What is AIM and where can I access it?

Find AOL Instant Messenger for all your favorite computers, devices

Editor’s Note. AIM was discontinued as a service on December 15, 2017. This information remains for archival purposes only. †

AIM (short for AOL Instant Messenger), introduced in 1997, is one of the most popular instant messaging clients in the world. The free AIM software allows users to send instant messages to anyone on their “friends list”.

AIM also includes social media integration, photo and file sharing, video and audio chat, friends list themes/covers and more.

AIM for Windows PC

Connect to your social networks like Twitter and Instagram.

Free download : Load AIM

System requirements

• Windows 2000 or higher

• Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher

• 128MB RAM / 512MB for advanced multimedia functions

• Macromedia Flash

• Microphone and speakers/headset for voice/audio chat

AIM for Mac

For Mac users, AIM for Mac offers the same features as other versions of the instant messaging app.

Free download : Download AIM for Mac

System requirements

• Mac OS X 10.4.11 (or later) or 10.5.3 (or later)

• PowerPC G4 or Intel Macintosh (minimum)

• 256 MB physical memory and 40 MB free disk space

AIM on the web

For users who cannot download an instant messaging client to their computer, especially at school or work, AIM Web Messenger is a great way to communicate with friends. Just open a web browser, sign in with your AIM account and you’ll see your friends and settings available, just like in the app you download.

No download required † Log in to AIM on the web.

System requirements

• Javascript enabled browser

• Adobe Flash 9.0 or higher

• Windows 2000/NT/XP/Vista or Mac OS X

• Internet connection

AIM email chat

Did you know when you were at AIM Mail that you can also send instant messages to your friends? AIM Mail’s chat integration allows users to enter their friends list.

No download required : Sign in with AIM Mail

System requirements

• Javascript enabled browser

• Adobe Flash 9.0 or higher

• Windows 2000/NT/XP/Vista or Mac OS X

• Internet connection

AIM on the AOL desktop

Before AIM became our own instant messaging client, most of us connected to the instant messaging network using the AOL Desktop software. Send and receive instant messages to friends, check AIM mail and surf the web all in one place.

Free download †

• Download AOL Desktop for Windows

• Download AOL Desktop for Mac

AV by AIM Video Chat

AV by AIM is a free website that allows you to video chat with friends directly from your web browser, without downloading any software or logging into an IM client.

No download required †

• How AV by AIM . to use

• Visit AV for AIM

System requirements

• Javascript enabled browser

• Adobe Flash 10.3 or higher

• Windows 2000/NT/XP/Vista or Mac OS X

• Internet connection

AIM for iPad

AIM for iPad is an innovative client for communicating with friends via instant messaging, social networking and more. Includes location sharing by status, access to your AIM Lifestream, and more.

Free download : Download AIM for iPad

System requirements

• Requires iOS 8.0 or later

• Requires 31.9 MB of disk space

AIM App for iPhone/iPod Touch

Use instant messaging on the go with the AIM app for iPhone/iPod Touch. Recently redesigned, the new AIM app for iPhone allows you to send and receive instant messages, host a group chat, share location information and images, access Facebook and Google Talk chats, and more.

Free download : Download AIM for iPhone/iPod

System requirements

• Requires iOS 8.0 or later

• Requires 31.9 MB of disk space

AIM app for Android

As the best instant messaging app for Android, AIM for Android users can enjoy instant messaging with friends on AIM networks, Facebook and Google chat, group chat, chat history, photo and location sharing and more.
Free download : Download the AIM app for Android

System requirements

• Android 2.1 and above

• 2.9MB disk space

TARGET for Blackberry

Blackberry users can also enjoy AIM features with the native AIM app for Blackberry.

Free download : Download AIM for Blackberry

System requirements

• Blackberry 4.5.0 or higher

• 647 KB disk space

AIM to TXT

For early cell phone users, the AIM app may not be available for your device. However, don’t be fooled! The AIM for TXT service is a free option that uses incoming text messages to help you send and receive instant messages to friends on your friends list. You may be charged for text messages.