Skip to content
Memberships & Communities

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.

3 min read761 words8 explained imagesUpdated Mon, 9 Feb at 1:50 PM
View as markdownOpen in ClaudeOpen in ChatGPT
Each image has a one line explanation. Switch to full detail for the step it belongs to, the fields and buttons involved, examples and the whole procedure.
On this page
  1. Key Benefits of Private Channels and Channel Emojis
  2. How to Create a Private Channel
  3. How to Convert a Public Channel to Private
  4. How to Convert a Private Channel Back to Public
  5. How to Add or Remove Members in a Private Channel
  6. How to Set or Change a Channel Emoji or Icon
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. Related Articles

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.

Video 1 Open in a new tab

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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.

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.

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 What this shows Step 3 of 8: Click on Groups from the dropdown. What this shows Shows what to choose for step 3 of 8 in the "How to Create a Private Channel" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". 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. Step 3 of 8Image 1 of 8 What to chooseClick on Groups from the dropdown.
    Buttons and menus referenced GroupsMembershipsCommunitiesOpen/Login.+ Add ChannelChannel NameMake this ChannelPrivateONCreate Channel
    Next stepOpen/Login to your Group.
    All 8 steps in this 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 What this shows Step 4 of 8: Open/Login to your Group. What this shows Shows where to go for step 4 of 8 in the "How to Create a Private Channel" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". 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. Step 4 of 8Image 2 of 8 Where to goOpen/Login to your Group.
    Buttons and menus referenced Open/Login.MembershipsCommunitiesGroups+ Add ChannelChannel NameMake this ChannelPrivateONCreate Channel
    Next stepClick + Add Channel button.
    All 8 steps in this 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 What this shows Step 5 of 8: Click + Add Channel button. What this shows Shows what to click for step 5 of 8 in the "How to Create a Private Channel" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". 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. Step 5 of 8Image 3 of 8 What to clickClick + Add Channel button.
    Buttons and menus referenced + Add ChannelMembershipsCommunitiesGroupsOpen/Login.Channel NameMake this ChannelPrivateONCreate Channel
    Next stepEnter the Channel Name. Optionally add channel description and choose channel icon.
    All 8 steps in this 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 What this shows Step 8 of 8: Click Create Channel. What this shows Shows what to click for step 8 of 8 in the "How to Create a Private Channel" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". 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. Step 8 of 8Image 4 of 8 What to clickClick Create Channel.
    Buttons and menus referenced Create ChannelMembershipsCommunitiesGroupsOpen/Login.+ Add ChannelChannel NameMake this ChannelPrivateON
    All 8 steps in this 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) What this shows Click on the channel to open it. What this shows Illustrates the "How to Convert a Public Channel to Private" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". 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. Image 5 of 8 How to confirmClick 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.
Buttons and menus referenced SettingsMake Channel PrivateacknowledgementConfirm
Next stepRe‑open access if you want anyone in the group to discover and join the channel.
All 5 steps in this 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) What this shows Open the channel. What this shows Illustrates the "How to Convert a Private Channel Back to Public" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". 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. Image 6 of 8 Where to goOpen the channel. Click the Settings (gear) icon. Open the Settings tab. Click Make Channel Public. Read the acknowledgement popup and click on Confirm.
Buttons and menus referenced SettingsMake Channel PublicacknowledgementConfirm
Next stepControl who can access a private channel by adding or removing members at any time.
All 5 steps in this 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) What this shows Open the channel. What this shows Illustrates the "How to Add or Remove Members in a Private Channel" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". 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. Image 7 of 8 Where to goOpen 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.
Buttons and menus referenced SettingsMembersthree dotsRemove from Channel
Next stepAssign an emoji so members can quickly identify the channel in lists and notifications.
All 5 steps in this 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) What this shows Open the channel. What this shows Illustrates the "How to Set or Change a Channel Emoji or Icon" section of "Communities - Private Channels and Channel Emojis". 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. Image 8 of 8 Where to goOpen 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.
Buttons and menus referenced SettingsEditChannelNameChannel Icon optionchooseEmojiIconchoiceSave
Next stepQ: Who can see a private channel exists? Only approved members and users with sufficient permissions for that channel.
All 5 steps in this 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.

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.

Was this guide helpful?

Related guides

How to Setup, Customize, and Manage Your Communities9 min read · 18 imagesCommunities - How to Manage Members Inside Groups4 min read · 9 imagesCommunities: How to Manage Content11 min read · 21 imagesHow to Make Groups Private in Communities5 min read · 7 images