My iChat can't connect to connect to Gtalk suddenly

Question

Level 1

5 points

My iChat can't connect to connect to Gtalk suddenly

It has been working since I configured it 5 years ago up until recently, when my landlord upgraded the internet package. However, I can surf the net fine and my Apple Mail is connecting fine to my Gmail. So far, I have tried:

1. Restarting the computer (worked when I restarted the first time, but after a while it got disconnected again)

2. Restarting the modem and router

3. Reconfigured gtalk on iChat (delete account and added account again)

Not too sure what else to do. I'm running Mac 10.6.8 Snow Leopard, and iChat 5.0.3. Is it because I haven't updated to Mavericks? But it worked up until the change of internet package. I've been hesitant to update to Mavericks cos I've been reading lots of bad reviews about it, and I haven't had the time to back up all my files.

The error message I am getting is "iChat can't connect with the Jabber account "xxxx@gmail.com". Could not connect to server host talk.google.com". The current server settings are server: talk.google.com. Using SSL on port 5223. "Warn before sending password insecurely" is ticked.

Any advice?

Posted on Jun 30, 2014 9:34 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

Ralph-Johns-UK

Level 9

76,789 points

Jun 30, 2014 12:50 PM in response to charissachin

Hi,

I would check by Logging in the the Google Mail web page and checking you can access the Chat option there.

That may tell you if there is a server issue.

If that does not seem to be an issue try changing the port to 443

Google allows logins on this port but you have to keep it doing the SSL bit.

8:50 pm Monday; June 30, 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

Reply

Answer 2

charissachin Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 1, 2014 5:34 AM in response to Ralph-Johns-UK

Hi Ralph,

When I check on Gchat web, it's always up.

Nevertheless, I tried changing the port to 443 and it worked! Thanks a lot!

Reply

Answer 3

Jul 1, 2014 11:01 AM in response to charissachin

You're welcome.

7:01 pm Tuesday; July 1, 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

Reply

Answer 4

charissachin Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 2, 2014 6:00 AM in response to Ralph-Johns-UK

Hi Ralph,

Today when I turned on my computer, my iChat doesn't connect again. It's now under port 443. Any idea why this may be happening?

Reply

Answer 5

Jul 2, 2014 11:48 AM in response to charissachin

Hi,

The Google server insists on using SSL to connect.

It is quite often the case that they will not reconnect automatically to the Accounts in iChat or Messages that have this set.

In the Preferences > Accounts try disabling the account (Untick "Enable this Account") and then re-tick the box.

Does it connect now ?

7:48 pm Wednesday; July 2, 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

Reply

Answer 6

charissachin Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 3, 2014 2:38 AM in response to Ralph-Johns-UK

Hi,

Nope, no luck. It still gives the same error message about not connecting to server.

Reply

Answer 7

Jul 3, 2014 12:00 PM in response to charissachin

Hi,

In System Preferences> Network > Advanced Button > DNS tab add two Public DNS servers

This may be about the DNS info from the router not being passed to your computer in the new set up.

8:00 pm Thursday; July 3, 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

Reply

Answer 8

charissachin Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 4, 2014 5:13 AM in response to Ralph-Johns-UK

Hi there,

Works for now! Hopefully this lasts. 🙂 Thanks!

Reply

Answer 9

Jul 4, 2014 12:16 PM in response to charissachin

Good to hear.

8:16 pm Friday; July 4, 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

Reply

Answer 10

Oct 25, 2014 12:52 PM in response to Ralph-Johns-UK

Thanks for this.... you are a star Ralph.

Reply

Answer 11

Oct 25, 2014 12:57 PM in response to bosa noha

You're Welcome.

8:57 pm Saturday; October 25, 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

Reply

Answer 12

Nov 17, 2014 8:40 AM in response to Ralph-Johns-UK

Ralph,

Perhaps you can help. I am having the same issue, but typical solutions have failed.

I cannot login to google talk as of about 1 week ago.

Google account 2 step verify is disabled
Getting the following error: Messages can’t log in to user_name@gmail.com because your login ID or password is incorrect.
Tried using port 5223 and 443 in the account settings
SSL is On in the account settings
I ensured that google chat was enabled in my gmail settings.

Environment

OS X 10.9.5
Mac book pro April 2011
Messages 8.0 (4226)

Reply

Answer 13

Nov 17, 2014 11:34 AM in response to DarrenTBurgess

Hi,

On My Google Settings *As is Logging into Google in a web browser) and then using the Name display drop down to Access Account and then choosing Security I also have the "Use the Less Secure apps" access item enabled.

Apparently Google are not using SSL any more and have their own login protocol that they say is more secure.

7:34 pm Monday; November 17, 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

Reply

Answer 14

Nov 17, 2014 12:26 PM in response to Ralph-Johns-UK

Thank you, that worked. That is enabling "Less Secure Apps" in the google account security settings.

Reply

Answer 15

Nov 17, 2014 12:27 PM in response to DarrenTBurgess

You're welcome.

8:27 pm Monday; November 17, 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

Reply