# Hiding Channels

Hiding a channel removes it from query channel requests for that user until a new message is added. Only channel members can hide a channel.

Hidden channels may still have unread messages. Consider [marking the channel as read](https://getstream.io/chat/docs/ruby/unread/) before hiding it.

You can optionally clear the message history for that user when hiding. When a new message is received, it will be the only message visible to that user.

## Hide a Channel

```ruby label="Ruby"
require 'getstream_ruby'

Models = GetStream::Generated::Models

# Hide the channel until a new message is added
client.chat.hide_channel("messaging", "general", Models::HideChannelRequest.new(
  user_id: 'john'
))

# Show a previously hidden channel
client.chat.show_channel("messaging", "general", Models::ShowChannelRequest.new(
  user_id: 'john'
))
```

<Admonition type="info">

You can still retrieve the list of hidden channels using the `{ "hidden" : true }` query parameter.

</Admonition>


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This page was last updated at 2026-08-14T17:47:04.756Z.

For the most recent version of this documentation, visit [https://getstream.io/chat/docs/ruby/hiding-channels/](https://getstream.io/chat/docs/ruby/hiding-channels/).