The Mac Observer

Skip navigational links

Choose text size: Select small text. Select medium text. Select large text.

You're viewing an article in TMO's historic archive vault. Here, we've preserved the comments and how the site looked along with the article. Use this link to view the article on our current site:
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.

    • iChat's default server port is 5190.
  • Click the Server Settings tab.
  • The default port is 5190. Change that to 443.
  • Close the Preferences window.

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.

Digg!

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:jbruni Posts: 105 Joined: 14 Jul 2006
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.


 Reply | Quote
Close Name:Guest
Wed Feb 20, 2008 2:53 pm Subject: file transfer blockage?

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.


 Reply | Quote
Close Name:Guest
Mon Apr 14, 2008 5:13 pm Subject: Great tip!!

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.


 Reply | Quote
Comment on this Article


Guest Posts Visible. Hide Them.
Back to top  Page 1 of 1    

You cannot edit your comments.   You cannot delete your comments.

Comments are currently closed. Please email the author instead.


Recent Headlines - Updated November 22nd

Fri, 7:07 PM
Games - Soccer Sim Championship Manager 2010 Released for Mac
6:47 PM
Games - EA Publishes Original Monopoly for iPhone
6:15 PM
News - Original Apple I on Ebay for $50K, w/Letter from Steve Jobs
6:11 PM
Games - New iPhone Games: Secret of the Lost Cavern Ep 1, New DJ Nights, More
5:47 PM
Games - Star Trek D-A-C Game Headed to the Mac Next Month
4:57 PM
Product News - TidBITS Releases “Take Control of Syncing Data in Snow Leopard”
4:26 PM
John Martellaro's Blog - Particle Debris (week ending 11/20) Stationery Pads Go Poof
2:59 PM
Free on iTunes - Musée du Louvre, Art Lite, SketchBook Mobile X and More.
1:50 PM
Deal Brothers - Acer P215H bmid 21.5” Widescreen LCD Monitor:  $139.99
11:24 AM
TMO Appearances - Jeff Gamet Shares More Holiday Gift Ideas on MacJury
10:43 AM
Product News - Cocktail 4.5 for Leopard Adds QuickLook Cache Clearing
10:06 AM
News - Hack Enables Mac OS X 10.6.2 on Netbooks

The Mac Observer Reader Specials
  • __________
  • Buy Stuff, Support TMO!
  • Podcast: Mac Geek Gab
  • Podcast: Apple Weekly Report
  • TMO on Twitter!