How to get started chatting with XMPP

Steps to do:

1. Create an XMPP account
2. Install an XMPP Client
3. Login into the Client

1. Create an XMPP account

There are hundreads and hundreads of Servers where you can create an XMPP account and you can also create your own XMPP server! But anyway, here, here or here there is a list of servers, choose one that allows registration and pay attention to its privacy policy, choose the server with the policies you like best. Once registered you will be in possession of an account (JID), then an username (similar to an email) and a password.

Tip: easiest and fastest way to get an account

Some clients, such as Conversations or Monocles, in the login window also allow to create an account directly on their server. This actually allows you to skip the first point and simplify the procedure, but remember that it is always better to choose a server with policies that best suit you.

2. Install a client

There are a myriad of software to use XMPP. Below a list of XMPP clients for each operating system:

   For Windows: Gajim, Psi, Psi+
   For Linux: Dino, Gajim, Psi, Psi+
   For Android: Conversations, Cheogram, Monocles Chat
   For old Android: Yaxim, Bruno
   For Mac: Beagle IM, Monal IM, Psi, Psi+
   For iOS: Monal IM, Siskin IM, Snikket
   For Browser: converse.js or Movim

Choose one and install it.

N.B. There are many other clients too! (find them here or here)

Tip for Android

For Android one of the most used apps is “Conversations”, to install it you are not obliged to use the paid version on the Google PlayStore, but you can download and install it for free from F-Droid. To install F-Droid, just go to its site and download the apk (installation file), then install it (you will be asked for various permissions to accept). Once f-droid is installed, you can search in it Conversations and install it. A method that is also free and even faster is to download the Conversations installation file (apk) directly from the application's web page on F-Droid website; however, this method does not allow you to receive application updates, you will have to download the updated package each time and install it manually.

3. Login into the Client

Now that you have installed the client and you have an account you can authenticate into your XMPP client with the account name and associated password obtained in the first step.

Now you can start chatting with your friends by exchanging your account (JID), if you have no friends to chat with yet you can join in one public room of your interest; here you can look for someone.

Tip: the easyest way for get started chatting on iOs or Android

With Quicksy app (free on both the PlayStore and the Apple Store) it is possible to login into the xmpp network by simply entering your phone number and in very few steps start chatting. In fact, the application automatically create a user profile on its server. This application is designed to allow the most inexperienced users to use the xmpp network, with the idea that in a second time to be able to switch to an application where you do not use your phone number as an identifier.