+++
title = "Channels"
weight = 6
+++

The **Channels** view provides group messaging. The number of available channel slots is reported by the device (typically 8).

## Channel Types

| Type | Description |
|------|-------------|
| **Public** | Uses a fixed, well-known pre-shared key. All MeshCore users on the same frequency can read it. |
| **Hashtag** | The key is derived from the channel name (e.g., `#hiking` produces a deterministic key). Anyone who knows the name can join. |
| **Private** | Uses a randomly generated or user-provided 16-byte key. Only users with the key can read messages. |

## Adding Channels

Click the **+** button in the channels sidebar:

- **Create Private Channel** -- generates a random key and creates a new private channel.
- **Join Private Channel** -- enter the channel name and 32-character hex PSK (shared by the channel creator).
- **Join Public Channel** -- joins the standard MeshCore public channel.
- **Join Hashtag Channel** -- enter a channel name starting with `#`; the key is derived automatically.

Channels can also be added by scanning a QR code from the contacts view.

## Channel Chat

Channel messages show the sender's name. Your own messages appear on the right; others' on the left.

## Message Paths and Repeats

MeshCore messages can arrive through multiple paths (via different repeaters). Meshy tracks these:

- **Heard repeats** -- if your message is echoed back through repeaters, the repeat count and paths are shown.
- **Message paths** -- right-click a message and select "Show Message Paths" to see all path variants, including SNR and hop details for each.

## Channel Settings

Hover over a channel row and click the three-dot button, long-press the row, or click the channel name in the header bar above the chat to open channel settings.

### Channel Info

- **Channel Name** -- editable for public channels (rename is sent to the device). Shown as read-only for private and hashtag channels.
- **Private Key** -- shown for private channels (copyable for sharing).

### Chat

- **Participants** -- opens a list of all senders seen in the channel. Each entry shows the sender's name, message count, and when they were last seen. You can filter by All or Blocked, and sort by Name, Last Seen, or Messages. Blocking a sender hides their future messages; you can also choose to delete their existing messages when blocking. Blocked senders can be unblocked at any time.

  **Note:** Channel messages don't include sender identity verification. Blocking matches by name only -- the sender could change their name to bypass it.

- **Message Retention** -- how long messages are kept: 1 Day, 1 Week, 1 Month, 3 Months, or Forever (default). Older messages are automatically deleted on app startup.
- **Notification Level** -- choose between Default, All Messages, Mentions Only (@yourname), or None.

### Region

- **Region** -- limit flood messages to a specific region (requires regions configured in [Settings](@/guide/settings.md#regions)).

### Actions

- **Clear Messages** -- deletes all messages in the channel (requires confirmation).
- **Remove Channel** -- clears the channel slot on the device.
