Manage Channels

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This guide explains how to view, edit, and manage channels in Rocket.Chat. The actions available depend on your assigned permissions.

View or edit channel information

To view or edit a channel’s information:

  1. Open the Room Information panel from the menu bar.

  2. Use the Hide option to remove the channel from the sidebar. If someone sends a new message, the channel will reappear. To unhide it manually, search for it using the Directory.

  3. Click Edit to update channel details such as name, avatar, and settings.

Advanced settings

In the Advanced settings section, you can configure the following channel information:

  • Read-only: Only authorized users can send new messages.

  • Archived: Archive the channel. Archived channels become read-only and hidden from search.

  • Password to access: Restrict access to the channel with a password. Users must enter it to join.

  • Hide system messages: Choose which system messages to hide (e.g., User joined, User left).

  • Allow Reacting: Permit members to add reactions in read-only channels.

  • Prune:

    • Automatically prune old messages: Delete messages older than a set timeframe.

    • Override global retention policy: Apply a custom retention policy to this channel.

Leaving or converting a channel

From the channel menu (⋮ More options), you can perform the following actions:

  • Leave: Exit the channel. Note that a channel owner cannot leave until they assign another member as the new owner.

  • Move to Team: Add the channel to an existing team.

  • Convert to Team: Turn the channel into a team.

  • Delete: Permanently remove the channel (requires proper permissions).

Alternative ways to leave a channel

  • Use the /part or /leave command in the message box.

  • On mobile, tap the channel name, then select Leave.

Other Channel Options

In addition to editing a channel, you can manage and interact with it using several options:

  • Room options: To perform actions like muting, hiding, or leaving a channel, see the Room Options guide.

  • Convert to or move into a team: To change a channel into a team, or add an existing channel to a team, see the Manage Team Channels guide.

  • Manage members: To add, remove, or update channel members, see the Manage Room Members guide.

  • Assign roles: To give members specific roles to control communication and collaboration, see the Room Roles guide.

  • Manage rooms: For administrators, configure additional room settings, see the Manage Rooms guide.