IMessage and iChat

Noticed iChat is gone. How do I connect now that I am on ML and my relatives in the UK are still on Leopard with iChat ?
I'm not even sure they have Facetime for video chat so how do I chat with them via video ?

Well, not using the iMessage service. iChat has been renamed Messages (Messages is the name of the app, iMessage is the name of Apple's free service). So if you sign into your IM accounts in the messages app, it will be just as if you were using iChat. So yes, you would be able to connect with them.

Similar Messages

How do I deactivate imessage and ichat on a dead phone/ Recently switched to samsung

Howdo I deactivate Imessage and Ichat on a dead 4s? Recently waithced to Samsing and not getting messages from iphone contacts

Hi,
In theory an iPhone that appears to the Server as Off Line will be "de-registered" from the server.
Twice at various iOS Upgrades I have had the iPhone Number become greyed out leaving only the Apple ID is use (Despite the fact th item is greyed out and unchangeable by the user.
This should mean that the iPhone should present as not in service and the sender should "Switch" to sending SMS.
However as the Mac version may still have the iPhone number in it's Send and Receive lists then the iPhone may appear to be still logged in.
You can "disable" the iPhone number in the iMessages account (Messages > Preferences > Accounts).
Unticking the Receive At will also remove it form the Start Conversation From drop down.
It can be removed by deleting the com.apple.ids.service.com.apple.madrid.plist in Mavericks and above as this holds the current Apple ID and any "Aliases" in use. You will need to re-enter your Apple ID in Messages on the Mac if you do this.
Ultimately contacting Apple Support is the simplest and best way although some of the above may be needed to "tidy up" afterwards.
9:51 pm Wednesday; October 29, 2014
 iMac 2.5Ghz i5 2011 (Mavericks 10.9)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad

Diff between iMessages and iChat?

Is there a difference between iMessages and iChat? If so, what is it? I'm thinking about upgrading from Snow Leopard to Mountain Lion.
Also, I don't have to buy Lion to buy Mountain Lion, right? Someone told me that...
Thanks!

That is correct. It is not necessary to install Lion to get to Mountain Lion. In fact Lion is no longer available unless you call Apple and request a special download key for it.
iMessages is for iOS and iDevices.
For OS X it is called Messages. It is basically iChat but it uses the iMessages protocol instead.
Allan

Communicating between iMessage and iChat with Google accounts?

I am using iMessages and my wife is using iChat. She signed into iChat using her Google account. When I try to message her, it says that her account is not registered with iMessages. Why can't I send her a message?

HI,
iChat can use AIM accounts, Jabber or Yahoo in iChat 6 as well as the Bonjour option.
You cannot chat Jabber to AIM or Yahoo to Jabber or even Bonjour to any of the others.
It is AIM to AIM or Jabber to Jabber.
In Messages as well as AIM, Bonjour, Jabber and Yahoo you have the ability to run an iMessages Account
The iMessages account can send Text messages only to Apple IDs and iPhone Numbers on Apple iOS devices and those using an iMessage Account in Messages.
A GoogleMail (GoogleTalk) ID will not be an iMessages account is used in iChat.
That is not to say the Google Mail ID is not an Apple ID and may be used as such on an iPhone or iPad.
You cannot iMessages any of the other services.
You need to get an Google Mail ID, Enable Talk on the Google Settings and then enter it as an Account in Messages Menu > Preferences > Accounts > Click the + icon lower left and Change the top items drop down to GoogleTalk.
(Or get a new wife with a Mountain Lion computer )
10:16 PM Wednesday; February 6, 2013
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

Communicating between iMessages and iChat?

I am running OS X 10.5.8 on an older MacBook Pro while my daughter is running Mountain Lion on a new MacBook Pro with Retina display. I am wondering if it is possible for me to video chat between our two machines? In the past I used iChat to set up video/audio/text chats with folks running similar systems, but given that iChat is now replaced by iMessages, I'm wondering if it's possible for us to still video chat other than using Skype. My older system has neither Facetime nor iMessages, so is there an all Apple solution? I've thought about just updating to Mountain Lion, but I am pretty sure the hardware on my system can't run it. Ideas welcome.

HI,
In Messages Menu > Preferences > Accounts you should list the iMessages one (You have to make this to launch the app the first time) the Bonjour One (everyone gets Bonjour and it may or may not be Enabled depending on how you upgraded.
You may also have AIM (or AIM valid IDs such as certain Apple IDs) or Jabber IDs (which may include Google and Facebook).
It you had them in Lion they may be there but not Enabled.
Once added or Enabled then then will show under the Buddies item in the window menu (they can be separated out with the setting in the General Section of the Preferences)
A Bonjour Account (and therefore Buddy list uses the Names for the Address Book (Contacts) on each computer and "broadcasts" that to the other Mac.
It is only LAN based (Other computers at home or at work on the same LAN)
10:56 PM Friday; October 19, 2012
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

Using iMessages and iChat

I downloaded Mountain Lion and now I am to use iMessages instead of iChat. Can I still "chat" with another person who is using iChat? If so, do I need to do something on my end, or does the other person have to do something so we can chat online? The other person does not have Mountain Lion. Thanks in advance any help on this matter.

HI,
iChat can use AIM accounts, Jabber or Yahoo in iChat 6 as well as the Bonjour option.
You cannot chat Jabber to AIM or Yahoo to Jabber or even Bonjour to any of the others.
It is AIM to AIM or Jabber to Jabber.
In Messages as well as AIM, Bonjour, Jabber and Yahoo you have the ability to run an iMessages Account
The iMessages account can send Text messages only to Apple IDs and iPhone Numbers on Apple iOS devices and those using an iMessage Account in Messages.
A GoogleMail (GoogleTalk) ID will not be an iMessages account is used in iChat.
That is not to say the Google Mail ID is not an Apple ID and may be used as such on an iPhone or iPad.
You cannot iMessages any of the other services.
You need to get an Google Mail ID, Enable Talk on the Google Settings and then enter it as an Account in Messages Menu > Preferences > Accounts > Click the + icon lower left and Change the top items drop down to GoogleTalk.
(Or get a new wife with a Mountain Lion computer )
10:16 PM Wednesday; February 6, 2013
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

Imessage and ichat not working

After updating ios6, I changed my apple password and since then ichat on mac or imessage on ipad2 doesnot accept my password. Rest everything works fine. I have reset the network, reset my ipad, done everything possible from sites. I have a friend of mine also having the same issue. And this is going on since months now with no proper fixes from Apple. Guys Apple is just loosing its touch. I hope it doesnt end up loosing its customers.

HI,
An iOS device can iMessages from iOS 5 to other iOS devices.
At iOS 6 your can sync or sue the same Apple ID on an iPhone and the iPad can then be set to send as if from the iPhone Number.
The same is true of the Messages app in OS X 10.8.2
iChat stops at version 6 in Lion.
In Mountain Lion it changes it's name to Messages.
I take it you have tried to remove the Apple ID from the iPad and then re-entered it ?
Did you turn Off iMessage on the iPad before changing the password (i.e. your were not logged in already and trying to change the password ?)
8:45 PM Wednesday; November 14, 2012
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

How to replace IMessage with Ichat

I have recently updates to os x mountain Lion, and Ichat has been replaced. I hate IMessage how do i get back Ichat.

HI,
The iChat App is specific to each Update within an OS X version run.
Messages is the version on Mountain Lion.
At OS X 10.8.2 it became version 7.0.1
That is to say that version 7.0 lasted for OS X 10.8 and 10.8.1
You can get Messages to look somewhat iChat like.
Lets say you have AIM (or AIM valid) Names and some Jabber IDs (including GoogleTalk or Facebook)
Either Add them in Messages the same way you would have in iChat (Use the Plus icon in Preferences > Accounts) or by activating the choice for Messages in System Preferences > Mail, Contacts and Calendars for any ID/Name you use in Mail or elsewhere.
This will give you a list of Accounts in the Messages Menu > Preferences > Accounts including the iMessages one and the Bonjour one.
If all are Enabled then the Window menu will now show Buddies (CMD + 1) in addition to the Messages (CMD +0)
If you use this you will see a combined Buddy List.
The can be unlinked by going to Messages > Preferences > General Section and Unticking the line that talks about "gather all accounts in to one list" (actually it is only Buddy lists Account and does not include the iMessages account)
The Window Menu will now list as many Buddy lists as you have Accounts (Less the iMessage one and any that are not logged in.)
Each will have it's own keystrokes listed.
The title of the Buddy list and the Name in the Window Menu is dependant on the Description Field in the accounts pane.
Example Pic of the Accounts Prefs pane with Buddy lists
The iMessages account does not have to be active.
The main draw back is the Messages window itself with it's dual purpose Tabbed Chat window and interface to start Chats without using the Buddy lists.
Double clicking a chat will open it in it's own window.
9:39 PM Thursday; January 24, 2013
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

Can't Video Chat or Screen Share with iMessages to iChat?

So I just recently got a new MacBook Pro with Mountain Lion to replace my white MacBook running Snow Leopard. I noticed iChat has been replaced by iMessages. All of my other Mac friends still use iChat. I didn't think this would be a huge difference, but I can no longer video chat or screen share with them.
I send them an invite, and they get an IM saying "[account] has sent you a video chat request". I'm registered under my AIM account, and so are they, so that's not the problem. When they send me invites, nothing happens. I get no notification, and it just shows "Waiting for response from [account]."
So I thought "okay, I'll just re-download iChat from a third-party site".
The download link just takes me directly to Apple's page about Mountain Lion. So that's out.
There's no option in my security on iMessages to override this issue and allow unknown developers. I have "Allow AOL's servers to relay video chats" option selected under Privacy, and that does nothing, either.
What's the deal? Can I no longer video chat (or screen share) with "third party" chat clients via iMessages anymore?

Hi,
I have tested my Messages (Ver 7.0.1 in OS X 10.8.2) to various versions of iChat (3, 4 and 5)
iChat 3 can send invites and open Video (Or Audio Only) chats to Messages.
The iChat 4 and 5 can Video Chat To and From Messages. (I was using AIM as I have more accounts I can play with)
I have even done 3 way Video chats in both Bonjour and AIM login using Messages and iChat 4 and 5.
I have just double checked between Messages and iChat 4 Offering the Messages Screen to the G4 (iChat 4) and I was successful.
Screen Sharing requires a Random port for the VNC connection that does the "picture" bit.
However if you had it working in iChat then this should still be working in the Messages set up. (Basically your router is doing UPnP or is an Apple Base Station doing Port Mapping Protocol)
Also iChat will not work in Mountain Lion (even if you grab the iChat 6 version)
Each version is very specific to the OS version it is with.
For instance during OS X 10.4 it got to OS X 10.4.11 but during those same increases iChat got to version 3.1.9
There was no update to Messages until OS X 10.8.2 making Messages version 7.0.1
Those small changes tend to mean that version 7.0 will not work with OS X 10.8.2 ( or the other way round)
It is all to do with the support apps and frameworks that help the app to work.
10:08 PM Saturday; November 10, 2012
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

I downloaded the beta of iMessage, replacing iChat. Now screen sharing does not seem to be available (shaded out.) Anyone have a suggestion?

I downloaded the beta of iMessage, replacing iChat. Now screen sharing does not seem to be available (shaded out.) Anyone have a suggestion?

Hi,
I am presuming you are looking in the Video Menu but are finding you do not have "permission" to enable Screen Sharing.
In Messages Menu > Preferences > Video section what speed setting is set in the Bandwidth Limit drop down ?
It should be no lower that 200kbps if you want to Video chat or Screen Share (the Min for both is 128kbps)
Even if it shows a speeds higher than this change it to something like 500kbps then close/Quit Messages and then restart it. (i.e change the setting anyway to give a bot of a jolt)
10:18 PM Thursday; May 17, 2012
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Lion 10.7.4)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.7.4),
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

How Exchange Messages Between ML Desktop iMessage and GMail on PC?

iMessage Mavens,
If this forum (iChat) is not the proper place to post iMessage questions, please accept my apologies.
Earlier today, a client requested an IM session. On a WinTel system (PC), they use Gmail and a PC-Gmail client.
After an futile hour of research, I cannot find a way to exchange messages from iMessage (specifically using the Mountain Lion desktop iMessage client or iMessage on my iPad or iPhone) and my client's GMail account.
How can message exchange between iMessage and a PC running a GMail be provisioned?
Many, many thanks.
Plane Wryter

Hi,
Lets start with some terms so we are all talking the same "Language"
The Messages App in Mountain Lion can do two sorts of Text chats
1) iMessages to iOS devices and other Macs using Messages (that have registered an Apple ID for IMessages)
2) Instant Messages (IMs) to various services such as AIM, Jabber or Yahoo (In iChat 6 or later)
iChat will Text chat to a person using an Google Talk ID if they are logged in to a web Browser > Google Mail or iGoogle) with Talk Enabled on their Account
You just have to have a Jabber account of some sort logged in on iChat and have added them as a Buddy.
They could also be using any one of a number of Instant Message Apps that allow either PC or Mac users to login to multiple services.
Google have also released a Stand alone App called GoogleTalk for PC users.
It may be simpler if you don't want to set up Messages for a Jabber ID that you use your Web Browser and A Google Mail Login having Enabled Talk on your Account.
To be clear.
iMessages are a form of communication
They are text Messages to iOS devices or Macs who have registered an Apple ID for iMessages
They can not be sent to any old email Address
They cannot be particularly, sent to other services such as AIM or Jabber (this is despite the Messages window having the Text chat area)
Google run a Jabber server using the IDs of the Google Mail Service with the "Talk" option enabled to be valid Jabber IDs
You needs to use a Jabber ID of some sort in Messages (Or iChat)
In the Mountain Lion Community here at Apple Support Communities there is a "Messages" Category tag you can use when posting there.
Some of the regular Posters filter the larger forums (Communities) using these filters.
8:51 PM Sunday; August 19, 2012
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Lion 10.7.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

IMessage and FaceTime Effects?

While using iMessage and Facetime in the new OS Mountain Lion, can we use video effects in the new iMessage?
Theres an option on Video>>Show Video Effects but its greyed out
Thanks

Hi,
In Messages you can iMessage to Contacts (those people you are contacting by Apple ID or an iPhone Number) from what was the Address Book.
Once this conversation is active then you can use the Video iCon to Invoke the FaceTime App.
FaceTime on the Mac is compatible with the FaceTime app on iPhones and iPads.
This devices do not have enough processing power to do Backdrops and Effects so they are not in the Mac Version.
However if you are using a Buddy List (AIM or Jabber) then you can use the ichat Style Video and use Backdrops and Effects.
9:40 PM Thursday; August 9, 2012
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Lion 10.7.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

What is the difference between facetime and ichat

My grandkids would like to engage in audio/video conversations across country. I have iChat and FaceTime software on my 10.6.8 and 10.8 computers.
I am not sure the salient differences between these two softwares or which one would be the better one to use.
Mark

Hi,
FaceTime.
Version of Macs from Snow Leopard onwards and iOS devices.
Tends to use an Apple ID to "Call" rather than the iPhone number. (It can use the number in later versions)
One trick pony.
Can only do 1-1 video
iChat/Messages
iChat is the Original Messaging app on the Mac and Messages is the Mountain Lion variation.
iChat does IM (Text) chat over AIM, Jabber and Yahoo (This last is iChat 6 and Messages only)
It can do Group chats where it is supported (Not All Jabber servers do this).
You can send files (with or without a Chat window being Open
Pics sent in Chats display in line.
Using Jabber ID or AIM names it will Video or Audio Only chat to other iChat users (AIM Video chats can be done to at least two Apps on PCs)
It has iChat Theatre.
This can display other files as the Video feed.
i.e. you could show Movies (May be illegal if using Commercially produced films) or Keynote/Powerpoint presentations and the like.
During Video Chats you can drag a file of the Video Chat to send it to the Buddy.
Pic and Slide shows from iPhoto can be sent as Video Feed (I suggest you do so with the Music Off).
The Video feed can also be subject to the Effects and Backdrops
Audio Chats can be 10 way with you as one of the people
Video Chat can be 4 way with you as one of the participants.
It can also do Screen Sharing.
This is an Audio Only Chat+ The plus being the desktop is shown to the Buddy (or you view the Buddy's)
They have the same access to your computer if you are Sharing. ("Warning, Warning, Will Robinson" moment.)
10.6.8 and 10.8 differences
iChat morphs into Messages in 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
This adds in the iMessages service into what was iChat
This is Apple's own Messaging service that started on the iPhone
It uses an Apple ID (Can be different to FaceTime) or the iPhones Number to Call other iMessages capable people.
Works from the Contacts list (rather than Buddy Lists).
Messages from iPhone, iPad and the Messages App on Macs are synced across those devices linked through the same Apple ID.
This does allow Conversation to be held across several devices as you change locations
(Syncing is the displaying of the iMessages across all devices - it does not apply to the actions taken with those iMessages such as deleting them on the iPhone will not delete them on the Mac)
You can Invoke FaceTime from an iMessages chat (the app will start up and you can select the Contact to FaceTime/Video them.
Certain Apple IDs ending in @Mac.com and @Me.com are also valid AIM Screen Names.
However passwords need to be kept to the AIM Limit of 16 Characters
iCloud issued @me.com name will not work on iChat 5 or Earlier (in OS X 10.6.8 or earlier)
However it does mean in Messages on Mountain Lion the Apple ID may appear as an "Account" twice - for iMessages and for the AIM service
I think that is almost everything.
10:50 PM Saturday; October 27, 2012
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

IMessages and Yahoo

Over the past week I have had various problems with iMessages and logging into Yahoo. When I try (even when I know for certain the password is correct) i get this message: "Messages can’t log in to C***********@yahoo.com because your login ID or password is incorrect." I have litterally counted to 50 and did the login with the password I know is correct that many times. What is causing this? Sometimes I get this message only once and sometimes it happens repeatedly. Help!

HI,
I run Little Snitch.
This Utility can tell you which Internet Ports and protocols an app is using to do various tasks.
If you compare the Yahoo for Mac Beta 3 that has been out for several years (and has had updates during that time) with the Messages info you will find that the two apps log in to different servers.
Although I have not had problems logging in to Yahoo recently it may be that the Message one is getting busy at times.
If you log in via a Web Browser you are likely to logging in via yet another server.
However I would try this and see if you get extra info from Yahoo.
9:28 PM Monday; February 11, 2013
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

IMessage or iChat got one notification pending

Hi all,
iMessage or iChat notification for one notification pending but couldnt able to find what is pending and dono how to clear it.
Removed the chats listed in the lineup and emptied completly but still its not clearing up
Thank you.

HI,
If you Dock icon is showing an incorrect number badge then I would try a PRAM reset.
Shut down the computer.
Restart it holding down Apple/CMD ( or ⌘)+ALT( ⌥)+P+R Keys until you have heard three Start Up Bongs.
7:26 pm Friday; September 6, 2013
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.4)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

IMessage and iChat

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