How to send a private message in IRC depends on the IRC client you are using, and the IRC server configuration where you’re connecting. However, using one of the below methods should allow you to send a private message to someone with most IRC chat clients.

Double-click the username

Double-click the username. If supported, a private chat with that user should appear.

Before sending someone a private message, practice good etiquette by asking for permission. Also, if that user is ignoring all private messages, your messages to that user are ignored.

Query or msg user

Using the /query or /msg commands also open a private chat with that user. Below are examples of how these commands are used. In both examples, we are sending a private message to the user with the name hope and the message hello. If you want to open a blank chat, the message can also be left out.

/query hope hello

/msg hope hello

Some clients also allow users to shortcut /m instead of the /msg command to privately send messages.

  • See the chat, IRC, and private message definitions for further information and related links.