# Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis

> Create private channels and customize them with emojis. Control access, assign channel managers, and keep conversations secure across web and mobile apps.

- Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/memberships-and-communities/communities/communities-private-channels-and-channel-emojis
- Section: Memberships & Communities / Communities
- Reading time: 3 min
- Images: 8, each explained below
- Modified on Mon, 9 Feb at 1:50 PM

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Private Channels in GHL Customer Care Communities let you host members‑only discussions, while channel emojis make channels easy to recognize. This guide covers what they are, key benefits, and concise steps to create, convert, manage members, and set emojis—including how to convert a private channel back to public.

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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

-   [What is Private Channels and Channel Emojis?](#what-is-private-channels-and-channel-emojis)[](#key-benefits-of-private-channels-and-channel-emojis)
-   [Key Benefits of Private Channels and Channel Emojis](#key-benefits-of-private-channels-and-channel-emojis)[](#how-to-create-a-private-channel)
-   [How to Create a Private Channel](#how-to-create-a-private-channel)[](#how-to-convert-a-public-channel-to-private)
-   [How to Convert a Public Channel to Private](#how-to-convert-a-public-channel-to-private)[](#how-to-convert-a-private-channel-back-to-public)
-   [How to Convert a Private Channel Back to Public](#how-to-convert-a-private-channel-back-to-public)[](#how-to-add-or-remove-members-in-a-private-channel)
-   [How to Add or Remove Members in a Private Channel](#how-to-add-or-remove-members-in-a-private-channel)[](#how-to-set-or-change-a-channel-emoji-or-icon)
-   [How to Set or Change a Channel Emoji or Icon](#how-to-set-or-change-a-channel-emoji-or-icon)  [](#frequently-asked-questions)
-   [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)[](#related-articles)
-   [Related Articles](#related-articles)

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# **What is Private Channels and Channel Emojis?**

Private Channels restrict visibility and participation to approved members, helping you run gated cohorts or premium groups. Channel emojis add a small visual identifier that appears beside the channel name in lists and headers to improve recognition. These features are available on both mobile and Web version, enhances privacy and customization options for your community.

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## **Key Benefits of Private Channels and Channel Emojis**

-   **Member control:** Approve exactly who can view and post in a channel.
    
-   **Focused conversations:** Keep sensitive or paid content separated from public chatter.
    
-   **Flexible privacy:** Convert channels between public and private as needs change.
    
-   **Faster scanning:** Emoji (bold): improves channel recognition in lists and notifications.
    

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## **How to Create a Private Channel**

Start a new channel as private when you need restricted access from the outset.

**Important Note:**
1. The group owner and channel creator are automatically added as channel managers.
2. A channel manager acts as an admin for that specific channel. Group roles like owner and group admin do not have significance within a private channel.
3. The group owner cannot leave a private channel.
4. Private channels will not be visible in the channel list to users who are not part of them.

1.  Click on **Memberships** from your sub-account.
    
2.  Go to **Communities**.
    
3.  Click on **Groups** from the dropdown.
    
    
![Step 3 of 8: Click on Groups from the dropdown](https://jumpshare.com/share/F7VQklFSnqf9q7s8Sp8l+/Screenshot+2026-02-10+at+12.45.46%E2%80%AFAM.png)

**Step 3 of 8: Click on Groups from the dropdown**

This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 8 in the "How to Create a Private Channel" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". At this point in the walkthrough you click on Groups from the dropdown. For context, this section explains: Start a new channel as private when you need restricted access from the outset. The next step is to open/Login to your Group.
- What to choose: Click on Groups from the dropdown.
- Controls: Groups, Memberships, Communities, Open/Login, ., + Add Channel, Channel Name, Make this Channel, Private, ON, Create Channel
- Next: Open/Login to your Group.

Full procedure:

1. Click on Memberships from your sub-account.
2. Go to Communities.
3. Click on Groups from the dropdown.  <- this image
4. Open/Login to your Group.
5. Click + Add Channel button.
6. Enter the Channel Name. Optionally add channel description and choose channel icon.
7. Toggle Make this Channel Private option to ON.
8. Click Create Channel.

    
4.  **Open/Login** to your Group**.**
    
    
![Step 4 of 8: Open/Login to your Group](https://jumpshare.com/share/E57Y9g9gMoqiDrCtMJPT+/Screen+Shot+2026-02-10+at+12.49.05+AM.png)

**Step 4 of 8: Open/Login to your Group**

This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 8 in the "How to Create a Private Channel" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". At this point in the walkthrough you open/Login to your Group. For context, this section explains: Start a new channel as private when you need restricted access from the outset. The next step is to click + Add Channel button.
- Where to go: Open/Login to your Group.
- Controls: Open/Login, ., Memberships, Communities, Groups, + Add Channel, Channel Name, Make this Channel, Private, ON, Create Channel
- Next: Click + Add Channel button.

Full procedure:

1. Click on Memberships from your sub-account.
2. Go to Communities.
3. Click on Groups from the dropdown.
4. Open/Login to your Group.  <- this image
5. Click + Add Channel button.
6. Enter the Channel Name. Optionally add channel description and choose channel icon.
7. Toggle Make this Channel Private option to ON.
8. Click Create Channel.

    
5.  Click **\+ Add Channel** button.
    
    
![Step 5 of 8: Click + Add Channel button](https://jumpshare.com/share/RIZ3PJO6Iq7pfIxh0C76+/Screen+Shot+2026-02-10+at+12.50.33+AM.png)

**Step 5 of 8: Click + Add Channel button**

This screenshot accompanies step 5 of 8 in the "How to Create a Private Channel" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". At this point in the walkthrough you click + Add Channel button. For context, this section explains: Start a new channel as private when you need restricted access from the outset. The next step is to enter the Channel Name. Optionally add channel description and choose channel icon.
- What to click: Click + Add Channel button.
- Controls: + Add Channel, Memberships, Communities, Groups, Open/Login, ., Channel Name, Make this Channel, Private, ON, Create Channel
- Next: Enter the Channel Name. Optionally add channel description and choose channel icon.

Full procedure:

1. Click on Memberships from your sub-account.
2. Go to Communities.
3. Click on Groups from the dropdown.
4. Open/Login to your Group.
5. Click + Add Channel button.  <- this image
6. Enter the Channel Name. Optionally add channel description and choose channel icon.
7. Toggle Make this Channel Private option to ON.
8. Click Create Channel.

    
6.  Enter the **Channel Name**. Optionally add channel description and choose channel icon.
    
7.  Toggle **Make this Channel** **Private** option to **ON**.
    
8.  Click **Create Channel**.
    
    
![Step 8 of 8: Click Create Channel](https://jumpshare.com/share/Gz1C38rPmRLipKWmbhcM+/Screen+Shot+2026-02-10+at+12.52.30+AM.png)

**Step 8 of 8: Click Create Channel**

This screenshot accompanies step 8 of 8 in the "How to Create a Private Channel" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". At this point in the walkthrough you click Create Channel. For context, this section explains: Start a new channel as private when you need restricted access from the outset.
- What to click: Click Create Channel.
- Controls: Create Channel, Memberships, Communities, Groups, Open/Login, ., + Add Channel, Channel Name, Make this Channel, Private, ON

Full procedure:

1. Click on Memberships from your sub-account.
2. Go to Communities.
3. Click on Groups from the dropdown.
4. Open/Login to your Group.
5. Click + Add Channel button.
6. Enter the Channel Name. Optionally add channel description and choose channel icon.
7. Toggle Make this Channel Private option to ON.
8. Click Create Channel.  <- this image

    

---

## **How to Convert a Public Channel to Private**

Switch an existing public channel to private to limit future visibility and participation.

**Note:** Non‑members will no longer see the channel in the list after conversion.

1.  Click on the channel to open it.
    
2.  Click the **Settings** (gear) icon.
    
3.  Open the **Settings** tab.
    
4.  Click **Make Channel Private**.
    
5.  Read the **acknowledgement** popup and click on **Confirm**.
    

![How to Convert a Public Channel to Private (image 5 of 8)](https://jumpshare.com/share/h4pdDItaYmSjrMlkLRnE+/GIF+Recording+2026-02-10+at+1.00.09+AM.gif)

**How to Convert a Public Channel to Private (image 5 of 8)**

This animation appears in the "How to Convert a Public Channel to Private" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". The text alongside this image reads: Click on the channel to open it. Click the Settings (gear) icon. Open the Settings tab. Click Make Channel Private. Read the acknowledgement popup and click on Confirm. Immediately after, the guide continues: Re‑open access if you want anyone in the group to discover and join the channel.
- How to confirm: Click on the channel to open it. Click the Settings (gear) icon. Open the Settings tab. Click Make Channel Private. Read the acknowledgement popup and click on Confirm.
- Controls: Settings, Make Channel Private, acknowledgement, Confirm
- Next: Re‑open access if you want anyone in the group to discover and join the channel.

Full procedure:

1. Click on the channel to open it.
2. Click the Settings (gear) icon.
3. Open the Settings tab.
4. Click Make Channel Private.
5. Read the acknowledgement popup and click on Confirm.

---

## **How to Convert a Private Channel Back to Public**

Re‑open access if you want anyone in the group to discover and join the channel.

**Important:** After conversion, the channel is visible to all group members. Existing post history remains in the channel.

1.  Open the channel.
    
2.  Click the **Settings** (gear) icon.
    
3.  Open the **Settings** tab.
    
4.  Click **Make Channel Public**.
    
5.  Read the **acknowledgement** popup and click on **Confirm**.
    

![How to Convert a Private Channel Back to Public (image 6 of 8)](https://jumpshare.com/share/vAh4ZgRnGFIqzcihVJqg+/GIF+Recording+2026-02-10+at+12.56.14+AM.gif)

**How to Convert a Private Channel Back to Public (image 6 of 8)**

This animation appears in the "How to Convert a Private Channel Back to Public" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". The text alongside this image reads: Open the channel. Click the Settings (gear) icon. Open the Settings tab. Click Make Channel Public. Read the acknowledgement popup and click on Confirm. Immediately after, the guide continues: Control who can access a private channel by adding or removing members at any time.
- Where to go: Open the channel. Click the Settings (gear) icon. Open the Settings tab. Click Make Channel Public. Read the acknowledgement popup and click on Confirm.
- Controls: Settings, Make Channel Public, acknowledgement, Confirm
- Next: Control who can access a private channel by adding or removing members at any time.

Full procedure:

1. Open the channel.
2. Click the Settings (gear) icon.
3. Open the Settings tab.
4. Click Make Channel Public.
5. Read the acknowledgement popup and click on Confirm.

---

## **How to Add or Remove Members in a Private Channel**

Control who can access a private channel by adding or removing members at any time.

1.  Open the channel.
2.  Click the **Settings** (gear) icon.
3.  Open **Members** tab.
4.  **Add Members:** search and add users.
    
5.  **Remove Members:** locate the user > click the **three dots** beside the name > **Remove from Channel**.
    

![How to Add or Remove Members in a Private Channel (image 7 of 8)](https://jumpshare.com/share/y6BNiMxVpDZtAhfkrbFg+/GIF+Recording+2026-02-10+at+1.04.42+AM.gif)

**How to Add or Remove Members in a Private Channel (image 7 of 8)**

This animation appears in the "How to Add or Remove Members in a Private Channel" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". The text alongside this image reads: Open the channel. Click the Settings (gear) icon. Open Members tab. Add Members: search and add users. Remove Members: locate the user > click the three dots beside the name > Remove from Channel. Immediately after, the guide continues: Assign an emoji so members can quickly identify the channel in lists and notifications.
- Where to go: Open the channel. Click the Settings (gear) icon. Open Members tab. Add Members: search and add users. Remove Members: locate the user > click the three dots beside the name > Remove from Channel.
- Controls: Settings, Members, three dots, Remove from Channel
- Next: Assign an emoji so members can quickly identify the channel in lists and notifications.

Full procedure:

1. Open the channel.
2. Click the Settings (gear) icon.
3. Open Members tab.
4. Add Members: search and add users.
5. Remove Members: locate the user > click the three dots beside the name > Remove from Channel.

---

## **How to Set or Change a Channel Emoji** **or** **Icon**  

Assign an emoji so members can quickly identify the channel in lists and notifications.

1.  Open the channel.
    
2.  Click the **Settings** (gear) icon.
    
3.  Click on the **Edit** button beside **Channel** **Name**.
    
4.  Click on the **Channel Icon option** and **choose** between an **Emoji** or **Icon** of your **choice**.
    
5.  Click **Save**.
    

![How to Set or Change a Channel Emoji or Icon (image 8 of 8)](https://jumpshare.com/share/DUt50fbROAdD8x0OTBkW+/GIF+Recording+2026-02-10+at+1.11.40+AM.gif)

**How to Set or Change a Channel Emoji or Icon (image 8 of 8)**

This animation appears in the "How to Set or Change a Channel Emoji or Icon" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". The text alongside this image reads: Open the channel. Click the Settings (gear) icon. Click on the Edit button beside Channel Name. Click on the Channel Icon option and choose between an Emoji or Icon of your choice. Click Save. Immediately after, the guide continues: Q: Who can see a private channel exists? Only approved members and users with sufficient permissions for that channel.
- Where to go: Open the channel. Click the Settings (gear) icon. Click on the Edit button beside Channel Name. Click on the Channel Icon option and choose between an Emoji or Icon of your choice. Click Save.
- Controls: Settings, Edit, Channel, Name, Channel Icon option, choose, Emoji, Icon, choice, Save
- Next: Q: Who can see a private channel exists? Only approved members and users with sufficient permissions for that channel.

Full procedure:

1. Open the channel.
2. Click the Settings (gear) icon.
3. Click on the Edit button beside Channel Name.
4. Click on the Channel Icon option and choose between an Emoji or Icon of your choice.
5. Click Save.

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## **Frequently Asked Questions**

**Q: Who can see a private channel exists?  
**Only approved members and users with sufficient permissions for that channel.

**Q: What happens to past posts if I make a private channel public?**  
The channel becomes discoverable and its existing content is visible to all group members.

**Q: Should I revoke access via workflow or make the channel public?**  
Use workflows to manage member‑level access. Make the channel public when the entire channel should be open to the group.

**Q: Who can change a channel’s emoji?**  
The channel owner or a user with channel‑level manage permissions.

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### **Related Articles**

-   [How to Setup, Customize, and Manage Your Communities](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/memberships-and-communities/communities/how-to-setup-customize-and-manage-your-communities) 
    
-   [Communities: Announcement Channel and Notification](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/memberships-and-communities/communities/communities-announcement-channel-and-notification) 
    
-   [Workflow Trigger & Action – Grant/Revoke Private Channel Access](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/workflows/communities-workflow-triggers/workflow-trigger-action-grant-revoke-private-channel-access) 
    
-   [Communities: Private Channel‑Based Course Access](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/memberships-and-communities/communities/communities-private-channel-based-course-access) 
    
-   [Communities – How to Manage Members Inside Groups](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/memberships-and-communities/communities/communities-how-to-manage-members-inside-groups) 
    
-   [Content Management in Communities](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/memberships-and-communities/communities/communities-how-to-manage-content)

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Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com