Expert Advice: Navigating Chat Features Within Mozilla Thunderbird

What to Know

• In Thunderbird, selectFile >New >Chat Account . Enter a username and password for your chat service, then clickFinish to exit.
• To chat, go toTools >Chat Status >Show Accounts . ClickConnect next to the account you want to go online with, then selectChat .
• Thunderbird is compatible with the following chat services: IRC, XMPP, X (formerly Twitter), andGoogle Talk .

This article explains how to set up and use the chat feature inMozilla Thunderbird so that you can use instant messaging with your contacts. Instructions apply to Thunderbird 15 and later. To chat in Thunderbird, you need an account with an online instant messaging or chat provider, such as IRC, XMPP, X (formerly Twitter), orGoogle Talk .

Start the New Account Wizard

Thunderbird’s New Account Wizard makes it easy to configure chat.

1. At the top of the Thunderbird window, select File > ​New .
2. SelectChat Account .
3. Enter aUsername . For IRC, you’ll have to enter your IRC server name, e.g. irc.mozilla.org for Mozilla’s IRC server. For XMPP, you’ll also have to enter your XMPP server name.
4. Enter thepassword for your chat service. A password is optional for an IRC account and is only required if you have reserved your nickname on the IRC network.
5. When you reach Advanced Options, just clickContinue , as you won’t need these settings.
6. You will be presented with a Summary screen. Click Finish to finish the wizard and start chatting.

How to Use Chat

Once you have your chat account configured, here’s how to start chatting:

1. Select theTools menu and clickChat Status .
2. SelectShow Accounts .
3. ClickConnect next to the account you want to go online with.
4. Click on theChat tab next to theWrite tab to start and join conversations.

More on Thunderbird

Mozilla Thunderbird is a free email program that offers a range of options for PC users without access to robust paid software like Microsoft Outlook. Allowing you to integrate multiple mailboxes with SMTP or POP protocols, Thunderbird is a lightweight, responsive piece of software. Thunderbird is developed by Mozilla, the group behind Firefox.

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