Using chanserv

chanserv is the IRC service that empowers users to register and manage channels. Once registered, a channel is permanently linked to your account, giving you advanced control over who can join, who has privileges, and how the channel behaves

Why Register a Channel?

• Prevent others from taking over your channel
• Persist channel settings across sessions
• Gain access to owner (~) and admin (&) status levels
• Use bots, bans, modes, and access control automatically

Command to register a channel:
/REGISTER #channelname description

Role Levels & Access

• ~ Owner – Full control: can modify settings, add/remove access, and drop the channel
• & Admin – High-level permissions: manage bans, topics, invite exemptions, and modes
• @ Operator – Moderate the channel: kick, set topics, voice users
• % Half-Op – Basic moderation depending on mode configuration

See the current access list:
/ACCESS #channel LIST

Popular chanserv Commands

• /chanserv OP #channel nickname – Grant operator status
• /chanserv VOICE #channel nickname – Give voice status
• /chanserv FLAGS #channel nickname +ao – Set access flags (e.g. a = auto op, o = op)
• /chanserv SET #channel MLOCK +nt – Force certain modes to always be applied
• /chanserv SET #channel PRIVATE ON – Make the channel private
• /chanserv SET #channel RESTRICTED ON – Restrict channel to registered users only
• /chanserv HELP – Show all available channel service commands

Quick Tips

• Register your channel as soon as you create it to prevent takeover
• Use access levels and flags instead of giving everyone operator status
• Combine chanserv with botserv for automation
• Set a channel description that reflects your community

chanserv helps you build a consistent, protected community space that reflects your preferences and values