OS X Mavericks: audio chat via messages

In OS X Mavericks you can also start audio chats with your contacts using "Messages". You can find out how it works in our practical tip.

Set up audio chat under Mavericks

For an audio chat with messages, you must have an account with "Jabber", "AIM", "Google Talk" or "Bonjour".

1. Start the "Messages" program in the Dock and then click on "Messages"> "Settings" in the Apple toolbar.
2. Select "Accounts" here and then click on the plus symbol to add a chat account from "Jabber", "AIM", "Google Talk" or "Bonjour" (see image).
3. Now send a normal message to the person you want for the audio chat.
4. Then click on the "Audio / Video Chat" button and confirm the popup with "Audio". Note: If this option does not appear, an audio chat by the chat provider is unfortunately not possible. In this case, switch to another account.

If the audio chat does not work with another account, you can also use the tried and tested alternative "Skype for Mac OS".