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Thunderbird supports instant messaging and chat using IRC, XMPP, Twitter, and Google Talk.
Table of Contents
Configuring Chat
To use Chat, you must first create a new account (or configure an existing account) with an online instant messaging or chat provider. Thunderbird currently works with IRC, XMPP, Twitter, and Google Talk.
In this example we will show IRC, but the process is very similar for Twitter, Google Talk and XMPP.
Start the New Account Wizard
At the top of the Thunderbird window, click on the menu, then click and then click :
Enter Username
For IRC, you will have to enter your IRC server name, e.g. irc.mozilla.org for Mozilla's IRC server.
For XMPP, you will also have to enter your XMPP server name.
Enter Password
Enter the password for the service.
Advanced Options
This is not usually needed, so just click .
Finish the Wizard
Next, you will be presented with a Summary screen. Click to finish the wizard and start chatting.
Using Chat
Connect to your Chat Account
First make sure that you are online by going to your Chat Status and connecting:
- click on the menu and then click on and then
- click on the button next to the account you want to go online with
Use the Chat Tab to start and join conversations
Click on the Chat Tab next to the Write Tab to start and join conversations.
Chat is included in Search
Like any other type of Thunderbird account (e.g. email and RSS), Chat is integrated with search.
Here's an example of email, Twitter and Chat conversations being found by Thunderbird's global search:
