AIM FAQ
What's the AIM® Service?
AOL® Instant Messenger™ (AIM) is a free online service that lets you communicate in real time. Using the AIM® Buddy List® window, you can see when your buddies are online and chat with them. For more help, visit the AIM Help Message Board.AIM® 6 FAQs
AIM® 5.9 FAQs
AIM® Express FAQs
- Do I have to download AIM Express to use it?
- How do I get an AIM account?
- How do I add a buddy to my Buddy List®?
- How do I delete a buddy?
- How do I change my status or set an away message?
- How are conversations displayed in the application?
- How do I know when a new IM arrives?
- How do I return to the Buddy List when I am in a conversation?
- Can I send someone an offline IM?
- How do I send a text message (SMS) to a mobile buddy?
- How do I add a mobile number to my Buddy List?
- How do I send an IM to someone who is not on my Buddy List?
- How do I report abuse or spam?
- How do I copy an IM conversation?
- How do I send emoticons?
- How do I turn sound alerts on?
- How do I view Buddy Info?
- How do I sign out?
- What does the "Remember Me" checkbox on the Sign In screen do?
- What does sign in as invisible mean?
- How can I block/unblock a buddy?
- How do I edit my AIM Expression?
- How do I provide feedback on AIM Express?
Do I have to download AIM Express to use it?
Nope! There's no download required! AIM Express is web-based, so you can send IMs from any supported browser.
How do I get an AIM account?
On the Sign In screen, select the Need an Account? Sign up now! link to create a free AIM account.
How do I add a buddy to my Buddy List®?
Select the Menu button at the bottom of your Buddy List to add a new buddy. You can add an AIM screen name, an ICQ number, or a U.S. mobile phone number (add +1 before the number).
How do I delete a buddy?
To delete a buddy, right-click on the name and select Delete from the menu, or press the Delete key from your keyboard.
How do I change my status or set an away message?
To change your status, select the status button (with the AIM Running Man) below your name. You can select Online, Away, Invisible, or Sign Out.
You can enter a custom message that your buddies will see by clicking on the text field below your name. Type your message in the field and hit Enter to set it.
You can also update your status message from your mobile device by sending a text message to 246246 (AIMAIM). In the body of the text, type "status" and your message - for instance, "status you should have seen that catch from here!"
You can enter a custom message that your buddies will see by clicking on the text field below your name. Type your message in the field and hit Enter to set it.
You can also update your status message from your mobile device by sending a text message to 246246 (AIMAIM). In the body of the text, type "status" and your message - for instance, "status you should have seen that catch from here!"
How are conversations displayed in the application?
IM conversations are displayed as tabs at the top of the window. Select a tab to switch between your open conversations.
How do I know when a new IM arrives?
When you receive a new IM, the conversation tab at the top of the window appears highlighted in orange to let you know that a new IM has arrived. If the window is minimized or out of focus, the taskbar button will alternate to display the name of the person who sent you the IM.
You can also turn on sound alerts to notify you when you receive a new IM. Select the sound button at the bottom of the Buddy List to turn sound alerts on and off.
You can also turn on sound alerts to notify you when you receive a new IM. Select the sound button at the bottom of the Buddy List to turn sound alerts on and off.
How do I return to the Buddy List when I am in a conversation?
When you are in a conversation, select the Back to Buddy List button in the upper left corner of the conversation screen next to the buddy's name.
To return to a conversation from the Buddy List, select the conversation tab at the top of the window.
To return to a conversation from the Buddy List, select the conversation tab at the top of the window.
Can I send someone an offline IM?
Of course, as long as your friend is using a messaging service that accepts offline IMs. You can also receive offline IMs from your friends in AIM Express. Offline IMs will appear at the top of the window the next time you sign in.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to a mobile buddy?
Buddies who are mobile, or mobile numbers stored in your Buddy List, will have a mobile phone icon next to their name. Double-click on the buddy to start a new text message. When you send the message, it will be sent as a text message to your buddy's mobile device.
If you have a mobile number stored for your buddy just simply click on the mobile icon toggle next to your type input field and that message will be delivered to their mobile device rather than their PC. At any moment you can flip back by clicking the chat bubble if you decide that you want the message sent as an IM.
Another option to send a text message while in a conversation is to select the Buddy Options menu in the IM Conversation window and select "Send a text message"
If you have a mobile number stored for your buddy just simply click on the mobile icon toggle next to your type input field and that message will be delivered to their mobile device rather than their PC. At any moment you can flip back by clicking the chat bubble if you decide that you want the message sent as an IM.
Another option to send a text message while in a conversation is to select the Buddy Options menu in the IM Conversation window and select "Send a text message"
How do I add a mobile number to my Buddy List?
To add a mobile number to your Buddy List, select Add Buddy from the Menu button on the Buddy List (R) and click the Add Phone Number link on the dialog box. Type in your friends' phone number starting with the area code and click Add. Currently, you can only enter U.S. numbers on AIM Express.
How do I send an IM to someone who is not on my Buddy List?
Select the Menu button at the bottom of your Buddy List and click on New IM, or type the shortcut 'Ctrl + /'. Enter a screen name, ICQ number, or mobile phone number (add +1 before the number).
How do I report abuse or spam?
You can report spam or abuse by clicking on the drop-down menu at the top of an IM conversation and selecting Report this User. When you receive an IM from someone who is not on your Buddy List, we will automatically hide the message and give you an option to report that user. When you report a user, that user will automatically be blocked from sending you IMs.
How do I copy an IM conversation?
To copy an entire conversation, right-click on the conversation and select Show IM history in new window. Then, highlight and copy the text of the IM. You can also highlight part of a conversation and select Copy from the right-click menu.
How do I send emoticons?
You can select from a variety of emoticons by clicking on the picker located to the right of the type input field. Or send emoticons by typing the text equivalent shortcuts in your IM conversation. Below are some common emoticon shortcuts supported by AIM Express.
How do I turn sound alerts on?
You can turn on sound alerts to play a sound when you receive a new IM. Select the sound button at the bottom of the Buddy List to turn the alerts on or off.
How do I view Buddy Info?
Right-click on a name in your Buddy List and select Get Buddy Info. Or, click on the drop-down menu at the top of an IM conversation.
How do I sign out?
You can sign out of AIM Express by closing the browser window or selecting the Sign Out option from the status menu. Either way, we clear your conversation logs each time you sign out.
What does the "Remember Me" checkbox on the Sign In screen do?
When the "Remember Me" option is checked, your account name and password will be filled in for you the next time you launch. However, this option does not automatically sign you in. If you are using a public or shared computer, make sure you do not select the "Remember Me" option, because, although we take steps to secure your password, there is still a chance other people may be able to gain access to your account.
What does sign in as invisible mean?
Sign into AIM without letting your buddies know. You can see your buddies online, but they won't be able to see you. As always, you can IM them at anytime to give up your secret. To become available to all your buddies, click the closed eyeball icon in the state dropdown menu on your Buddy List®.
How can I block/unblock a buddy?
You can select "Block" either by right-clicking on a buddy's Screen Name or, if you are in a conversation, simply selecting the buddy options menu in the top right corner of the IM form. That buddy will move into your offline group. Just look for the red blocked icon for quick identification. To "Unblock" them, simply perform the same action (right-click) and that buddy will move back into their original group. Blocked buddies are unable to view your status or send you IMs.
How do I edit my AIM Expression?
You can edit your Buddy Icon by clicking on your buddy icon found next to your Screen Name on the Buddy List® window. This will take you to the web-based AIM Expressions page (expressions.aol.com) where you can choose from a variety of Buddy Icons, Super Buddies, or Avatars to display as your personal identity.
How do I provide feedback on AIM Express?
Help us improve AIM Express. Select the Feedback link from the Menu button at the bottom of the Buddy List, or send us feedback here.
Still having a problem? Visit the AIM Support page for more help.