Why am I having technical issues using the Chat Network?

Browser requirements for connecting to chatrooms

DeviantART offers a number of features that work best, or only work, using modern browsers. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you download the latest version of your favorite browser.

We no longer support the following browser versions:

Firefox 3.6

Chrome 8

Safari 4

Internet Explorer 7

Opera 11.52

Flash, Java, or Firefox extension

In order to connect to our chatrooms, you need a compliant browser as stated above, plus you need either the Flash Plugin or Java Plugin for your browser installed.

If you are using Firefox, another option is to use our in-house XPCOM extension found here -> [link]

Failing at 'Opening Connection'

In some cases it may take a few tries to connect. If you receive this message, simply try refreshing your browser window by holding down the CTRL key and pressing F5. In rare cases it may take a few tries of doing this.

If this doesn't solve your issue, please look for further causes below:

This may be an issue with an improperly installed Adobe Flash plugin. Please follow steps 1 and 2 (and 3 if needed) -> [link]

Also, this may be an issue with your firewall, router, or Internet Service Provider blocking port 3900 - please check your settings or check with your service provider.

In addition, parental controls/software on your computer may be blocking chat programs.

Any or all Firefox extensions/addons should be disabled to see if that fixes your issue.

We are also aware of the following extensions/add-ons and internet security programs cause interferences with deviantART. If you should have any of the below we recommend that you try disabling them to see if it is causing the problem you are experiencing.

Extensions:
- Adblock Plus
- Skype Extension
- Flashblock
- NoScript
- SafariBlock

Internet Security Programs**

- Kaspersky (specifically the adblock feature)
- Avast (specificially the webshield)
- AdMuncher

** Please note for your computer's safety we do not advise that you disable your Anti-Virus programs but instead try disabling the specific feature listed.