Getting Started

1. Open Networks from the main menu.
2. Tap Add to create a new network profile.
3. Enter a display name (e.g. Libera Chat), then the server host and port. Most TLS-enabled servers use port 6697.
4. Leave TLS enabled — it encrypts your connection and is supported by virtually all modern IRC servers.
5. Set your nickname, an optional alternate nick, username, and real name.
6. Optionally add auto-join channels, configure SASL, or add post-connect commands.

Tap the network row and choose Connect. Server messages appear in the network's server buffer. You'll see CAP negotiation, SASL authentication (if configured), and then a Registered message confirming your effective nickname and active IRCv3 capabilities.

There are several ways to join channels:

• Channel List UI: Type /list to open the searchable channel browser.
• Join command: /join #channel or /join #channel key for key-protected channels.
• Auto-join: Add channels to the per-network auto-join list in network settings. Keys are supported.

SASL lets HexDroid authenticate with NickServ during the connection handshake — before registration — without needing a post-connect /ns IDENTIFY command. Enable SASL in the network settings under Authentication.

authcid — your NickServ account name (usually your registered nick). Leave blank to use your current nick.

CertFP authenticates you using your certificate's fingerprint instead of a password. HexDroid accepts certificates in .pem / .crt or PKCS#12 format (.p12 / .pfx).

1. In network settings, find TLS Client Certificate and tap Import certificate.
2. Select your .pem/.crt or .p12/.pfx file and enter the certificate password (leave blank for unprotected certs).
3. Register the cert fingerprint with NickServ: /ns CERT ADD (most networks).
4. Set the SASL mechanism to EXTERNAL.

Converting a .crt + .key pair to PKCS#12:

openssl pkcs12 -export -in cert.crt -inkey cert.key -out cert.p12

Enable Bouncer mode in network settings when connecting through a bouncer. This changes several behaviours:

• Auto-join is skipped — the bouncer already keeps you in your channels server-side.
• MOTD is not suppressed — the bouncer's MOTD usually contains status info.
• ZNC CAPs negotiated: znc.in/server-time-iso and znc.in/playback.
• soju CAPs negotiated: soju.im/bouncer-networks, soju.im/bouncer-networks-notify, soju.im/read.

Run arbitrary slash commands after a successful connection. Useful for ghosting old sessions, joining operator channels, or identifying with NickServ when SASL is unavailable.

Go to network settings > Post-connect commands. Enter one command per line. Configure a delay (seconds) to wait after registration — some servers need a moment before accepting service commands.

/ns GHOST MyOldNick password   # kill old session
/nick MyNick                    # reclaim the nick
/join #ops                      # join restricted channel

You can also use an irssi-style command to slow all subsequent commands down, example:

/join #idlerpg;wait 6                      join idlerpg but wait 6 seconds

HexDroid notifies you for:

• Highlights — your nickname (or a custom keyword) is mentioned in any channel.
• Private messages — a direct message arrives.
• Custom highlight words — additional case-insensitive keywords defined in Settings.

On Android 13+, you'll be prompted for notification permission on first run. Manage later at Android Settings > Apps > HexDroid > Notifications.

Sound and vibration intensity (Low / Medium / High) are configurable in the app's Settings screen.

HexDroid uses an Android foreground service to keep IRC connections alive when the app is in the background. A persistent notification is shown while running — this is a requirement from Android.

Enable in Settings > Keep alive in background. Once on, you can close the app and still receive highlight notifications.

Auto-reconnect is on by default. If a connection drops, HexDroid retries with exponential backoff (initial delay configurable in Settings).

Since v1.5.5, HexDroid uses Trust On First Use (TOFU) fingerprint pinning instead of a blanket "allow invalid certificates" toggle. This gives you security without requiring a CA-signed certificate.

On first connect to a server, HexDroid saves its SHA-256 certificate fingerprint. On all subsequent connects, the fingerprint is verified. If it changes (server certificate was replaced or rotated), the connection is aborted and you'll see a warning.

HexDroid can export all your network configurations and app settings to a JSON file, making it easy to migrate to a new device or keep a backup.

1. Go to Settings > Backup & Restore.
2. Tap Export to save a JSON file to your chosen location.
3. To restore: tap Import, select the JSON file, and your networks and settings will be re-created.