Improving iChat Connection Reliability

· by · Tips

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 itis easy to do. Hereis how:

  • Launch iChat. Itis in your Applications folder, and probably also in your Dock.
  • Make sure your iChat status is set to Offline.
  • Choose iChat > Preferences.
  • Select Accounts.

  • iChatis 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.]

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Jeff Gamet

Jeff Gamet

Jeff is the Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and co-host of the Apple Context Machine podcast. He is the author of "The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X" from Peachpit Press, and writes for several design-related publications. Jeff has presented at events such as Macworld Expo, the RSA Conference, and the Mac Computer Expo. In all his spare time, he also co-hosts the We Have Communicators podcast, and makes guest appearances on several other podcasts, too. Jeff dreams in HD.

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