How to Connect

Once your bouncer request is approved, you'll get an email with your server address, port, and credentials. This guide walks you through connecting from the most common IRC clients.

// quickstart

  1. 1

    Get an account

    Submit the bouncer request form. Requests are usually processed within 24–48 hours.

  2. 2

    Install an IRC client

    Any modern IRC client works — HexChat, mIRC, WeeChat, irssi, KVIrc, Kiwi IRC (browser).

  3. 3

    Use the /server command

    Type the command below into your client, replacing the placeholders with the details from your welcome email.

// connection commands

Generic syntax
/server <server>:+<port> <username>:<password>
Example — connect over SSL
/server 78.24.190.206:+1339 TestUser:password
Attach to a specific network
/server 78.24.190.206:+1339 TestUser/IRCnet:password

The /network suffix after your username tells ZNC which of your networks to attach to.

Always use SSL. The + before the port number tells your client to connect over TLS. Non-SSL connections send your password in plaintext — don't use them.

// SASL / cloaking

SASL (Simple Authentication and Security Layer) authenticates you to the IRC network through the bouncer, without leaking your password in raw commands. If your target IRC network supports SASL, enable it in your ZNC network settings — the web panel makes this a two-field form.

Each network has slightly different auth flows (NickServ, SASL PLAIN, SASL EXTERNAL, cloaks). See the networks page for per-network notes, or ask us on IRC if you get stuck.

// supported clients

HexChat Win / Linux mIRC Windows WeeChat Terminal irssi Terminal KVIrc Cross-platform Kiwi IRC Browser