd like to have a custom (friendlier) message.
+- name: Fail if matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key is undefined
+  fail:
+    msg: |
+      The `matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key` variable must be defined and have a non-null and non-empty value.
+
+      If you're seeing this error on an existing homeserver installation, you can fix it easily this error by adding
+      `{% raw %}matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key: "{{ matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key }}"{% endraw %}`
+      to your vars.yml file. Using another secret for the new variable is also possible and shouldn't cause any trouble.
+  when: "matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key is none or matrix_homeserver_generic_secret_key == ''"
+
 - name: Fail if required variables are undefined
   fail:
-    msg: "The `{{ item }}` variable must be defined and have a non-null value"
+    msg: "The `{{ item.var }}` variable must be defined and have a non-null and non-empty value"
   with_items:
-    - matrix_domain
-    - matrix_server_fqn_matrix
-    - matrix_server_fqn_element
-  when: "item not in vars or vars[item] is none"
+    - {'var': matrix_domain, 'value': "{{ matrix_domain|default('') }}"}
+    - {'var': matrix_server_fqn_matrix, 'value': "{{ matrix_server_fqn_matrix|default('') }}"}
+    - {'var': matrix_server_fqn_element, 'value': "{{ matrix_server_fqn_element|default('') }}"}
+  when: "item.value is none or item.value == ''"
 
 - name: Fail if uppercase domain used
   fail:
diff --git a/roles/matrix-dendrite/defaults/main.yml b/roles/matrix-dendrite/defaults/main.yml
index ed15711eb..840ef9ecf 100644
--- a/roles/matrix-dendrite/defaults/main.yml
+++ b/roles/matrix-dendrite/defaults/main.yml
@@ -63,8 +63,6 @@ matrix_dendrite_systemd_wanted_services_list: []
 # matrix_dendrite_template_dendrite_config: "{{ playbook_dir }}/inventory/host_vars/<host>/dendrite.yaml.j2"
 matrix_dendrite_template_dendrite_config: "{{ role_path }}/templates/dendrite/dendrite.yaml.j2"
 
-# A secret used to derive various other secrets
-matrix_dendrite_generic_secret_key: ''
 matrix_dendrite_registration_shared_secret: ''
 matrix_dendrite_allow_guest_access: false
 
diff --git a/roles/matrix-dendrite/tasks/validate_config.yml b/roles/matrix-dendrite/tasks/validate_config.yml
index 9e7db4265..2d2cf4c5b 100644
--- a/roles/matrix-dendrite/tasks/validate_config.yml
+++ b/roles/matrix-dendrite/tasks/validate_config.yml
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
       You need to define a required configuration setting (`{{ item }}`) for using Dendrite.
   when: "vars[item] == ''"
   with_items:
-    - "matrix_dendrite_generic_secret_key"
     - "matrix_dendrite_registration_shared_secret"
 
 - name: (Deprecation) Catch and report renamed settings