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Quick Answer

Click the three dots (...) next to a team name and select Add channel to create a new space for conversation.

How to Create and Manage Teams Channels ​

Applies to: Microsoft Teams (desktop, web, mobile)
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-03-09

Summary ​

Channels organize conversations and files within a team by topic, project, or workgroup. This article explains how to create, configure, and manage channels in Microsoft Teams.

Prerequisites ​

  • A Microsoft Teams account.
  • This requires team owner permissions or have owner-granted permissions to create channels.

Instructions ​

1. Create a Standard Channel ​

Standard channels are visible to all team members.

  1. In the Teams sidebar, find the team where you want to add a channel.
  2. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) next to the team name.
  3. Select Add channel.
  4. Enter a Channel name (e.g., "Q2 Marketing Campaign").
  5. Add an optional Description to explain the channel's purpose.
  6. Leave the Privacy setting as Standard (accessible to everyone on the team).
  7. Click Add. The channel appears under the team in the sidebar.

2. Create a Private Channel ​

Private channels are visible only to selected members.

  1. Follow the same steps as above to start creating a channel.
  2. Under Privacy, select Private — Only specific team members can see this channel.
  3. Click Add.
  4. Add members who should have access to the private channel.
  5. Click Done. A lock icon appears next to private channels in the sidebar.

3. Create a Shared Channel ​

Shared channels allow collaboration with people outside your team.

  1. Follow the same steps to start creating a channel.
  2. Under Privacy, select Shared — People you choose from your org or other orgs can access.
  3. Click Add.
  4. Invite members or entire teams (including external organizations if your admin allows it).
  5. Click Done. A shared icon appears next to shared channels.

4. Pin, Hide, or Show Channels ​

Keep your sidebar organized.

  • Pin a channel: Right-click the channel > Pin. Pinned channels appear at the top of your team list.
  • Hide a channel: Right-click the channel > Hide. The channel moves to a hidden section but you can still search for it.
  • Show a hidden channel: Scroll down to Hidden channels at the bottom of the team, click it, and select Show.

5. Rename or Delete a Channel ​

Manage existing channels (team owners only).

To rename:

  1. Right-click the channel name > Edit this channel.
  2. Update the Channel name and/or Description.
  3. Click Save.

To delete:

  1. Right-click the channel name > Delete this channel.
  2. Click Delete to confirm.
  3. Deleted channels can be restored within 30 days from Manage team > Channels > Deleted tab.

Troubleshooting ​

INFO

The General channel cannot be renamed, moved, or deleted. It is created automatically with every team and is the default channel for team-wide announcements.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
"Add channel" option not visibleNot a team ownerAsk a team owner to create the channel or grant you permissions via Manage team > Settings > Member permissions.
Cannot add external users to channelShared channels disabled by adminContact IT to verify that shared channel policies are enabled in the Teams admin center.
Deleted channel data lostChannel deleted over 30 days agoAfter 30 days, deleted channels and their content are permanently removed and cannot be restored.