---
title: "Room Options"
slug: "room-options"
description: "Discover room actions in Rocket Chat. Manage secure communications, roles, and collaboration effectively."
updated: 2026-10-20T15:26:13Z
published: 2026-10-20T15:26:13Z
canonical: "docs.rocket.chat/room-options"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rocket.chat/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Room Options

Rocket.Chat provides a wide range of **room options** to help teams collaborate effectively. These options allow users to manage channels, teams, discussions, and direct messages according to their needs.

This guide walks you through the **common room options** available across different room types. For details specific to each type, see the following user guides:

- [Manage Channels](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/channel-actions)
- [Manage Teams](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/team-actions)
- [Manage Discussions](/v1/docs/discussions)
- [Manage Direct Messages](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/direct-message-actions)

## Accessing room options

Room options can be accessed from the **menu bar** at the top of any room. Click the kebab menu **(⋮)** to open additional options.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(323).png)

> [!NOTE]
> The available options may vary depending on the room type and user permissions.

Let’s explore these options in more detail below.

## Video conference

Start or join a video call directly from the room and are identified by video call icon ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(247).png). You can configure and use supported apps such as Jitsi, Pexip, or Google Meet. To learn more about supported providers and setup, see the [Integrating Audio and Video Conferencing](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/rocketchat-conference-call) guide.

## View threads

Tap the **Threads** icon ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(248).png) to view and participate in threaded conversations. Threads help keep related messages organized, allowing you to focus on the most relevant discussions in a room. You can filter threads between **All**, **Following**, and **Unread**, or use the **Search** icon to find specific messages.

> [!WARNING]
> For detailed instructions on creating, following, and managing threads, see the [Threads](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/threads) user guide.

## View discussion

**Web/Desktop**

Tap the **Discussions** icon ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(251).png) to view and search for discussions in a room. This keeps related conversations organized and easier to navigate. This option is available in all rooms except discussion rooms.

**Mobile**

To view and search for discussions in a room

1. Tap the room name where you want to view discussions.
2. From the room options, select **Discussions** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(251).png) .

This option is available in all rooms except discussion rooms.

> [!WARNING]
> To learn more about managing and using discussions, see the [Discussions](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/discussions) user guide.

## Search messages

Rocket.Chat lets you quickly find messages in any room using keywords, filters, and advanced search syntax. You can also use [**regular expressions (regex)**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regular_expression) to refine your search.

> [!WARNING]
> Regular expressions offer advanced flexibility, allowing you to search chat entries in any language, including those that are typically more complex, such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean (CJK) languages.

To search messages:

1. Click the **Search** icon![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(249).png)from the room menu bar.
2. Enter your keywords or expressions in the **Search Messages** field.
3. (Optional) Enable **Global search** to search across all rooms you’re a member of instead of only the current room.

> [!NOTE]
> The Global Search option is available only if the workspace administrator has enabled it in [Search Settings](/v1/docs/settings-search).

### Viewing search results

**Web/Desktop**

To open a message from the search results, hover over the message and click **Jump to message** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image-1776267654228.png).

**Mobile**

To open a message from the search results, click the message.

### Basic search commands

You can use these commands before or after entering search terms to narrow your results:

- `from:me` - Finds messages sent by you.
- `from:user.name` - Finds messages from a specific user. (Use the username format without spaces, e.g., `john.doe`.)
- `has:star` - Shows messages you’ve starred.
- `is:pinned` or `has:pin` - Displays pinned messages in the current room.
- `has:url` or `has:link` - Finds messages that contain a link.
- `has:location` or `has:map` - Finds messages that include a location.
- `before:dd/mm/yyyy`, `after:dd/mm/yyyy`, or `on:dd/mm/yyyy` - Filters messages by date. (You can also use `dd-mm-yyyy` or `dd.mm.yyyy`.)
- `order:descend` or `order:descending` - Sorts messages by descending timestamp.

For detailed information on regex and advanced filtering, see:

- [Wikipedia: Regular Expressions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regular_expression)
- [Regex 101](https://regex101.com/#javascript)
- [RegExr](https://regexr.com/)
- [Regex Info](https://www.regular-expressions.info/javascriptexample.html)

## View mentions

You can view all messages where you’ve been mentioned to ensure you never miss important conversations. Mentions are available across all room types, teams, channels, discussions and direct messages.

**Web/Desktop**

Tap the **Mentions** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(250).png) icon from the menu bar to view your mentions. The **Mentions** page displays all messages that include your @username. Select **Jump to message**![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image-1776267654228.png) to go directly to the original message in the conversation.

**Mobile**

To see all messages where you’ve been mentioned:

1. Tap the room name where you want to view your mentions.
2. From the list of room options, select **Mentions** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(250).png) .
3. Click the message to go directly to the original message in the conversation.

## View and manage members

**Web/Desktop**

In some rooms, you can view and manage members directly by clicking the **Members** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(253).png)icon on the menu bar. This opens the **Members** panel, where you can search for users, check their online status, and view their assigned roles.

In other rooms (such as team channels), the option to manage members might appear under the kebab menu **(⋮)** as **Add Teams user**. Selecting this option allows you to add new users to the team or channel.

**Mobile**

To view and manage room members:

1. Tap the room name where you want to view your mentions.
2. From the list of room options, select **Members** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(253).png)icon.

This opens the **Members** panel, where you can search for users, check their online status, and view their assigned roles.

## View banned users

The **Banned Users** option lists all users who have been banned from the current room. Banned users cannot rejoin the room, they cannot be manually re-added and cannot accept invite links, until an administrator unbans them.

> [!WARNING]
> This option is available in channels, teams and discussions only. Direct messages and multi-user direct messages do not support banning.

For the full Ban and Unban workflow, including how to ban a user and permission requirements, see the [Manage Room Members](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/manage-room-members#ban-and-unban-members) guide.

## View files in a room

The **Files** option helps you easily locate all documents, images, videos, and other attachments shared within a room.

**Web/Desktop**

To view files in a room:

1. In **channels** and **teams**, you can access this option by clicking the kebab menu **(⋮)** and selecting **Files**.
2. In **direct messages (DMs)** and **discussions**, the **Files** icon ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(254).png)appears directly on the room’s top menu bar.

**Mobile**

To view files in a room using the mobile app:

1. Tap the room name from the menu bar.
2. Select **Files** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(254).png) from the list of room options.
3. All files shared within that room are displayed, allowing you to browse and download attachments easily.

Once opened, you can:

- **Search** for files by name.
- **Filter** files by type (images, videos, audios, texts, or files).
- Use the kebab menu **(⋮)** next to a file to **download** or **delete** it (if you have permission).

## View pinned messages in a room

The **Pinned Messages** option allows users to quickly access important messages that have been pinned within a room. Pinned messages are highlighted, making them easy to find and review later.

**Web/Desktop**

To view pinned messages in a room:

1. In **channels** and **teams**, click the kebab menu **(⋮)** and select **Pinned Messages** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(255).png).
2. In **direct messages (DMs)**, the **Pinned Messages** icon ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(255).png) appears directly on the room’s top menu bar.

**Mobile**

To view pinned messages in a room using the mobile app:

1. Tap the room name from the menu bar.
2. Select **Pinned Messages** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(255).png)from the list of room options.
3. All pinned messages in the room are displayed.

Once opened, you can:

- **View** all messages that have been pinned in that room.
- **Jump to message** to view the original message in context.
- Click the kebab menu **(⋮)** next to a pinned message to **Unpin** or **Copy link**

> [!NOTE]
> Refer to the [Message Options](https://docs.rocket.chat/v1/docs/message-actions#pin-messages) guide to learn more about pinned messages.

## View starred messages

The **Starred Messages** option allows you to quickly access messages you've marked as important. Starring a message helps you keep track of key information without pinning it for all room members.

**Web/Desktop**

To view starred messages in a room:

1. Click the kebab menu **(⋮)** from the room’s top menu bar.
2. Select **Starred Messages** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(256).png) from the drop-down menu.
3. All your starred messages are displayed on the right-hand side pane.

**Mobile**

To view starred messages in a room using the mobile app:

1. Tap the room name from the menu bar.
2. Select **Starred Messages** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(256).png)from the list of room options.
3. All starred messages in that room are displayed.

Once you opened, you can:

- **Jump to message** to view it in context.
- **Unstar** messages directly from the list.
- Review all your starred messages without scrolling through the full chat history.

> [!NOTE]
> For more information on starring and managing messages, see the [Message Options](https://docs.rocket.chat/v1/docs/message-actions#star-messages) guide.

## Manage notification preferences

Rocket.Chat allows you to update the notification preferences for any room you are a member of. By default, you receive notifications whenever someone mentions you or uses the **@all** mention in a room.

Room notifications are sent only if the desktop or web client has been inactive for over five minutes. Changing your status to `away` does not affect this period. Depending on the [privacy settings](/v1/docs/push) configured by the administrator, notifications on your mobile device may include the sender’s name, room name, or the first line of the message.

**Web/Desktop**

To update the notification preferences for a room, follow these steps:

1. Click the kebab menu **(⋮)** from the room menu bar and select **Notification Preferences** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(257).png).
2. Enable **Turn on** to receive alerts for the room.
3. Update the following notification options:

| Field | Description |
| --- | --- |
| **Mute @all and @here mentions** | Mute alerts whenever you are mentioned using these tags in the channel. |
| **Mark As Unread** | Display the room as unread when there are unread messages. |
| **Desktop** | Control notification behavior and sound when using the desktop app or web browser. |
| **Mobile** | Control push notification behavior for alerts when using the mobile app. |
| **Email** | Set which types of messages send email notifications. |

**Mobile**

To update the notification preferences for a room in the mobile app, follow these steps:

1. Tap the **room name** from the menu bar.
2. Select **Notifications** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(257).png) from the list of room options.
3. Enable **Receive notifications** to allow notifications for that room.
4. Enable **Receive group mentions** to receive alerts when someone uses **@all** or **@here** mentions.
5. Enable **Mark as unread** to display the room as unread when there are unread messages.
  - This applies to both **in-app** and **desktop** notifications.
6. Under **Alert**, choose when you want to receive notifications. Options include **Default**, **All messages**, **Mentions**, and **Nothing**.
7. Under **Sound**, select a notification tone for message alerts.
  - When enabled, a banner is displayed at the top of the screen when the app is open and a notification appears on the desktop.
8. Under **Push notifications**, configure when to receive mobile push alerts.
  - Choose from the same alert options (**Default**, **All messages**, **Mentions**, **Nothing**).
9. Tap **Troubleshooting** to view the delivery status of your device notifications and verify the push gateway connection.
  - These notifications are delivered to you even when the app is not open.
10. Under **Email**, select your preferred alert option to receive notifications by email.

> [!NOTE]
> The **Alert** options available for desktop, mobile, and email are:**Default**, **All Messages**, **Mentions**, and **Nothing**. Select your preferred option to specify which messages you want to receive alerts for.

## Prune messages from a room

The **Prune Messages** option allows administrators and room owners to quickly delete messages from a room based on specific criteria. This feature requires the `clean-channel-history` [permission.](https://docs.rocket.chat/v1/docs/permissions)

Using this option helps maintain a clean and relevant conversation history by removing unnecessary or outdated messages. Visit the [Retention Policy](https://docs.rocket.chat/v1/docs/retention-policy) guide to learn more about automated message and file retention policies.

> [!CAUTION]
> Pruned messages and files are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Use this feature carefully.

To prune selected messages:

1. Click the kebab menu **(⋮)** from the room menu bar and select **Prune Messages** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(258).png) from the drop-down menu.
2. Configure the available options to define which messages to delete:

| Field | Description |
| --- | --- |
| **Newer than** | Deletes all messages posted **after** a particular date. |
| **Older than** | Deletes all messages posted **before** a particular date. |
| **Only prune content from these users** | Allows you to specify which user's message to delete. Leave empty to prune everyone’s messages. |
| **Inclusive** | Deletes all messages that were sent at the specified start and end times you have specified in the `Newer than` and `Older than` fields. |
| **Do not prune pinned messages** | Do **not** delete pinned messages. |
| **Do not prune discussion messages** | Do **not** delete discussion messages. |
| **Do not prune threads** | Do **not** delete thread messages. |
| **Only remove the attached files, keep message** | If enabled, messages are not deleted, but files are. They are replaced by a `File removed by an automatic prune` message. When used together with **Exclude pinned messages**, only unpinned files are deleted. |

1. Click **Prune** to confirm.

## Export messages

The **Export Messages** option allows you to export the entire conversation history of a room or specific messages. You can send the export by email or download it, depending on your permissions and settings.

To export messages in a room, follow these steps:

1. Click the kebab menu **(⋮)** from the room menu bar and select **Export Messages** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(261).png).
2. Choose your preferred export method and fill in the required fields
3. Once you’ve entered all the details, click **Export** to send or download the conversation.

### Export methods

#### **Send email**

Use this method to send the selected messages directly to users via email.

- **Method:** Select **Send email** from the drop-down menu.
- **Output format:** Only the **HTML** format is supported.
- **To Users:** Select the users who should receive the exported email.
- **To additional emails:** Add any external email addresses separated by commas.
- **Subject:** Provide a subject line for the email.
- After completing the fields, click **Send.**

The selected users will receive an email containing the exported messages.

#### **Send file via email**

Use this method to receive the exported messages as a downloadable zip file via email.

- **Output format:** Supports **HTML** and **JSON** formats.
- **From and to dates:** Enter the date range for the messages you want to export.
- Click **Send**, and you will receive an email with a downloadable zip file of the export.

#### **Download messages**

Use this method to download the exported messages directly to your device.

- **Method:** Select **Download** from the drop-down menu.
- **Output format:** Only the **JSON** format is supported.
- Choose the messages you want to export and click **Download**. The messages are saved locally in JSON format.

> [!NOTE]
> If the room is end-to-end encrypted, see the [End-to-End Encryption User Guide](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/end-to-end-encryption-user-guide) for instructions on how to export encrypted messages.

## View calls

The **Calls** option allows you to view the conference call history within a room. This helps track previous audio or video calls made by members of the room.

> [!WARNING]
> This option is available in channels and discussions only.

To view the call history in a room, follow these steps:

1. Click the kebab menu **(⋮)** from the room menu bar and select **Calls** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/6ae79a05-7252-45d0-96e8-8f375e07b1b2/Images/Documentation/image(263).png)from the drop-down menu.
2. The call history for the room appears.
  - If there are no previous calls, a “**No history**” message is displayed.

## Outlook calendars

> [!WARNING]
> The Outlook Calendar integration must be enabled in workspace settings. If the integration is disabled, the **Outlook calendar** option is hidden from the kebab menu entirely. If you do not see this option, contact your workspace administrator or see the [Outlook Calendar](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/outlook-calendar) guide for setup instructions.

The **Outlook calendar** option allows you to view the calendar associated with the room, providing quick access to scheduled meetings and events.

> [!NOTE]
> This option is available in channels, teams, and discussions only. Direct messages do not support Outlook calendar integration.

To view the Outlook calendar in a room:

1. Click the kebab menu **(⋮)** from the room menu bar and select **Outlook calendar**.
2. The Outlook calendar for the room is displayed.
  - If no events are linked, a **"No history"** message appears.
3. Click **Open Outlook** to launch the Outlook app and view the full calendar.

For more details, see the [Outlook Calendar](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/outlook-calendar) guide.