❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 What is SkyChatz?

SkyChatz is a long-standing IRC network founded in 2004. We provide a secure, community-driven chat platform where users can connect, chat, and collaborate in real-time.

🔹 Is SkyChatz really 20+ years old?

Yes! SkyChatz was founded on January 1, 2004 and has been online continuously since then. We're proud to have served the IRC community for over two decades.

🔹 Is SkyChatz free to use?

Absolutely! SkyChatz is completely free to use. No registration required, no hidden fees, and no subscription plans. Just connect and start chatting.

🔹 What makes SkyChatz different from other IRC networks?

SkyChatz combines old-school IRC charm with modern infrastructure. We offer SSL encryption, 24/7 uptime, active moderation, a friendly community, and 20+ years of experience.

🔹 How do I connect to SkyChatz?

Use your favorite IRC client and connect to irc.SkyChatz.Org on port 6697 (SSL) or 6667 (plain). You can also use the web client at https://skychatz.org.

🔹 Is the connection secure?

Yes! All connections use SSL/TLS encryption on port 6697. Your privacy and security are our top priorities.

🔹 What IRC clients are recommended?

Popular clients include mIRC (Windows), HexChat (Windows/Linux), KVIrc (Windows/Linux/macOS), Textual (macOS), and IRCCloud (Web/mobile).

🔹 Can I connect via mobile?

Yes! Many mobile IRC clients are available including IRCCloud, AndChat (Android), and LimeChat (iOS). You can also use the web client from your mobile browser.

🔹 What if I get disconnected?

Simply reconnect using the same server address. Your nickname may need to be re-registered if you were using NickServ. Type /msg NickServ IDENTIFY password to re-identify.

🔹 What ports are available?

Port 6697 (SSL/TLS) and port 6667 (plain text). We strongly recommend using the SSL port for security.

🔹 How do I join a channel?

Type /JOIN #channelname in the chat input. Available channels are listed in the tabs above. Example: /JOIN #SkyChatz

🔹 How do I change my nickname?

Type /NICK newnickname and your nick will be updated. Example: /NICK SkyUser

🔹 How do I register my nickname?

Type /msg NickServ REGISTER password email to register your nickname with NickServ. You'll need to identify each time you connect.

🔹 How do I identify to NickServ?

Type /msg NickServ IDENTIFY password or use the shortcut /NS IDENTIFY password to authenticate.

🔹 How do I create my own channel?

Join a channel that doesn't exist yet using /JOIN #MyChannel. Then use /msg ChanServ REGISTER #MyChannel to register it permanently.

🔹 How do I send a private message?

Type /MSG nickname message or click on a user in the nicklist to start a private conversation.

🔹 How do I set a channel topic?

If you're an operator, type /TOPIC #channel New topic here to set the channel topic.

🔹 How do I become a channel operator?

Channel operators (ops) are designated by the channel founder or existing ops. Use /msg ChanServ INFO #channel to see access lists.

🔹 What IRC services are available?

SkyChatz offers NickServ (nickname registration), ChanServ (channel management), MemoServ (offline messaging), HostServ (vHosts), BotServ (bot management), and OperServ (staff tools).

🔹 What are vHosts and how do I get one?

A vHost (virtual host) hides your real IP address by masking it with a custom hostname. Request one via /msg HostServ REQUEST vhost or through the web interface at services.skychatz.org.

🔹 How do I send a memo to someone offline?

Use /msg MemoServ SEND nickname message to send an offline message. The user will receive it when they log in.

🔹 How do I check my memos?

Type /msg MemoServ LIST to view your pending memos. Use /msg MemoServ READ number to read a specific memo.

🔹 What is BotServ and how do I use it?

BotServ allows you to register and manage IRC bots for your channels. Use /msg BotServ HELP for available commands.

🔹 Can I access services via web?

Yes! Visit https://services.skychatz.org to manage your nickname, channels, memos, and vHosts from any browser.

🔹 How can I become staff?

Active, helpful community members may be invited to join the staff team. Contact an operator or send an email to staff@skychatz.org for more information.

🔹 How do I report a problem?

Contact any staff member in #SkyChatz, or email abuse@skychatz.org for serious issues. You can also type /msg OperServ HELP for staff-related commands.

🔹 What are the network rules?

Be respectful to others, no spam or flooding, no illegal content, no excessive advertising. Full policy is available in the #Policy tab.

🔹 Where can I find the staff list?

Visit the #Staff tab for a complete list of SkyChatz staff members and their roles.

🔹 Does SkyChatz have a Discord or social media?

Yes! Follow us on Twitter @SkyChatz, join our Discord at discord.gg/skychatz, or check out our GitHub at github.com/skychatz.

🔹 How can I support SkyChatz?

Stay active in the community, help new users, spread the word, and consider contributing to our open-source projects on GitHub. Every bit of support helps!

🔹 Basic IRC Commands

/JOIN #channel — Join a channel

/PART #channel — Leave a channel

/MSG nick message — Send private message

/NICK newnick — Change nickname

/QUIT message — Disconnect with message

🔹 Channel Operator Commands

/KICK #channel nick — Kick a user

/BAN #channel nick — Ban a user

/MODE #channel +o nick — Give operator status

/MODE #channel -o nick — Remove operator status

/TOPIC #channel new topic — Set channel topic

🔹 NickServ Commands

/msg NickServ REGISTER password email — Register nickname

/msg NickServ IDENTIFY password — Identify to nickname

/msg NickServ GROUP — Group nicknames together

/msg NickServ DROP nickname — Delete a nickname

/msg NickServ INFO nickname — View nickname info

🔹 ChanServ Commands

/msg ChanServ REGISTER #channel — Register a channel

/msg ChanServ INFO #channel — View channel info

/msg ChanServ OP #channel nick — Give operator status

/msg ChanServ VOICE #channel nick — Give voice status

/msg ChanServ SET #channel TOPIC — Set channel topic

🔹 MemoServ Commands

/msg MemoServ SEND nick message — Send a memo

/msg MemoServ LIST — List pending memos

/msg MemoServ READ number — Read a memo

/msg MemoServ DEL number — Delete a memo

/msg MemoServ SET NOTIFY ON — Enable memo notifications

🔹 HostServ Commands

/msg HostServ REQUEST vhost — Request a vHost

/msg HostServ LIST — List your vHosts

/msg HostServ ACTIVATE vhost — Activate a vHost

/msg HostServ DEACTIVATE — Deactivate current vHost

/msg HostServ HELP — Show all commands

🔹 I can't connect to the server

Check your internet connection, verify the server address (irc.SkyChatz.Org), and ensure you're using the correct port (6697 for SSL, 6667 for plain). Try a different IRC client if issues persist.

🔹 My nickname is already in use

Choose a different nickname or wait 30 seconds for the current user to disconnect. If you own the nickname, use /msg NickServ IDENTIFY password to reclaim it.

🔹 I forgot my NickServ password

Contact staff in #SkyChatz or email support@skychatz.org to reset your password. Be prepared to verify your identity.

🔹 Someone is harassing me

Type /IGNORE nickname to ignore the user. Report harassment to any staff member or email abuse@skychatz.org.

🔹 The chat is lagging

Check your internet connection. If the issue persists, try switching to a different server or using the web client. Network status is available in the #Network tab.

🔹 I see weird characters in chat

This usually indicates an encoding mismatch. Set your IRC client to UTF-8 encoding. Most modern clients default to this setting.