How to Configure Pidgin Chat Client to Work With Google Talk

One the best apps out for the instant messaging is the open-source, cross-platform Pidgin (formerly known as Gaim). Pidgin is a powerful, easy to use IM client that supports multiple services like MSN, Yahoo, and Google Talk, so that it's easy to manage all of your messaging accounts all from one application and in one window.

As a heavy Gmail and Google Calendar user, I love being able to message my contacts straight from Google's web interface with Google Talk. Sometimes, though, I'd like to be able to see my contacts and/or shoot off a quick message without firing up my web browser. Since I have Pidgin open a good amount of the time anyways for AIM and IRC chats, it makes sense to add my Google Talk account to my Pidgin buddy list. With Pidgin, I can view my Google Talk contacts' statuses, retrieve information from their Google profile, and even see their photo if they provide one.

While using Pidgin with AOL Instant Messenger or MSN's own chat service is very straightforward, it can be a bit tricky to get things going with Google Talk. This is partly due to the fact that the "Google Talk" preset in the "Create Account" settings just plain doesn't work. I'm not sure if this is a bug in Pidgin, or perhaps is a result in changes in the chat protocols on Google's end. Whatever the reason, we'll have to do just a bit of simple configuration to get everything up and running the way we'd like to with Google Talk.

First, open Pidgin and go to Accounts > Manage Accounts. Then click on the "Add..." button. In the "Protocol" field, select "XMPP," NOT "Google Talk."

For the "Username" field, enter your Google Talk username minus the "@gmail.com" portion.

In the "Domain" field, enter "gmail.com" (sans quotes, of course ;)

In the "Resource" field, enter "Home"

In the "Password" field, enter your Google Talk account password.

Now click on the "Advanced" tab at the top the window. Just a few more options to go!

Check the "Force Old SSL" box.

In the "Connect port" field, enter "443"

In the "Connect server field, enter "talk.google.com"

In the "File Transfer Proxies" field, enter "proxy.jabber.org:7777"

Now click the "Save" button on the bottom of the window. You're done!

Pidgin should now be ready to work seamlessly with your Google Talk Account.