Improving iChat Connection Reliability
TMO Quick Tip - Improving iChat Connection Reliability
by , 7:30 AM EST, February 14th, 2007
If iChat is giving you connection headaches, the problem may not be in iChat - it could be the server port iChat is using. In many cases, simply changing the port fixes all kinds of issues, and it's easy to do. Here's how:
- Launch iChat. It's in your Applications folder, and probably also in your Dock.
- Make sure your iChat status is set to Offline.
- Choose iChat > Preferences.
- Select Accounts.
- Click the Server Settings tab.
- The default port is 5190. Change that to 443.
- Close the Preferences window.
 iChat's default server port is 5190. |
|---|
 Port 443 tends to be more reliable. |
|---|
Many people report that they have much better luck initiating an iChat connection, experience fewer random dropouts, and are able to start video chats far more reliably after changing to port 443.
[Thanks to Seth at Small Dog Electronics for reminding me about the alternate iChat server port.]
Jeff Gamet is TMO's Morning Editor and Reviews Editor. He lectures, teaches and speaks on Mac OS X and design-related topics, and is the author of The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X from Peachpit Press.
if you have tips or tricks to share, or Mac-related questions you want answered.
Observer Comments
Wed Feb 14, 2007 1:46 pm Subject: transparent firewall
If you are behind a transparent proxy/firewall, you might not be able to use an HTTP-based port since the proxy will attempt to interpret your traffic. Instead, try to use any other port that your firewall will pass such as 20, 21 (ftp), 22 (ssh), or 23 (telnet). Your mileage may vary depending on how your firewall is configured. The AIM listeners appear to be on just about every port.
Has anyone experienced the inability to transfer files via iChat to one person only?
I use iChat all the time to transfer files. There's one particular buddy/colleague from whom I can receive files, but to whom I'm unable to transfer. When I use the Buddies > Send File menu sequence, Send File is grayed-out. Neither can I drag-and-drop the desired file. It bounces out. I'm on a Mac running 10.4.11 and using an AIM screen name, recipient is on a Mac running Leopard and using a mac.com screen name, if that has any impact.
Awesome!! I have been unable to connect to the iChat server for ages. Totally sorted with this simple fix! Thanks. Can you now explain why my nice new iMac running Leopard often takes many, many attempts to establish a wifi connection with my router, when my old faithful G4 iBook never fails to connect first time?? I just get lots of connection time outs until eventually it does connect and work fine.
Comments are currently closed. Please email the author instead.
Recent Headlines - Updated July 6th
- Mon, 11:17 AM
- Ted Landau's User Friendly View - Apple’s LED Cinema Display: A Too Short Story
- 11:11 AM
- Product News - Photo Recovery for Mac Adds Photoshop Support
- 10:39 AM
- Hot Forum Topic - iPhones in Education
- 8:47 AM
- News - Apple Employee Injured in Store Shooting
- Fri, 10:29 AM
- News - Apple Warns of Learning Interchange Security Breach
- 7:30 AM
- News - Happy Fourth of July!
- Thu, 6:07 PM
- TMO Scoop - Psystar Moves to Drop Bankruptcy Ahead of Apple Legal Battle
- 5:37 PM
- News - Uncomfirmed Reports Say Apple & Nvidia On The Outs
- 4:57 PM
- News - Microsoft Sick Over Barf Ad
- 4:09 PM
- Product News - KRK Ships R6 Passive Studio Monitor for Recording
- 3:45 PM
- John Martellaro's Blog - Particle Debris (week ending 7/2) Juiced, Joost and Goosed
- 3:12 PM
- Product News - ExactScan 2 Pro Released
The Mac Observer Reader Specials
- Download Typestyler, still the Ultimate Styling Tool for Internet, Print and Video Graphics. Works great in Classic with a Native OS X Version on the way. Free Tryout: www.typestyler.com
OWC: Big Drives, High Performance - Not High Prices! SATA 3.5" up to 1.5TB. Notebook up to 500GB. FW up to 6.0TB. 1.0TB Drive Models from as low as $97.99 www.MacSales.com
If you're using a Mac, then you've gotta check out Full Tilt Poker for Mac. This Full Tilt Poker bonus code does the unthinkable, it actually rewards!
RamJet Memory: MacBook and MacBook Pro 4GB kits for $57.99! Mac Pro 4GB Kits $99.99! iMac and Mac mini 4GB Kits for $57.99! 1TB SATA Hard Drives for $109.99! Click hereFor the latest Apple products use Ciao, a price comparison website, to find laptops like MacBook Air. Then find the best prices on MP3 players and use our comparison tool to evaluate mobile phones like the Apple iPhone.
Laptop Hardware Provided by TechRestore - Overnight Mac & iPod Repairs.
