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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.

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Observer Comments

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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.


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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.


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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.


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