How to Create a Friendica Account

This article will specifically focus on creating an account on the friendica server at https://friendica.unicorns.social. This instance of friendica is primarily for subscribers to this substack. Note that free subscribers also get invitations to join. All paid subscriptions are welcome - and needed - to support the on-going costs of hosting and supporting the service.

Step 1

Step one to gaining access is to click the subscribe button below and enter your e-mail address. That e-mail address will be used to send an invitation to join the friendica instance. You will also receive notifications of new posts on this substack as well as friendica communications based upon the preferences you set there.

Step 2

Currently invitations are not automated. When I am notified of the new subscription here I will manually send an invitation to join the server. In the future this step may become automated depending upon the number who subscribe per day. I will do my best to respond in no more than 24 hours. The e-mail will arrive from friendica@unicorns.social.

Step 3

When the invitation e-mail arrives locate your invitation code then click the registration link:

Sample e-mail invitation to join friendica.unicorns.social Invitation code is outlined.

Step 4

Complete the registration form:

Completed registration form including the invitation code

Your Display name and your nickname do not have to be similar. This is entirely up to you. Your nickname must be unique on the friendica instance that you join.

It is recommended that you opt-in to the member directory so others can find your profile more easily as they join. This is, however entirely optional and while your name profile will not be listed in the directory folks will still be able to find your posts (based upon the permissions you set) and then “friend you” based upon that. I’ll discuss the various ways to “friend” someone in a later note.

Click “Sign up now »”

If all goes well you will be redirected to a login screen and an e-mail will be sent to the address that you specify on this form. While it is not required that the e-mail that you use here match the e-mail that you use when subscribing to this substack it will be very helpful to me to understand who are free and who are paid subscribers should that make a difference in the future. There is no distinction at the time this article is written. The welcome e-mail will contain your initial password.

Step 5

Check your e-mail to obtain your initial password then login to friendica.

e-mail containing initial login credentials to a friendica server

Switch back to your browser, enter your credentials and click the “Login” button.

Completed login form prior to clicking “Login”

Note that the “Login” button is the small blue button in the screenshot above. I can’t tell you how many times my eye / hand want to click the large green “Sign up now »” button. That is not the button you want as you have already successfully signed up at this point.

Congratulations!

Congratulations! You have now successfully registered an account. Click the button below to learn how to configure your profile.