InterChat LogoInterChat

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Quick answers to the most common questions about InterChat. Get up to speed fast with clear, practical information.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Get quick answers to the most common InterChat questions. Can't find what you're looking for? Check our complete guides or join our support community.

    Getting Started

    InterChat connects Discord communities by enabling real-time cross-server communication.

    How it works:

    1. Multiple Discord servers join a "hub" (community topic)
    2. Each server connects one channel to the hub
    3. Messages sent in connected channels appear instantly across all servers
    4. Users keep their original names and avatars

    Perfect for:

    • Gaming communities spanning multiple servers
    • Educational networks and study groups
    • Creative collaborations and feedback
    • Professional networking and knowledge sharing

    Think of it as: A bridge between Discord servers that preserves each community's independence while enabling broader connections.

    Quick Start (5 minutes):

    1. Add InterChat: Visit interchat.tech/invite
    2. Find a hub: Visit interchat.tech/hubs to discover communities
    3. Connect: Use /connect hub:HubName in your chosen channel
    4. Start chatting: Send messages and connect with other servers!

    Need "Manage Server" permission to add bots and create connections.

    First time? Follow our complete getting started guide for detailed instructions.

    Yes, completely free!

    ✅ No message limits or restrictions ✅ No ads or monetization ✅ Open-source and community-driven

    How we sustain the project:

    • Community donations and support (donate here)
    • Open-source contributions
    • Volunteer moderation and development

    Want to support us? Join our community and help other users!

    Understanding Hubs

    What exactly is a hub?

    A hub is a themed community that connects multiple Discord servers around a shared interest or topic. Think of it as a virtual meeting place where different communities come together.

    Examples:

    • "Indie Game Developers" - Connects servers of game developers for collaboration
    • "Computer Science Students" - Links study groups and academic servers
    • "Digital Artists Network" - Brings together art communities for feedback and inspiration

    How do I choose the right hub?

    Consider these factors:

    Find hubs that match your server's focus:

    • Gaming: Look for specific games or genres
    • Learning: Find subject-specific study groups
    • Creative: Seek communities in your artistic medium
    • Professional: Connect with industry-specific networks

    Pro tip: Specific hubs (like "Minecraft Builders") often work better than general ones (like "Gaming Hub").

    Hub size affects experience:

    • Small hubs (5-15 servers): More intimate, easier to build relationships
    • Medium hubs (15-50 servers): Good balance of activity and manageability
    • Large hubs (50+ servers): High activity but can be overwhelming

    Sweet spot: 20-40 connected servers for most communities.

    Check recent activity:

    • Look for daily conversations
    • Check message timestamps in hub browser
    • Ask current members about typical activity
    • Consider time zones of other servers

    Red flags: No recent messages, very sporadic activity, or complaints about inactivity.

    Quality moderation matters:

    • Clear, reasonable rules
    • Responsive moderators
    • Good community reputation
    • Effective content filtering

    Check: Hub ratings, reviews, and how moderators handle issues.

    Can I create my own hub?

    Absolutely! Use /hub create and fill out the creation form.

    Before creating, consider:

    • Do you have a clear purpose and target audience?
    • Are you prepared to actively moderate and engage?
    • Do you have potential servers ready to join?
    • Can you commit time to building the community?

    Success tips:

    • Start with a specific, focused topic
    • Invite servers you already know first
    • Be active in your own hub
    • Set clear rules and expectations early

    Complete hub creation guide →

    Connections and Channels

    Which channel should I connect?

    Best practices for channel selection:

    Recommended: Create a dedicated channel

    Benefits:

    • Clear purpose and expectations
    • No interference with existing server culture
    • Easier to moderate and manage
    • Better member understanding

    Good names:

    • #interchat
    • #hub-chat
    • #cross-server
    • #[hub-name]-chat

    Setup tip: Add a channel description explaining the connection.

    Using existing channels can work if:

    • Channel topic matches the hub perfectly
    • Community is already engaged and respectful
    • Channel isn't too busy or overwhelming
    • Members are open to cross-server interaction

    Good candidates:

    • Topic-specific channels (#game-dev, #art-share)
    • Active but not overwhelming channels
    • Channels with positive, welcoming communities

    Preparation: Announce the connection to your community first.

    Avoid connecting these channels:

    #general - Usually too busy and unfocused ❌ #announcements - One-way communication only ❌ Private/restricted channels - Limits participation ❌ Drama-prone channels - Will spread problems to hub ❌ Off-topic channels - Won't match hub purpose

    Also avoid:

    • Forum channels (not supported)
    • Voice channels (text only)
    • Channels with frequent bot spam

    Why aren't my messages appearing elsewhere?

    Most common causes and quick fixes:

    1. Permission Issues (Most common)

      • Check: Does InterChat have "Manage Webhooks" permission?
      • Fix: Server Settings → Roles → InterChat → Enable required permissions
    2. Connection Problems

      • Check: Run /connection list to see status
      • Fix: If paused, use /connection unpause
    3. Webhook Issues

      • Check: Was the webhook manually deleted?
      • Fix: Use /connection edit to refresh the webhook
    4. Hub Filters

      • Check: Are your messages being filtered for content?
      • Fix: Try simple messages like "test" or contact hub moderators

    Complete troubleshooting guide →

    Moderation and Safety

    How does hub moderation work?

    Three-tier system for community safety:

    Hub Moderator 🛡️

    • Warn users for rule violations
    • Blacklist problematic users or servers
    • Delete inappropriate messages
    • View infraction history

    Hub Manager ⚙️

    • All moderator permissions
    • Configure hub settings and rules
    • Add/remove moderators
    • Manage content filtering

    Hub Owner 👑

    • Full control over the hub
    • Add/remove managers
    • Transfer ownership
    • Delete the hub

    Warning System:

    • Formal warnings for rule violations
    • Tracked in user's infraction history
    • Escalation path for repeat offenders

    Blacklisting:

    • User blacklist: Removes individual from hub
    • Server blacklist: Removes entire server
    • Temporary or permanent options available
    • Appeals process for disputed actions

    Content Management:

    • Delete inappropriate messages
    • Remove reactions from messages
    • Configure automated content filtering

    Easy Reporting: Right-click any message → Apps → InterChat → Report Message

    What happens:

    1. Report sent to hub moderators instantly
    2. Moderators review and investigate
    3. Appropriate action taken based on violation
    4. Reporter may receive follow-up if needed

    Report categories:

    • Spam or unwanted content
    • Harassment or abuse
    • Inappropriate content
    • Rule violations
    • Other concerns

    What if there's drama or conflict?

    Hub moderators handle conflicts, but you have options:

    Immediate actions:

    • Report problematic content using the report system
    • Contact hub moderators directly
    • Temporarily pause your connection if needed: /connection pause

    Server admin powers:

    • You can disconnect from any hub at any time
    • Hub moderation cannot override your server's autonomy
    • You maintain full control over your own community

    Prevention tips:

    • Choose well-moderated hubs with clear rules
    • Set expectations with your community before connecting
    • Monitor cross-server interactions initially
    • Build relationships with hub moderators

    Technical Questions

    What permissions does InterChat need?

    Essential permissions:

    Must have for basic functionality:

    Manage Webhooks - Creates message delivery system ✅ Send Messages - Relays messages between servers ✅ Read Messages - Sees messages to relay ✅ View Channels - Accesses connected channels

    Without these, InterChat cannot function properly.

    Why webhooks are essential:

    Webhooks allow messages to appear with the original sender's name and avatar, making cross-server chat feel natural and authentic.

    Without webhooks: All messages would appear to come from the InterChat bot, losing the personal connection that makes cross-server communication effective.

    Security: Webhooks are Discord's official system for this functionality and are completely safe.

    Is my data safe?

    Privacy and security overview:

    What we process:

    • Messages temporarily to relay between servers
    • User IDs for moderation and hub management
    • Server information for connection management

    What we DON'T store:

    • Message content long-term
    • Private conversations
    • Personal information beyond Discord IDs

    Security measures:

    • Open-source code (you can review it)
    • Minimal data collection
    • No selling or sharing of data
    • AGPL-3.0 license ensures transparency

    Self-hosting option: Run your own instance for complete control.

    Getting Help

    Where can I get support?

    Self-Service Resources:

    Community Support:

    • 🌟 Support Server - Live help from community
    • 💡 Ask experienced users and moderators
    • 🚀 Get tips and best practices
    • 🐛 Report bugs and suggest features

    What to include in support requests:

    1. Clear description of the problem
    2. Steps you've already tried
    3. Error messages (exact text or screenshots)
    4. When the issue started
    5. Relevant command outputs

    Still have questions? Join our support community where our team and experienced users are ready to help! We're friendly and responsive.