IRCpug is a native IRC client for iPhone and iPad. Keep multiple networks, channels, and direct conversations together in an interface built for Apple devices—without hiding the parts of IRC that experienced users rely on.
CONNECT YOUR WAY
Use direct TCP, TLS, STARTTLS, or IRC over WebSocket. Configure alternate endpoints, automatic reconnect, IPv4 or IPv6 preference, client certificates, and SOCKS or HTTP CONNECT proxies. Strict Transport Security helps compatible networks keep future connections secure.
MODERN AUTHENTICATION
Authenticate with server passwords or SASL PLAIN, EXTERNAL, SCRAM, and OAUTHBEARER. Passwords, OAuth tokens, client identities, proxy credentials, channel keys, and FiSH keys are kept in Keychain-backed storage.
CATCH UP AND FIND IT AGAIN
IRCv3 history and supported bouncers can replay the conversation you missed. IRCpug keeps an optional SQLite archive on your device, with global search that works even when every network is offline. Mentions from all connected networks appear in one inbox.
A CONVERSATION-FIRST CLIENT
Read IRC formatting, reply in context, react on compatible networks, inspect members and topics, manage channels, and use a full command composer. Unread landmarks, highlights, typing indicators, drafts, notification replies, and multiple windows help conversations remain usable on both iPhone and iPad.
FILES WHEN YOU NEED THEM
Receive and send supported DCC transfers, resume compatible transfers, or use IRCv3 FILEHOST on configured networks. Transfers are always explicit and visible. DCC itself does not authenticate or encrypt a transfer, so accept files only from people you trust.
PRIVACY AND CONTROL
IRCpug contains no advertising, analytics, or third-party SDKs. Message history and search stay on your device. Remote images, videos, link previews, avatars, and network icons are off by default and have separate controls. Local ignore rules and flood protection help you manage unwanted messages.
OPTIONAL BACKGROUND NOTIFICATIONS
Connect through soju or another compatible IRC Web Push bouncer to receive encrypted message notifications while IRCpug is suspended or closed. Enable it in Settings—no relay URL or administrator token is required. IRCpug Push Service routes device-encrypted data to APNs and cannot decrypt message content. Turn it off at any time.
OPTIONAL LEGACY ENCRYPTION
FiSH compatibility can encrypt message bodies for compatible peers using a manual key or DH1080 key exchange. FiSH does not hide nicknames, channels, timing, or other IRC metadata, and it does not encrypt DCC transfers.
IRCpug does not operate a public IRC service. The networks you choose have their own accounts, rules, privacy practices, and moderation policies.
Requires iOS 17. Designed for iPhone and iPad.
Ratings & Reviews
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1.1.0
Added
- The Add Channel window now browses the public channel directory of every
connected network. It streams server LIST results across networks into one
searchable, busiest-first list with user counts and topics, and tapping a
row joins it — no need to type a channel name. Networks that advertise
SAFELIST load automatically; others ask for the existing disconnect-risk
confirmation first, and failed loads offer a retry.
- The Add Channel window replaces the old per-network Channel List window.
The server conversation's Channel List action and its deep link open the
directory pre-filtered to that network.
- Explicit trailing actions on network rows: a Connect button (bolt symbol,
44-point target, network-specific VoiceOver label) on disconnected
networks, and a Channels button on connected networks that opens the
directory filtered to that network.
- Swipe actions on network rows, and Mark as Read for a whole network from
its long-press menu (also added to query and DCC chat long-press menus).
Changed
- Server rows no longer show an unread counter; per-channel counters are
unchanged.
- Invitations moved to the bottom of the Add menu, and the Add button
carries a numbered badge while invitations are pending.
- Conversation search moved into the conversation overflow menu.
- History merges for restores, catch-up, and earlier-pages append or
prepend in place instead of rebuilding and re-sorting the whole
transcript, with the sequence lookup hoisted out of the sort comparator.
- Transcript rendering now extends its render projection incrementally when
messages arrive, formats each row's timestamp once, caches row formatting
and inline-media derivations, groups days without a Calendar call per
message, and pins the scroll without an animation transaction per message
while near the bottom. Initial scrolling in large transcripts and typing
while messages keep arriving are substantially smoother.
Version 1.1.0
The developer, Pawel Karpinski, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Linked to You
The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:
User Content
Identifiers
Privacy practices may vary based, for example, on the features you use or your age. Learn More
The developer indicated that this app supports the following accessibility features. Learn More
Supported Features
VoiceOver
Larger Text
Dark Interface
Differentiate Without Colour Alone
Sufficient Contrast
Reduced Motion
Information
Provider
Pawel Karpinski
Size
34.1 MB
Category
Social Networking
Compatibility
Requires iOS 17.0 or later.
iPhone Requires iOS 17.0 or later.
iPad Requires iPadOS 17.0 or later.
Mac Requires macOS 14.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.