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 February 13th
- Sat, 4:11 PM
- MacOS KenDensed - MacOS KenDensed: iPad 3 Frenzy, Big-time Apple & Steve Jobs, G-Man
- Fri, 8:10 PM
- News - Apple Sues Motorola Mobility in California Over German Case
- 7:54 PM
- Free on iTunes - OnLive Desktop: Windows & Office on Your iPad
- 7:43 PM
- Product News - Apple Rolls Out MacBook Air Configurations for Education
- 6:35 PM
- Just a Peek - Battle Pocket Bulge With The Hint for iPhone
- 6:01 PM
- Rumor - Apple Reportedly Bringing MacBook Air Styling to Pro Line
- 4:50 PM
- Particle Debris - The Hidden Gotchas of Browser Security
- 3:56 PM
- Apple Stock Watch - Analyst: Paying a Dividend Makes Sense for Apple
- 2:58 PM
- Deal Brothers - iMac 27-inch 2.93GHz Intel Quad-Core i7 processor: $1,999
- 2:45 PM
- In-Depth Review - Theodolite App for iOS is Breathtaking
- 12:52 PM
- Apple Stock Watch - Mizuho Securities Starts Apple Coverage with $635 Target
- 11:35 AM
- Hot Forum Topic - Forum Poll: Are You Planning on Buying a New iPad?
The Mac Observer Reader Specials
TypeStyler 11 is now in the Mac App Store!! -- Special Introductory Price of $59.95!! -- To Buy From The Mac App Store Click Here Now!! Or buy direct
from Strider Software.
Mac RAM Upgrades: MacBook Pro 16GB kits $475, 8GB Kits for $119.99! iMac 16GB RAM Kits (4x 4GB) for $229.99! Mac Pro Memory 32GB Kit for $399.99, 64GB Kit for $889.99! Mac Hard Drives 2TB Seagate SATA II for $249.99! Click Here!
-
If you're using a Mac, then you've gotta check out Online Poker Mac.
This mac poker and online casino mac site
actually does the unthinkable, it actually rewards! -
-
-
-
-
-
