Can't Create Private Teams Channels

Question

How come when I try to create a private Teams channel within the larger Teams channel, it gives me an error saying that it cannot be created and a maximum of 30 private channels is allowed? I only have 19 private channels, and I'm trying to create 2 new ones. The new ones I try to create show up under Deleted channels after the error message pops up that it cannot be created. So now I have 12 private channels in Deleted channels. Would anyone be able to help with this?

Answer 1

Hi J, Connie,

Good day! Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum and sharing the detail. 

Regarding the issue you're encountering when creating new private channels in Microsoft Teams. I understand how important it is to manage your team’s collaboration space efficiently, and I truly appreciate your patience while looking into this matter. 

The error you're seeing is due to a limit in Microsoft Teams: each team can have up to 30 private channels, which includes both active and deleted ones. Although you currently have only 19 active private channels, it appears there are also 12 recently deleted private channels still associated with the team. Microsoft Teams retains deleted channels for up to 30 days to allow for restoration if needed, and during this period, these deleted channels still count toward the 30-channel limit. 

After the 30-day retention period, deleted channels are permanently removed and will no longer count against the limit. 

Please refer the Microsoft official document: Limits and specifications for Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Learn 

To address this, you may follow the steps outlined below as a workaround:

1. You can wait until the 30-day retention period passes for some deleted channels. Once they are fully purged, you will be able to create new private channels again. 
2. Alternatively, you may consider creating a new team to house additional private channels if your current team structure requires more than the allowed limit. 

I truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation as you manage your Teams environment.  

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. 

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Answer 2

Hi, is it still the same on today that we still need to wait for 30 days?