---
title: "Chat Server"
weight: 400
icon: "chat"
description: "How to access the Revolt instance."
---

We've tried many services: we dabbled on IRC, worked [closely](https://archive.is/IkHGh) with the Matrix team and even [attempted](https://handmadecities.com/news/new-discord-server/) a Discord server. Ultimately we've [landed](https://handmadecities.com/news/revolt-against-discord/) with Revolt. 

It is our home from now on.

## Chat Guidelines

We're in a high-trust environment where users are known humans, so our guidelines are straightforward:

1. **Baseline decorum.** Engineering requires rigorous criticism, but [there's a line](https://abner.page/post/linus-is-a-father-figure-now/) you can't cross.

2. **Keep off-topic in #off-topic.** Anything unrelated to our industry should be in `#off-topic` for easy muting. Religion or politics are discouraged and moderated (expect bias from leadership.)

3. **Follow our AI policy.**  Discuss artificial intelligence [with sobriety](/docs/ai-policy/).

## Joining Revolt

Our Revolt [instance](https://revolt.handmadecities.com) requires users to register an account:

![](/images/hmc_docs_revolt_1.png)

Notice how an **invite code** is needed to complete registration:

![](/images/hmc_docs_revolt_2.png)

In order to receive one, the user [submits an application](https://handmadecities.com/revolt). We ask all applicants to reveal their human identity during the application process. Applying is trivial - fill in an email address, real name and optionally a personal website. The more believable the application (read: not a bot) the higher the chances of getting an invite.

The application is submitted to `support@handmadecities.com`. The founder or his volunteer staff typically reviews it within three business days.

{{< alert context="primary" text="Meetup hosts also [have the ability](/docs/meetups/hosts/#chat-invites) to send invites. Whoever attends a meetup may request one from the host." />}}

After approval, users can register with any username. This offers some degree of privacy when interacting with the community at large.

## Two Emails

When a user is approved to join, **they should have two emails in their Inbox:**

1. First email is to register a new account with the invite code. 
2. The remaining one is an invite to join the actual server.

One should follow the proper order of operations.

## Going Mobile

Revolt's native app doesn't support custom domains yet. Instead, we should install Revolt as a Progressive Web App (PWA).

Please visit [revolt.handmadecities.com](https://revolt.handmadecities.com) on the phone's native browser (e.g. Safari on iOS), then look for an **Add to Homescreen** option (or similar):

![](/images/hmc_docs_revolt_3.jpeg)

Our Revolt instance should now be available like any other app.

**Turning on Mobile Notifications**

First select the gear icon to go into settings:

![](/images/hmc_docs_revolt_4.jpg)

Then we find and choose **Notifications**:

![](/images/hmc_docs_revolt_5.jpg)

Now ensure the setting **Enable Push Notifications** is checked.

{{< alert context="primary" text="Mobile notifications only work when a user is tagged or pinged directly." />}}

## Verified Human Badge

The **Verified Human** badge is granted to users we've met in person:

![](/images/hmc_docs_revolt_6.png)

The most efficient way to receive a badge is to attend a [meetup](/docs/meetups), because the host can invite people into the chat during this time (automatically marking them verified.)

Alternatively an *existing* Verified Human may vouch for someone they've met in real life.

{{< alert context="primary" text="Currently only [the founder](/docs/support/contact/) can manually grant badges, so the appeal is made to him." />}}

## Limitations

Revolt is known as Discord Lite because of some missing features. The quirks or limitations are as follows:

1. **Can't point Revolt app to custom domain.** This is discussed under [Going Mobile](/docs/chat/#going-mobile).
2. **Missing bells & whistles**. Can't pin messages. Can't start threads.
3. **Lack of end-to-end encryption.** Discord has this issue too. Handmade Cities policy is to safeguard private DMs and never inspect their contents. 

These are all minor irritations to us, not deal breakers.

{{< alert context="warning" text="NEVER disclose sensitive material on our servers. Instead, one should ask the person they're talking to for their [Signal](https://signal.org) handle and hop over there." />}}


## Revolt Rebrand

Handmade Cities is aware Revolt is [rebranding](https://stoat.chat/updates/long-live-stoat) to Stoat. However, their efforts are in flux and nothing has fully stabilized. Since we operate our own instance, we will retain the Revolt brand this year (2026) and decide whether to switch to Stoat in 2027.
