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

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 Tag mentions The Categorize icon. above your list of chat or channel conversations. 

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

Some of the above features are part of the public preview program and might undergo further changes before being released publicly. To get access to these and other upcoming features, switch to Teams public preview.

Want to learn more?

First things to know about teams and channels

Related articles

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

Reorder the teams list

Only channels you show are visible from your team list. A bold channel is an active channel that has unread messages.

Channel list with bold names and number count

If a channel has a @ you’ve been @mentioned. For @teams mentions, you'll see this team icon Teams button in your activity feed.

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

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