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You know a channel has messages you haven't read or activity you haven't seen when its name is in bold. You'll also receive notifications when someone @mentions you or replies to a conversation you're in.

In the Posts layout, any new content bolds the channel name. In the Threads layout, only new messages in the main conversation bold the channel name. To learn more about layout options, see Choose your channel layout.

You'll also receive notifications when someone @mentions you or replies to a conversation you're in.  

Channel notification types

If you're not sure if a conversation needs your attention, Teams will tell you.

You get a notification whenever someone:

  • @mentions you (you also see your @mentions in the conversation)

  • @mentions teams and channels you have shown

  • @mentions a tag you're associated with

  • Replies to conversations you're part of

  • Replies to your replies

  • Replies to a thread you’re following 

Note: Notifications make channels active and keep them on your list. You can also add a channel to one of your custom sections to make sure it stays visible. 

Use Quick views to catch up faster

At the top of your chats and channels list, use Quick views to find messages that need your attention, such as Mentions or Followed threads. 

To see more options for what appears in this area, hover over Quick views and select See more  Fluent 2 eye icon small. 

Choose how Quick views appear:

Always – Quick view is always visible.

When unread – Quick view appears only when there are unread items.

Hide – Quick view is hidden.

Drag sections in Quick views to rearrange.

Check a channel for activity

When a channel has activity, its name appears in bold. When viewing channels in combined mode, a quick navigation option also lets you jump to your active teams and channels.

When any channel has activity, Teams and channelsMathematical symbol also appears in bold at the bottom of your list of chats and channels. Any unread @mentions show next to it. 

Select Teams and channels Mathematical symbol​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ to quickly view your teams and channels with activity. 

Tip: View only your active channels by separating your channels from your teams in list options. Learn more about the new chat and channels experience in Microsoft Teams. 

Related topics:

Create a team from scratch 

Show, hide, or pin a team or channel in Teams

Reorder the teams list

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