Registered nicknames that have not been used for 180 days are automatically purged and become available for new registration.
What Counts as "Usage"
- Connecting and identifying (logging in) with the nickname
- Being connected — your last-seen time is updated when you disconnect
- Registering a new nickname (starts the 7-day clock immediately)
What Happens When a Nick Expires
- The registration is permanently deleted
- All associated data is removed: preferences, notify list, contacts, highlight words, nick colors, auto-join list
- The nickname becomes available for anyone to register
- Channel access lists that reference the expired nick are also removed
How to Prevent Expiration
- Simply connect and identify at least once every 180 days
- Each login resets the expiration timer
Important Notes
- The purge runs automatically every 6 hours
- Nicknames that are currently connected are never purged, even if their last-seen date is old
- There is no warning before expiration — connect regularly to keep your nick