Makes the channel secret. Secret channels do not appear in the channel list (/list) for non-members and are hidden from /whois output. Mutually exclusive with +p (private).
When to use it
Use it when the existence of the channel itself should stay hidden. Only people who already know the exact name can find it. Combine it with invite-only mode or a key to also control who may enter.
Usage
/mode +s Make channel secret /mode -s Remove secret mode
The command changes the channel you are looking at. You do not type the channel name.
What stays hidden
- The Channel List shows no row at all for the channel to people who are not in it.
- When someone looks up a member with whois or the hover card, the channel is left out unless the viewer is in it too.
- Share links and link previews do not show the channel name.
Rules and limits
- Only channel operators and owners can set or remove this mode.
- Secret mode does not stop anyone from joining. A person who types the name can still enter.
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A channel cannot be secret and private at the same time. To switch, remove private mode first, then set secret mode:
/mode -p/mode +s - In a registered channel the mode is saved and comes back after a restart.