The Complete Modern IRC Client Setup Guide for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Linux

Whether you are joining IRC for the first time or looking for the cleanest app on your phone, connecting to NationCHAT is fast and simple. While our browser-based Webchat lets you chat instantly without installing anything, native IRC clients give you powerful keyboard shortcuts, custom themes, native system notifications, and multi-network management.

Core Network Connection Details

Before configuring your client, keep these universal connection parameters handy:

• Network Name: NationCHAT
• Primary Server: irc.nationchat.org (Global round-robin router)
• IPv6 Server: irc6.nationchat.org (For native IPv6 connections)
• Secure Port: 6697 (SSL / TLS enabled, strongly recommended)
• Standard Port: 6667 (Plaintext fallback only, use if a firewall blocks 6697)
• Encoding: UTF-8
• Authentication Notice: NationCHAT uses GNUWorld (X) services. If your client asks to enable SASL authentication, turn SASL OFF to avoid connection stalls. You will log in via X once connected.

Windows Setup: AdiIRC and mIRC

AdiIRC (Recommended): Modern, completely free, lightweight, and actively maintained. Here is how to connect:

1. Open AdiIRC, press the Serverlist icon (or press Alt+S), and click Add.
2. Description: NationCHAT
3. Server: irc.nationchat.org
4. Port: 6697 and ensure the SSL checkbox is ticked.
5. Enter your chosen Nickname, click Save, and double-click the server to connect.

mIRC (The Classic): You can connect in mIRC instantly with a single command in your status window: /server irc.nationchat.org +6697 -j #NationCHAT. Alternatively, go to Tools -> Options -> Connect -> Servers, click Add, type irc.nationchat.org into the IRC Server field, put +6697 in Ports (the plus sign enables SSL), and hit Connect.

Android Setup: Revolution IRC

Mobile operating systems aggressively sleep background apps to preserve battery. Revolution IRC is the top open-source Android client that handles IRC reconnects cleanly:

1. Install Revolution IRC from Google Play or F-Droid, open it, and tap the + button.
2. Label: NationCHAT
3. Server address: irc.nationchat.org
4. Port: 6697 and toggle the SSL switch ON.
5. Enter your Nickname, tap Save, and tap the network card to connect.

Tip: To keep receiving messages when your screen is locked without keeping your phone radio awake, check out our Free 24/7 ZNC Bouncer Guide.

iOS and macOS Setup: Palaver and Textual

• iOS (iPhone / iPad): Palaver is fast and beautifully designed for touch screens. Tap Add Network -> Custom Network, enter irc.nationchat.org, port 6697, enable TLS, set your nickname, and connect. Mutter is another solid free alternative.
• macOS: Textual delivers a native macOS experience with dark mode, customizable CSS themes, and trackpad gestures. In Textual, click Server -> Add Server, enter irc.nationchat.org on port 6697, and check "Connect using SSL".

Linux and Terminal Power Users: WeeChat and Irssi

For keyboard-driven speed in your terminal, here are the copy-paste configurations:

WeeChat:

/server add nationchat irc.nationchat.org/6697 -tls -autoconnect
/set irc.server.nationchat.autojoin "#NationCHAT"
/connect nationchat

Irssi:

/network add -autoconnect NationCHAT
/server add -auto -net NationCHAT -tls irc.nationchat.org 6697
/channel add -auto #NationCHAT NationCHAT
/connect NationCHAT

(Note: If using an older build of WeeChat or Irssi, you can use -ssl in place of -tls).

Do This First: Create Your Username on GNUWorld X

NationCHAT is a GNUWorld CService network. Unlike networks where you register individual nicknames with NickServ, NationCHAT lets you register a permanent Username with X that you can log into from any nickname:

1. To begin registration directly from chat, type: /msg X hello in your client, or visit our Account Registration Portal.
2. Once registered, you can log in during each session with: /msg x@channels.nationchat.org login your_username your_password.
3. To log in automatically whenever you connect, add this command to your client auto-perform list.

Troubleshooting in 60 Seconds

• Stuck at "Connecting..."? Double check that SASL is turned OFF in your client settings. NationCHAT does not use SASL, and failed attempts can pause connections.
• Connection timed out? If port 6697 is blocked by your local firewall or public WiFi, try plaintext port 6667, or hop directly into our browser Webchat.
• Nickname already in use? Type /nick YourNewNick and press enter. You can still log into your registered X username regardless of your current nickname.
• Want to stay online 24/7? Read our Free ZNC Bouncer Guide or join #NationBNC to request a dedicated cloud bouncer.

Have questions or want to say hello? Jump into #NationCHAT or ask our crew in #help. The place where fun begins is waiting for you!