Empathy als Linux-Alternative zu Google Talk (GTalk)

Aktualisiert am 18. Oktober 2026

Unser Fazit

Empathy is a reasonable replacement for Google Talk if you're on a Linux desktop and used GTalk for text chat, presence, and basic VoIP. It supports XMPP, the protocol GTalk used, so it handled core functions well. However, since both Empathy and GTalk are discontinued, it's only viable for users maintaining older systems or self-hosted XMPP servers. Modern users needing reliable messaging should look to active clients like Pidgin or modern web-based alternatives.

Funktionsabdeckung80%

Lizenz: GPL-3.0
Preis: Kostenlos
Aktuelle Version: —
Bewertung: —

Empathy installieren Website ↗

Was gleich funktioniert

Both support XMPP, enabling direct messaging with former GTalk contacts on XMPP servers
Provide real-time text chat, presence status, and contact list management
Support voice calling over IP using built-in microphone and audio systems
Offer desktop notifications for incoming messages and status changes
Allow file transfers between contacts over the network

Was anders ist

Empathy supports video chat via Telepathy, which GTalk did not always enable by default
Empathy aggregates multiple accounts and protocols in one contact list, unlike GTalk's single-service focus
GTalk had tighter Gmail and Google Contacts integration, missing in Empathy
Empathy lacks built-in chat history search and cloud sync
No official support or updates since discontinuation

Ihre Google Talk (GTalk)-Dateien öffnen

Empathy does not import Google Talk configuration or chat history files directly. If you exported GTalk chat logs or contacts manually, Empathy can't restore them automatically. Contact lists must be re-added manually via XMPP accounts. File transfer history isn't portable. There's no documented toolchain for migrating GTalk data into Empathy. Users must rely on XMPP account credentials to reconnect.

Von Google Talk (GTalk) zu Empathy wechseln – Schritt für Schritt

Install Empathy from your distribution's repository (e.g., sudo apt install empathy)
Open Empathy and add an XMPP account using your email and password
Ensure your XMPP server supports GTalk-compatible features (e.g., Google's XMPP server may still work for some accounts)
Enable voice and video calling in the settings if hardware is available
Add contacts manually by their XMPP address (user@domain.com)
Test file transfer with a contact to confirm Telepathy backend is working

Wichtige Funktionen von Empathy

Multi‑Protocol-Unterstützung über Telepathy
Text-, Sprach- und Videochat
Dateitransfer
Einheitliche Kontaktliste
Präsenzstatus
Desktop-Benachrichtigungen
Integration mit GNOME Shell

Häufige Fragen

Can Empathy log into a Gmail account for chat?

Yes, Empathy can connect to Gmail via XMPP if IMAP/SMTP access is enabled and the account hasn't been restricted by Google's security policies. App passwords may be required.

Is Empathy still safe to use?

It's functional but not recommended for security-sensitive use. No updates mean unpatched vulnerabilities. Use only on trusted networks or isolated systems.

What replaced Empathy on GNOME?

GNOME shifted to online accounts integration in Settings, with messaging handled by web apps or third-party clients like Fractal or Pidgin.