Untitled Document

Quick Jump:

Get started:

1. On your mobile phone, text IM R <your name>

For example, if your name is Lavesh Chulani, your message will be " IM R Lavesh Chulani" as shown below:

2. Send to the short code 8888 (for RIM, Reliance Telecom (Smart), Hutch, Idea Delhi, Spice Karnataka, Airtel and MTNL mobile subscribers only).

3. You will receive a confirmation message saying that you have successfully registered a Chikka account. Your Chikka ID is your mobile number (e.g. 919827029013 ).

If your carrier isn’t supported, register for a PC-Only Account for to use Chikka’s mobile messaging service from your computer.

Start Chikka Messaging!

Using Chikka on your PC:

Launch your Chikka Messenger. (No Chikka yet? Download now.)
Start sending messages!

If your friend is not yet in your buddy list, click on the Send Message button found at the top of the Chikka Messenger. You will need to know the mobile phone number or Chikka ID of your friend.
If your friend is already in your buddy list, click on the name of your friend on the buddy list window. A message window will appear. Type your message and click Send.

Using your mobile phone:

Check your list of buddies online by texting IM C and sending it to 8888 .
You will receive a message with the list of your buddies and their corresponding buddy numbers.
Send a message using this format:

IM <buddy digit > <your message>

Example: IM 2 Hey there!

Got questions? Click here for some help.

Mobile Quick Guide. Check this out for a list of keyword commands.

Mobile Keyword Commands

Here’s a quick guide to some important mobile commands:

Keywords	Description	Send To
IM R <your name>	To register	8888
IM C	To see who is online and instructions to send a message	8888
IM <buddy digit> <message>	To send a message to a buddy	8888
IM P	To get your password	8888
IM ADD <mobile phone number>	To add a buddy	8888
IM TXT <email address> <message>	To invite via email	8888
IM B <Chikka ID>	To block someone in your buddy list	8888
IM UB <Chikka ID>	To unblock someone	8888
IM HELP	To get help info	8888
IM QUIT	To never receive messages from anyone	8888

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration <Go to Top>

How do I register for a Chikka account?

To unify your mobile phone number with your Chikka ID, register for a Unified Account. Using your mobile phone, create an SMS message in this format:

IM R <your name>

Example: IM R Lavesh Chulani

Then send it to 8888 (for RIM, Reliance Telecom (Smart), Hutch, Idea Delhi, Spice Karnataka, Airtel and MTNL mobile subscribers only).

To enjoy PC-to-mobile messaging, even without a mobile phone, register for a PC-Only Account.

What is the difference between a Unified Account and a PC-Only Account?

Registering for a Unified Account means that you will be able to use your mobile phone number as your Chikka ID. This makes the Chikka Messenger and your mobile phone virtual extensions of each other.

A PC-Only Account allows you to register for a Chikka ID without a mobile phone. Like any Chikka account holder, you will be able to receive and send messages to mobile phone users by using the Chikka Messenger.

Do I have to pay to register?

Registering for your Chikka account from your computer is absolutely free!

However, all text messages you send to Chikka’s SMS access codes are charged the regular value-added service rates. For mobile subscribers from India the VAS rate is as follows:

For Reliance, Hutch and Spice mobile subscribers, the rate is 2.00 Rupees per SMS message sent.
For Airtel and Idea mobile subscribers, the rate is 3.00 Rupees per SMS message sent.
For MTNL mobile subscribers, the rate is 1.00 Rupee (for postpaid) and 2.00 Rupees (for prepaid) per text message sent.

I’ve registered before. Do I need to register again to use new Chikka Messenger clients?

No, you can use your existing Chikka ID for every client version of the Chikka Messenger.

However, if you’ve registered for a PC-Only Account before and wish to have a Unified mobile-to-PC Account, you will have to register for a new account.

I want to create a new account. Will I lose my buddies in my previous account?

You must re-create your buddy list for your new account. However, your old buddy list is preserved on your old account.

Can I use my buddy list from another account?

Although the buddy list of your other account is preserved, you cannot access it from another account.

My mobile carrier is not supported. Can I still register for a Chikka account?

Yes, you can still register for a Chikka account by registering for PC-Only Account.

I don’t have a mobile phone. Can I still register for a Chikka account?

Yes, you can still register for a Chikka account by registering for PC-Only Account.

Account Information <Go to Top>

What is the required account information?

When registering for a Unified Account, you are required to provide your mobile number to be able to successfully register your account.

When creating a PC-Only Account in India, you will need to provide us with your email address and password. Your name, email address, age, gender and address are optional fields of information.

How can I edit my account information?

To edit your account information, launch the Chikka Messenger on your computer. Click on the Profile button, then select Update My Personal Profile. Edit your information as needed.

What is a Chikka ID?

Your Chikka ID is the number that you use to access your Chikka account.

If you’ve signed up for a Unified Account, your Chikka ID is the same as your mobile phone number.

If you have a PC-Only Account in India, your Chikka ID is a combination of digits that begin with 01 (a Chikka ID for PC-Only Accounts in other countries may begin with 00). Your Chikka ID is the Chikka ID number you are automatically assigned to by the Chikka system, unless you specify an ID number you prefer upon registration.

Can I change my Chikka ID?

No, you cannot change your Chikka ID.

I can’t remember my Password. How can I retrieve it?

Using your PC:

Launch the Chikka Messenger client on your PC. On the Log-in window, select Forgot Password and click OK . Follow the steps indicated.

Using your mobile phone:

Create a text message. Key in IM P and send it to 8888 (for RIM, Reliance Telecom (Smart), Hutch, Idea Delhi, Spice Karnataka, Airtel and MTNL mobile subscribers only).

You will receive a message containing your account details.

How do I change my Password?

Launch the Chikka Messenger client on your PC. Click on the Control Panel. Select Options, then click on Change Password.

How do I know if my email address has been verified?

When you register your email address, you will be sent an email asking you to verify your email address. Click on the link found in the email. This will lead you to a web page confirming that your email address has been verified.

How do I change my email address?

Launch the Chikka Messenger client on your PC. Click on the Control Panel. Select Profile, then edit the your email address in the appropriate field. Launch the Chikka Messenger client on your PC. Click on the Control Panel. Select Profile, then edit your email address in the appropriate field. An email message will be sent to your new email address with a verification link. Click on the verification link in the email message to confirm your email address change. (If you do not click the verification link, your email address will not be changed.)

I don’t want people to be able to search for me. What can I do?

To remain unlisted so persons cannot search for you, click on the Control Panel button found on top of the Chikka Messenger, then select Profile. Click on Update Personal Profile and select I want to remain unlisted.

What is the difference between a Unified Account and a PC-Only Account?

Logging In

Why can't I connect to my Chikka Messenger?

Your Chikka Messenger connection information may be incorrect. Please follow these steps to configure your connection.

Look for the Chikka "phone and mouse" icon in your system tray, right-click the icon, and select Connection Options.
Check if the Auto Configure Connection is clicked, If not, click the option.
Log in using your Chikka ID and Password.

If you still can’t connect and you are behind a proxy server, click here.

I have selected the Auto Configure Connection option, but I still can’t connect. I am behind a proxy server. What can I do?

Look for the Chikka "phone-and-mouse" icon in your system tray. Right-click the icon, and select Connection Options.

Edit your settings manually.

Unclick Auto Configure Connection and click Use Proxy Server.
Enter Proxy IP and Host.
Select Protocol (whether SOCKS 4, SOCKS 5, or HTTPS).
Enter Username and Password for Proxy Authentication if needed.
Click Update and login using your Chikka ID and PASSWORD.

If you do not know how to get your proxy servings, click here.

I’ve tried to edit my settings manually and used my Proxy IP and Host. I still can’t connect. What do I do?

Look for the Chikka "phone-and-mouse" icon in your system tray, right-click the icon, and select Preferences, follow these steps:

Select by clicking USE HTTP ALWAYS option and click OK.
Login using your Chikka ID and Password.

You should be able to connect.

However, if you are still unable to connect in this way, ask your network administrator or write to us at chikkahelp@indiatimes.com and we will get in touch with you.

The Chikka Messenger Client <Go to Top>

What are the features of the Chikka Messenger?

The Chikka Messenger is the world’s first two-way PC-to-mobile instant messaging. Its features let you send text messages to mobile phones from your PC for free, and vice-versa. See all features.

Which Chikka Messenger client should I use?

The latest Chikka Messenger is the recommended version as it’s the most enhanced one yet! Get it now

How do I download the Chikka Messenger?

Get the Chikka Messenger in a few easy steps. Just make sure you have the necessary OS requirements. Download the Chikka Messenger now.

What are the operating system requirements needed to install the Chikka Messenger?

The minimum system requirements are as follows:

Windows 95/98/2000/XP/ME/NT 4.0 and above
Internet access
Soundcard (optional): 8-bit or 16-bit
Processor: Intel Pentium processor or equivalent
RAM: 32 MB
Disk space: 8 MB
Internet Explorer browsers version 4.0 and above

For Macintosh, Linux, Sun, Solaris Users, use Chikka Javalite.

How do I install the Chikka Messenger?

After downloading the Chikka Messenger client, save the application in your hard drive. Go to the folder where you saved the application. Run the application to start installing Chikka.

Help! My OS is not compatible.

You can still use the Chikka Messenger by opting for the Chikka Javalite. Launch Chikka Javalite now.

Chikka Javalite

What is Chikka Javalite?

Chikka Javalite is an alternative to the Chikka Messenger client. You can run it from any computer with an internet connection.

Which operating systems does Chikka Javalite support?

It supports Windows (98/ME/NT/2000/XP), MAC, LINUX, SUN, and SOLARIS systems. (For Windows operating systems, we suggest that you use any of the Chikka Messenger clients

The Chikka Javalite won’t run on my computer.

For Chikka Javalite to run, Java Runtime Environment should be installed on your computer. Take note that in some systems, you will need to download and install it first. You will need Java Runtime Environment 1.3.x or above. Download Java Runtime Environment now. at http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.3/download.html

Sending & Receiving Messages <Go to Top>

How do I send messages from my PC?

If your friend is already in your buddy list. Click on the name of your friend in the buddy list window. Type your message in the window that appears and click Send.

If your friend is not yet in your buddy list, click on the Send Message button found on the top of the Chikka Messenger client. Key in your recipient’s Chikka ID/mobile phone number. Type your message in the window that appears and click Send. Your recipient will be added automatically to your buddy list. The “Assign Screen Name” window will also pop-up. Type your buddy's screen name and click OK .

How do I send messages from my mobile phone?

Check your list of buddies by texting IM C and sending it to 8888 (for RIM, Reliance Telecom (Smart), Hutch, Idea Delhi, Spice Karnataka, Airtel and MTNL mobile subscribers only).

You will receive a message with the list of your online buddies. Follow the instructions in the text message.

Whom can I send messages to?

You can only send online messages to other registered users of the Chikka Messenger. Also, you can send text messages only to mobile subscribers of Chikka’s supported carriers.

How do I send messages to a group of people?

To send a message to a group of buddies, select a name from your buddy list. From the pop-up window that appears, click on Group Message. Add other buddies to the list of recipients by selecting their names. After typing in your messages, click on Send.

How much am I charged for sending messages?

Sending messages from your PC using the Chikka Messenger is totally free of charge.

However, all text messages you send to Chikka’s SMS access codes are charged the regular value-added service rates. For mobile subscribers from India the VAS rate is as follows:

For Reliance, Hutch and Spice mobile subscribers, the rate is 2.00 Rupees per SMS message sent.
For Airtel and Idea mobile subscribers, the rate is 3.00 Rupees per SMS message sent.
For MTNL mobile subscribers, the rate is 1.00 Rupee (for postpaid) and 2.00 Rupees (for prepaid) per text message sent.

How do I know if I have received a message on my PC?

When a message is received, a message icon will appear beside the name of the buddy who sent you the message. Click on the buddy’s name to view the message. If a message window is open, the message window will blink in the task bar when a message is received.

Unread messages will be deleted from your account five days after they are sent.

You may also opt to have a message window pop out every time you receive a message. On your Chikka Messenger client, click on the Control Panel button and select Options. Select Preferences and tick the box corresponding to Popup chat window when a message is received.

I received a message on my mobile phone from a Chikka user. How do I reply to him?

To reply to a message, simply reply with your message and send like any normal SMS message.

I received a message on my mobile phone from someone I do not know. What do I do?

You may choose to block an unknown sender by replying to the message you received and text B.

Am I charged when I receive messages?

Messages received on the Chikka Messenger is free of charge. Mobile subscribers in India are also not charged for receiving messages on their mobile phones.

Forwarding Messages <Go to Top>

Can I forward my messages to my mobile phone? (for Unified Account Users)

Unified Account users may opt to have their messages forwarded to their mobile phones when they are offline.

To activate this option, select the Control Panel on the Chikka Messenger client, click on Profile and choose Update My Personal Profile. Scroll down and tick the box corresponding to Forward All My Messages to My Mobile Phone When My PC is Off.

How do I forward my messages to my email address? (PC-Only Users)

PC-Only Users may opt to have messages forwarded to a verified email address. From the Chikka Messenger client, click on the Options button, then click on Profile. Click on Update My Personal Profile. Tick the box corresponding to Forward All My Messages to My Email Account.

How do I know if my email address has been verified?

Message Credits <Go to Top>

How many message credits do I have?

Messages sent from PC to PC are unlimited and free.

However, a PC user is given limited credits for sending messages from the PC to mobile phones. The daily message credit allocation depends on the wireless provider of your recipients:

Country	Wireless Provider	Message Credits Allotted per day	# of credits earned from each SMS message received
Guam / Saipan	Guam cell / Saipancell	unlimited	1
India	RIM, Reliance Telecom (Smart), Hutch, Idea Delhi, Spice Karnataka, Airtel and MTNL	30	2
Japan	All Japan mobile phones (note: the phone must be registered with Chikka.)	20	1
Thailand	DTAC	30	1
Philippines	Globe Telecom	30	2
	Smart Communications	20	2
	Sun Cellular	20	2
UK	3, 02, Orange, T-Mobile, Virgin	30	1
USA	Cingular Wireless	20	1
	AT&T	20	1
	Sprint	20	1
	Verizon	20	1
	Alltel	20	1

Credits not used during the day are not carried over to the next day.

You can check how many message credits you have left. Click on the Control Panel button on your Chikka Messenger client and select Options. Click on Show Available Credit.

I have no more message credit. What do I do?

You can wait for a mobile user to reply to your message so that you’ll regain a credit. Otherwise, you can wait 24 hours from the first time your account was active for the day to receive your daily message credits.

How can I check for my remaining message credits?

From your Chikka Messenger client, click on the Control Panelbutton and select Options. Click on Show Available Credits.

Managing Messages on the Chikka Messenger <Go to Top>

Can I archive my messages?

To activate your Message Archive, go to the Control Panel and select Profile. Click on Update My Personal Profile. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and select on Save Last 20 Inbox/Outbox Messages. Click on the Update button when done.

How do I delete the messages stored in my Inbox/Outbox?

There is currently no direct way to delete your messages. However, messages are automatically deleted once new incoming and outgoing messages are received and sent. Also, your messages are deleted from your Inbox and Outbox every time you log out from the Chikka Messenger client.

How can I view a message sent to me?

When a message is received, a message icon will appear beside the name of the buddy who sent you the message. Click on the buddy’s name to view the message.

Unread messages will be deleted from your account five days after they are sent.

Can I see the message right away once it’s sent to me?

You may opt for a Pop Up Chat Window to appear every time a message is sent to you. To activate this option, click on the Control Panel, select Options then choose Preferences. Select the appropriate choice and click on OK.

Managing Alerts

What are online alerts?

PC-Only Account users have the option to send online alerts. This is an automatic SMS alert function sends a message out to your selected buddies when you go online on the PC.

This option is for PC-Only Accounts.

How do I switch the online alerts on/off?

From the Chikka Messenger client, select Options then click on Manage Online Alerts.

This option is for PC-Only Accounts.

Who will receive my online alerts?

Online alerts are received by your buddies on their mobile phones. You can send the online alerts to a maximum of 10 buddies.

This option is for PC-Only Accounts.

Why am I receiving alerts on my mobile phone?

You are receiving an online alert sent by your buddy in the hopes that you may want to respond with a message. Online alerts let you know that your buddy is online.

How do I stop receiving online alerts?

Reply to the SMS message and text OFF when you receive an online alert from a buddy.

Status and Availability <Go to Top>

How do I know if my friend is online using the Chikka Messenger?

The buddy list window in the Chikka Messenger is separated into two: Online and Idle. If the name of your friend is on the Online portion, then that means your friend is either online on his computer, on his mobile phone, or both.

How do I know who are online using my mobile phone?

Check your list of buddies by texting IM C and sending it to 8888 (for RIM, Reliance Telecom (Smart), Hutch, Idea Delhi, Spice Karnataka, Airtel and MTNL mobile subscribers only).

You will receive a message with the list of your online buddies. You can send them a message by following the instructions in the text message.

Can I send a message to a friend who is away?

Yes, but only friends with Unified PC-to-mobile Accounts will receive your message immediately on their mobile phones. If your friend is using a PC Only Account, your message will be received the next time your friend goes online.

Can I make myself invisible to others?

Yes, from the Chikka Messenger client, select Appear Idle Mode found in the drop-down list at the bottom.

Buddies <Go to Top>

How can I add someone as my buddy from the PC?

Click on the Send Message button found on top of the Chikka Messenger client. Specify the Chikka ID or mobile phone number of your friend and send a message. Your friend will automatically become your buddy unless he decides to “block” you from sending him more messages.

How can I add someone as my buddy from my mobile phone?

Create a text message. Key in IM ADD <mobile phone number> then send it to 8888 (for RIM, Reliance Telecom (Smart), Hutch, Idea Delhi, Spice Karnataka, Airtel and MTNL mobile subscribers only).

Is there a way for me to search for someone?

You can search for a friend on the Chikka database to add to you buddy list. From the Control Panel, select Invite, then click on Search for a Registered User. Fill in at least on of the following fields: Chikka ID, Email, First Name, or Last Name and click on Search. A list of registered users will appear. Locate your buddy in the list and add him to you buddy list by sending a message.

You can narrow your search by providing by filling up the search fields.

How can I delete a buddy?

From the buddy list window on the Chikka Messenger client, right-click on the name of your person you wish to delete and select the option that reads Delete Friend or Delete Buddy.

Upon deletion of a buddy, your screen name will also be deleted from the target buddy’s Chikka Messenger client buddy list. No sound, alert or message will be received to inform him of this action.

How many buddies can I have?

A 200-buddy limit is applied for each Chikka account. This includes both mobile and PC buddies.

How do I change my buddy’s screen name?

From the buddy list window on the Chikka Messenger client, right-click on the name of your buddy. Select the option that reads Change Screen Name.

What happens to my buddies when I upload a higher version of Chikka Messenger?

As long as you use the same Chikka ID and password, your buddy list will be retained. There is no need to re-invite your buddies each time you change your Chikka Messenger client versions.

Blocking and Unblocking <Go to Top>

How do I block messages using my PC?

From the buddy list in your Chikka Messenger, right-click on the name of the person whose messages you want to block. Select the option Block This Person.

How do I block messages using my mobile phone?

When someone adds you to his buddy list for the first time, you can easily block the sender by replying to the text message with the keyword BLOCK.

Otherwise, create a text message and key in IM B <Chikka ID> then send it to 8888 (for RIM, Reliance Telecom (Smart), Hutch, Idea Delhi, Spice Karnataka, Airtel and MTNL mobile subscribers only).

How do I unblock someone using my PC?

From the buddy list in your Chikka Messenger, right-click on the name of the person whose messages you want to block. Select the option Unblock This Person.

How do I unblock someone using my mobile phone?

To unblock someone, create a text message and key in IM UB <Chikka ID> then send it to 8888 (for RIM, Reliance Telecom (Smart), Hutch, Idea Delhi, Spice Karnataka, Airtel and MTNL mobile subscribers only).

Sending Airtime Credit through the Chikka Messenger <Go to Top>

Which networks are supported by the Chikka Top-up Messenger?

The Chikka Top-Up Messenger can send load credits to Philippine mobile subscribers on Smart, Globe and Sun Cellular. More mobile carriers to follow soon.

What do I need to be able to send load to a mobile user?

To be able to send load, you need to use the Chikka Top-up Messenger and a Paypal account.

How will I pay for the load I send?

You can pay for the load using Paypal. You can use your credit card or bank account to fund your Paypal.

How do I get a Paypal account?

To get a Paypal account, just click here to register.

Will the recipient know if the load is from me?

Yes. They will receive a confirmation message from us informing them of the amount of load sent and the sender info (your Chikka ID or mobile number).

How will I know if the load is sent?

You will receive an email in your Paypal registered email address to confirm successful sending of load.

Do I have to buy send load credits every time I wish to send load?

Not necessarily. You can buy load credits in the amounts of $10, $25, $50, and $100. The amounts you can send are: 99 ¢, $4.99, and $9.99. The remaining balance can be used for your next transaction.

Chikka Messenger Upgrades <Go to Top>

Where can I find the latest version of Chikka?

Click here for the latest and recommended version of the Chikka Messenger.

What happens to my buddies when I upload a higher version of Chikka Messenger?

As long as you use the same Chikka ID and password, your buddy list will be retained. There is no need to re-invite your buddies each time you change your Chikka Messenger client versions.

When I install a higher version, do I need to uninstall the previous version?

Yes. While installing the new version, the installer will automatically prompt you to uninstall the version that you are currently using.

You can also manually uninstall your old client application from your computer. For MS Windows users, go to the Start Menu, go to Programs, look for Chikka, then click on Uninstall.

Billable Charges <Go to Top>

Do I have to pay to register?

Registering for your Chikka account from your computer is absolutely free!

However, all text messages you send to Chikka’s SMS access codes are charged the regular value-added service rates. For mobile subscribers from India the VAS rate is as follows:

For Reliance, Hutch and Spice mobile subscribers, the rate is 2.00 Rupees per SMS message sent.
For Airtel and Idea mobile subscribers, the rate is 3.00 Rupees per SMS message sent.
For MTNL mobile subscribers, the rate is 1.00 Rupee (for postpaid) and 2.00 Rupees (for prepaid) per text message sent.

How much am I charged for sending messages?

Sending messages from your PC using the Chikka Messenger is totally free of charge.

However, all text messages you send to Chikka’s SMS access codes are charged the regular value-added service rates. For mobile subscribers from India the VAS rate is as follows:

For Reliance, Hutch and Spice mobile subscribers, the rate is 2.00 Rupees per SMS message sent.
For Airtel and Idea mobile subscribers, the rate is 3.00 Rupees per SMS message sent.
For MTNL mobile subscribers, the rate is 1.00 Rupee (for postpaid) and 2.00 Rupees (for prepaid) per text message sent.

Am I charged when I receive messages?

Messages received on the Chikka Messenger is free of charge. Mobile subscribers in India are also not charged for receiving messages on their mobile phones.

Supported Carriers <Go to Top>

What are the carriers supported by the Chikka Messenger?

Currently, the Chikka Messenger is supported by carriers from the Philippines, Japan, Guam, Saipan, Thailand, India, UK and the US. Find your carrier here.