# Hide or reveal inactive channels

To avoid clutter in the [left sidebar](/help/left-sidebar), Zulip automatically
hides channels with no recent messages if you're subscribed to 20+ channels. You
can [configure](#configure-hiding-inactive-channels) Zulip to show or hide
inactive channels regardless of how many you're subscribed to.

It's easy to [reveal](#reveal-inactive-channels) or [find]() hidden inactive
channels if you need to access them.

## Reveal inactive channels

{start_tabs}

{tab|desktop-web}

1. In the left sidebar, scroll to the bottom of the list of channels in the
   [folder](/help/channel-folders) you're viewing.

1. Click **inactive channels** to reveal inactive channels. If you don't see
   this button, there are no inactive channels, or they are already revealed.

{end_tabs}

## Hide inactive channels

{start_tabs}

{tab|desktop-web}

1. In the left sidebar, scroll to the bottom of the list of channels in the
   [folder](/help/channel-folders) you're viewing.

1. Click **hide inactive channels**. If you don't see this button, there are no
   inactive channels, or they are already hidden.

{end_tabs}

## Find inactive channels

{!filter-channels.md!}

## Configure hiding inactive channels

{start_tabs}

{tab|desktop-web}

{settings_tab|preferences}

1. Under **Left sidebar**, configure **Hide inactive channels**.

{end_tabs}

## Related articles

* [Introduction to channels](/help/introduction-to-channels)
* [Pin a channel](/help/pin-a-channel)
* [Mute or unmute a channel](/help/mute-a-channel)
* [Channel folders](/help/channel-folders)