How to connect to a registered-only IRC chan from Matrix? (Libera.Chat)

irc_matrix_registered_users.md

Some IRC channels are restricted to registered users only. In this document, I'll explains how to connect to those channels from Matrix.

In particular, I'll take the example of the Matrix room #gamingonlinux-irc:matrix.org since it is plumbed to the IRC channel #gamingonlinux on Libera.Chat and this channel is for registered users only.

If you don't already have a registered user on the Libera.Chat, you first need to have one.

Register a new user on Libera.Chat

1. Open a DM room with @NickServ:libera.chat
2. Type REGISTER <password> <email-address>, and follow the instructions
3. Type IDENTIFY <password>, and follow the instructions

Tips: you can type HELP or HELP <COMMAND> in the DM room to know about the IRC commands (the output can be out of order though, but you should get the gist of it, otherwise use the Libera.Chat web app).

Register your user on the Matrix IRC bridge

1. Open a DM room with @appservice:libera.chat
2. Try to join the Matrix room #gamingonlinux-irc:matrix.org (you should be kicked as you're not authenticated yet)
3. Type !username <username>
   • Your username doesn't have to be the same as your IRC nickname
   • It has some restrictions (e.g. it can only have small caps letters)
4. Type !storepass <password>
5. Type !reconnect
6. Try to join #gamingonlinux-irc:matrix.org again (it should work this time)

Sources

• SASL: https://libera.chat/guides/sasl
• IRC registration: https://libera.chat/guides/registration
• Matrix bridge https://matrix-org.github.io/matrix-appservice-irc/
• IRC and Matrix FAQ: https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-appservice-irc/wiki/End-user-FAQ