User modes allow you to choose how easy it will be for other people to find you, who can send you messages, and what information the server should pass on to you. They are also commonly referred to as "umodes."
Modes can be set and removed through the /MODE and /UMODE commands on IRC:
/mode yournick +|- mode(s)
or
/umode +|- mode(s)
Examples setting modes
/mode trip +iw /mode trip +R /umode +iw /umode +R
Examples removing modes
/mode trip -iw /mode trip -R /umode -iw /umode -R
Available user modes
Below is a list of the available user modes.
| Mode | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Modes that enhance privacy | ||
| i | Invisible | Hides you from global WHO/WHOIS and shows only shared channels in /WHOIS output. |
| I | Hide idle-time | Hides your sign-on and idle time. |
| n | Hide channels | Hides what channels you have joined in /WHOIS and /WHO outputs. |
| x | Hidden host | Hides your hostname and IP address (automatically set) |
| Modes that prevent certain messages | ||
| d | Deaf | Prevents you from receiving channel messages. |
| q | Common chans-only | Users who don't share a common channel with you cannot send you private messages. |
| R | Registered-only PRIVMSG | Unauthenticated users cannot send you private messages. |
| Modes that provide information | ||
| w | Wall messages | Subscribes you to important notices about the status of the network. |
| Modes only settable by services or a server | ||
| z | TLS | Given to users who have connected via TLS. |