IRC Guides · Getting started

IRC Services

Beginner · about 10 min read

Services are special bots run by a network (often Anope or Atheme) that manage nicknames, channels and access lists. Exact commands can vary slightly; use /msg NickServ HELP on your network when unsure.

NickServ — your nickname

Registering a nick proves ownership and lets you reclaim it after a disconnect.

/msg NickServ REGISTER yourpassword you@example.org
/msg NickServ IDENTIFY yourpassword
/msg NickServ GROUP   # link another nick to the same account (syntax varies)
/msg NickServ INFO YourNick
/msg NickServ HELP

• Choose a strong password and store it safely
• Many networks require you to confirm your email
• After reconnecting, IDENTIFY (or SASL in the client) before you are fully trusted

ChanServ — channels

Register a channel so it is not taken over when you leave. You typically need to be opped in an empty or unregistered channel first.

/msg ChanServ REGISTER #channel
/msg ChanServ IDENTIFY #channel yourpassword   # on some networks
/msg ChanServ FLAGS #channel YourNick +*       # example: full access (Anope-style)
/msg ChanServ ACCESS #channel LIST             # Atheme-style lists differ
/msg ChanServ HELP

Useful ideas:

• Give trusted helpers access levels instead of sharing the founder password
• Enable options such as keep topic, restrict or secure ops where available
• Never put service passwords in public channels

Other services you may meet

• MemoServ — offline messages between registered users
• BotServ — network-hosted channel bots
• HostServ / OperServ — vhosts and operator tools (restricted)