A method and system for providing communication with devices using instant messaging, by enabling a device to be an autonomous IM user. In one embodiment, a unique user login is obtained from an IM service for the device, and this unique user login is stored (e.g., on the device itself, or on another entity such as a computer or a remote server). Once the device is connected to the network, the device can then log onto the IM service, and function as an IM user. Other IM users can then communicate with the device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device can both send and receive messages. In one embodiment, received messages can be interpreted as commands to the device, based on pre-defined instructions.