You know a channel has unread messages or unseen activity when its name appears bold. 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, rest assured—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

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. 

View your notifications

Your notifications appear in two places. Find them in your Activity feed and in your chat and channels. 

To view @mentions while in a chat or channel, select  Mentions or The Categorize icon. Tag mentions above your list of chat or channel conversations. 

To view @mention and reply notifications select Activity in the upper left corner of Teams.  

Check a channel for activity

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

Screenshot of the of the channel quick navigation from the combined chat and channel view. 

When any channel has activity, Teams and channelsMathematical symbol will also appear in bold at the bottom of your list of chats and channels. Any unread @mentions will 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

Want to learn more?

First things to know about teams and channels

Related topics:

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

Reorder the teams list

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.