Hidden Channels and Missing @Mention Notifications

Lý Hải Sơn - Khoa Khoa học Cơ bản 0 Reputation points
2026-04-21T03:44:18.76+00:00

Hi Microsoft Admin Team, Some channels in the Gneral have been moved to Hidden channels, so Owners and members cannot see them, and @mentions do not notify users. Could you please advise on the cause and help resolve this issue? Thank you!

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  1. Vivian-HT 17,885 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-04-21T05:05:36.58+00:00

    Dear @Lý Hải Sơn - Khoa Khoa học Cơ bản,

    Thank you for reaching out regarding the issue with hidden channels and missing @mention notifications in Microsoft Teams. I understand how important it is to ensure team members receive timely notifications, especially in active channels.

    Firstly, when a channel is hidden, it no longer appears in the main channel list, here are some steps I recommend you check again:

    For affected users:

    Step 1: Go to Teams > bottom of the channel list > “See all your teams and channels” > Locate the team > click “See all channels” > Choose the "Channels" tab on the top and then select “Show” on any hidden channels

    User's image

    Step 2: Then, choose Teams team > Manage team > Settings > Scroll down to the @mention > choose who can use team, channel, and group @mention.

    User's image

    Step 3: Then check: Click Settings and more (...) > Settings > Notifications and activity > Scroll down to "Chats and channels"

    User's image

    For IT Admin (Global Admin permission):

    Go to Teams Admin Center > Manage Teams > Confirm the channel type: Standard vs Private/Shared > Verify affected users are still members of the team/channel and add the users again. For more information and instruction, please follow: Manage teams in the Microsoft Teams admin center

    If you are user, please kindly ask you IT admin to help you check these setting. However, if you do not know who your IT Admin is, please follow this article: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin?

    Note: Please understand that as a forum moderator, my role is to provide general guidance and troubleshooting support. I don’t have access to internal systems or backend tools, and I appreciate your understanding of these limits.

    I hope the information shared helps point you in the right direction. Please try the steps above and let me know if they work. If not, we can continue working together to narrow this down.

    The first response may not always resolve the issue right away, but with your help and more details, we can work toward a solution.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding. I'm looking forward for your reply.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-04-21T03:44:31.53+00:00

    Cause:

    1. Channels manually hidden: Channels can be moved to Hidden channels by users selecting More options > Hide on the channel. Hidden channels are still part of the team but don’t appear in the main channel list.
    2. Notification behavior for hidden channels: Even when a channel is hidden, it still receives notifications for @mentions, @tags, and replies to followed threads and posts. If users are not receiving notifications, it is typically due to their channel notification settings, not just because the channel is hidden.
    3. Private channel limitations: If the affected channels are private channels, there are additional limitations. For example, notifications from private channels aren’t included in missed activity emails, which can make it appear as if @mentions are not notifying users.

    Resolution steps:

    1. Unhide the channels for owners and members
      • In Teams (desktop/web):
        1. At the bottom of the chats and channels list, select See all your teams and channels or See all your teams.
        2. Select the relevant team.
        3. Next to the channel in the Hidden channels section, select Show.
      • Or directly from the channel list:
        1. With the channel selected, choose More options > Show (if listed under Hidden channels).
    2. Adjust channel notification settings so @mentions trigger alerts
      • For each affected channel:
        1. Go to the channel name and select More options > Channel notifications.
        2. Turn on notifications for new posts and channel mentions as required.
        3. Select Save.
      • This ensures that even if a channel is hidden, users still receive notifications for @mentions and important activity.
    3. If channels are private channels
      • Be aware that:
        • Notifications from private channels aren’t included in missed activity emails, so users must rely on in-app notifications and activity feed.
      • Confirm that all required users are actually members of the private channel; non-members will not see the channel or receive @mentions.
    4. Educate team members
      • Ask owners and members to:
        • Check Hidden channels under each team and Show any channels they need to follow regularly.
        • Review Channel notifications to ensure @mentions and new posts are enabled.

    These steps restore visibility of the channels and ensure @mentions generate notifications as designed.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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