Convert public channels to private channels#

plans-img Available on all plans

deployment-img Cloud and self-hosted deployments

You must be a system admin or team admin to convert public channels to private channels. When a channel is converted from public to private, its history and membership are preserved. Membership in a private channel remains as invitation only. Publicly-shared files remain accessible to anyone with the link.

Note

The default channel Town Square can’t be converted to a private channel.

To convert a public channel to a private channel, select the public channel name at the top of the center pane to access the drop-down menu, then select Convert to Private Channel.

From the channel name, you can convert a public channel to a private channel if you're an admin.

To convert a public channel to a private channel:

  1. Tap the channel you want to convert.

Select a channel that you want to rename.

  1. Tap the More Use the More icon in the top left corner to access Mattermost desktop apps customization settings. icon located in the top right corner of the app.

Tap on More options to access available options for the channel.

  1. Tap View info.

Tap on View info to see the basic channel info.

  1. Tap Convert to private channel.

Tap on Convert to private channel to make the channel private.

  1. Tap Yes to confirm.

Tap on Yes to confirm your choice.

Convert private channels to public channels#

Due to potential security concerns with sharing private channel history, only system admins can convert private channels to public channels using the System Console.

Note

  • The ability to convert private channels to public channels using the API or mmctl channel modify command is limited to system admins, team admins, and users with specific granular admin roles. Team admins have this permission by default, but system admins can restrict it or assign it to other roles.

  • Granular roles require permissions for managing User Management Channels and Groups, including sysconsole_write_user_management_channels and sysconsole_write_user_management_groups. Manage permissions through the permission scheme.

  • If Sync Group channel management is enabled, private channels can’t be converted to public channels.

  1. Go to System Console > Channels.

  2. Select Edit for an existing private channel. You can also filter the list of channels to private channels only.

  3. Under Channel Management > Public channel or private channel, select Private.

  4. Select Save.