Summary
This article provides instructions on how to create a private Teams channel.
Content
Private channels in Microsoft Teams create focused spaces for collaboration within teams. Most channels are standard, meaning all members of a team can see them and are able to participate in conversations, share files, and more.
With a private channel, members of a team must be specifically added to it to participate, view content, and to see the channel appear in their list of channels.
Before you create a private channel:
- You must mark a channel private at the creation of the channel. A standard channel cannot be converted to a private channel and vice versa.
- Only the users on the team who are owners or members of the private channel can access the channel.
- Anyone, including guests, can be added as a member of a private channel as long as they are already members of the team.
- Private teams are indicated by a lock icon.
- When a private channel is created, it's linked to the parent team and can't be moved to a different team.
- The person who creates a private channel is the private channel owner and only the private channel owner can directly add or remove people from it.
How-To
Task: To create a private channel.
Instructions
Step 1 - In Teams, click on the Team name where you’d like to add a private channel.
Step 2 - Click on the three dots (…) next to the Team name to open the menu.
Step 3 - Select +Add Channel.
Step 4 - In the pop-up form, enter the Channel Name and Description.
Step 5 - Click in the Privacy drop-down and select Private – Accessible only to a specific group of people within the team.
Step 6 - Click Next.
Step 7 - Enter the names of the people you would like to grant access to. Once all members have been entered, click Add.
Step 8 - Click Done.
Outcome
The private channel appears in your Team, indicated by a lock icon.
Further Readings
Private channels in Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Support
Microsoft Teams - Work in Channels
Need additional help?
For assistance concerning site creation, content sharing, file synchronization, or other common SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, or Office app activities, we recommend our Microsoft 365 Learning sites:
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