Creating a Private Channel in Microsoft Teams

Purpose: This article outlines the steps for a team owner to create a private channel within Microsoft Teams, restricting access to specific team members.

Audience: Team Owners, Microsoft Teams Users

Prerequisites:

• You must be a team owner in the Microsoft Teams team where you want to create the private channel.

• You must have access to the Microsoft Teams desktop application or web version.

Procedure:

1. Navigate to the Target Team:

   1. Open the Microsoft Teams application (desktop or web).

   2. In the left-hand navigation bar, click on "Teams."

   3. Locate and click on the name of the team where you intend to create the private channel.
      
      

2. Access the "Add channel" Menu:

   1. Adjacent to the team's name, find and click the three horizontal dots (More options) icon.

   2. From the drop-down menu that appears, select "Add channel."
      
      

3. Define Channel Details:

   1. A dialog box titled "Create a new channel" will appear.

   2. Channel name: In the "Channel name" field, enter a descriptive and clear name for the private channel.

   3. Description (Optional): In the "Description" field, provide a brief overview of the channel's purpose.
      
      

4. Configure Privacy Settings:

   1. Locate the "Privacy" section within the "Create a new channel" dialog box.

   2. Click the drop down menu that by default says "Standard - Accessible to everyone on the team".

   3. Select "Private - Specific team members have access."

   4. Notice the descriptive text that confirms that only the users you add will be able to see this channel.
      
      

5. Add Members and Confirm Creation:

   1. Click the "Next" button.

   2. A new screen titled "Add members" will appear.

   3. Begin typing the names of the individuals you want to include in the private channel. As you type, Teams will provide suggestions based on your organization's directory.

   4. Select the names of the desired members.

   5. Click the "Add" button once you have added all desired members.

   6. Click the "Done" button.
      
      

6. Verify Channel Creation:

   1. The newly created private channel will now be visible in the channel list under your team's name.

   2. A small lock icon will appear next to the channel name, visually indicating its private status.
      
      

Important Considerations:

• Permissions: Only team owners possess the default ability to create private channels. Organization administrators can modify these permissions if needed.

• Membership Limits: Private channels are subject to limitations on the number of members they can accommodate.

• SharePoint Integration: Each private channel is automatically associated with a dedicated SharePoint site for file storage, ensuring that files remain within the channel's private scope.
  
  

Troubleshooting:

• If you do not see the "Add channel" option, verify that you are a team owner.

• If you cannot add a user, confirm they are a member of the overall team.

• If you cannot see the private channel, confirm that you have been added as a member.