---
title: "Convert public channels to private channels"
---
import useBaseUrl from '@docusaurus/useBaseUrl';
import Tabs from '@theme/Tabs';
import TabItem from '@theme/TabItem';

<PlanAvailability slug="all-commercial" />

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.

</Note>

<Tabs>
<TabItem value="web-desktop" label="Web/Desktop">

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.](/images/convert-public-channel-to-private.png)

</TabItem>
<TabItem value="mobile" label="Mobile">

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.](/images/mobile-select-a-channel.jpg)

2.  Tap the **More** <img src={useBaseUrl('/img/ui/dots-vertical_F01D9.svg')} alt="Use the More icon in the top left corner to access Mattermost desktop apps customization settings." className="theme-icon" /> icon located in the top right corner of the app.

![Tap on More options to access available options for the channel.](/images/mobile-select-more-options-for-a-channel.jpg)

3.  Tap **View info**.

![Tap on View info to see the basic channel info.](/images/mobile-select-view-info-for-a-channel.jpg)

4.  Tap **Convert to private channel**.

![Tap on Convert to private channel to make the channel private.](/images/mobile-convert-to-private-channel.jpg)

5.  Tap **Yes** to confirm.

![Tap on Yes to confirm your choice.](/images/mobile-confirm-convert-to-private-channel.jpg)

</TabItem>
</Tabs>


## 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](https://api.mattermost.com/#tag/channels/operation/UpdateChannelPrivacy) or [mmctl channel modify command](/administration-guide/manage/mmctl-command-line-tool#mmctl-channel-modify) 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](/administration-guide/onboard/advanced-permissions#permissions-structure).
- If [Sync Group channel management](/administration-guide/manage/team-channel-members#channel-management) is enabled, private channels can't be converted to public channels.

</Note>

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**.