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 additional Training please visit the Teaching & Learning Technologies Training site.
To submit a support request, please fill out the Microsoft 365 Support webform with as much detail as possible, or contact the ET&S Help Desk team on your local campus. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.