NickServ is the nickname registration service. It protects your nickname with a password so nobody else can use it.
How Registration Works
Registration happens automatically on the connect screen. When you first connect with a new nickname, you'll be prompted to choose a password. On future visits, you'll enter that password to log in.
You can also manage your registration from inside the chat using the
/ns command.
Commands
/ns register <password> — Register your current nickname (if not already registered) /ns identify <password> — Identify (log in) for this session /ns info [nickname] — Look up registration info /ns ghost <nick> <password> — Disconnect a ghost session /ns drop <password> — Permanently unregister your nickname
Why Register?
- Protect your nickname — nobody else can use it
- Persist your settings (notify list, contacts, highlight words, nick colors) across sessions
- Access channels that require registration (mode +R)
Important Notes
- Nicknames are case sensitive — "Alice" and "alice" are different
- Nicknames expire after 7 days of inactivity — connect regularly to keep yours (see Nick Expiration )
- If you change your nick in chat to a registered name you don't own, you have 60 seconds to identify before being force-renamed
See Also
/ns Command · Account Dialog · Identity & Presence · Connecting · Connect Authentication · Nick Expiration