Help & Connect

From zero to chatting in about two minutes.

Connection details

Always prefer the secure TLS port (6697) where your client supports it. Your connection is encrypted, and your real address is hidden from other users automatically.

Choosing a client

An IRC client is the app you use to connect. Popular, well-maintained choices include:

• Desktop: HexChat, Konversation, mIRC (Windows), Textual (macOS).
• Terminal: WeeChat, Irssi — powerful and scriptable.
• Mobile: Goguma (Android), Palaver (iOS), or any client that supports modern IRC.
• Browser: The Lounge, if you want a persistent web client.

Registering your nickname

Registering protects your nickname so no one else can use it, and lets you own channels. Once connected, send these messages:

Then, each time you connect, identify yourself:

Better still, configure SASL in your client (mechanism: PLAIN, with your nickname and password) so you log in automatically and securely on connect.

Joining and creating channels

To join a channel, simply:

To register a channel you've created and become its founder:

Useful services

• NickServ — register and manage your nickname.
• ChanServ — register and manage channels.
• MemoServ — send messages to users who are offline.
• HostServ — request a custom hostname (vHost).

You can message any service for help, for example:

Need a hand?

If you get stuck, join our help channel once you're connected, or email admin@cosmicirc.com. Friendly people are usually around.