> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cura.so/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Archiving and removing a channel

> Sometimes you need to disconnect a channel — you're switching numbers, retiring a bot, or cleaning up channels you no longer use.

Sometimes you need to disconnect a channel — you're switching numbers, retiring a bot, or cleaning up channels you no longer use. In Cura, removing a channel **archives** it: it stops receiving messages, but nothing is lost, and you can bring it back later.

By the end, you'll know exactly what happens when you archive a channel, how to reconnect it, and who's allowed to do either.

## Before you begin

* The channel you want to archive must be connected.
* You must be an **Admin**, or the person who **created** the channel. Anyone else will see a permission message.

To manage a channel, go to **Integrations → Channels** and select it.

***

### What "archive" means

Archiving is a soft removal, not a permanent delete. When you archive a channel:

* **It stops receiving new messages.** The channel is disabled and no longer accepts incoming messages.
* **Open conversations are wrapped up.** Any unresolved conversations on that channel are marked **resolved**, and each gets a note: "Conversation resolved — channel archived."
* **History stays intact.** Past conversations and contacts remain in Cura — they're not deleted.
* **The name and identifier free up.** You can reuse the same channel name, or reconnect the same LINE account, Telegram bot, or phone number later without a clash.

<Note>
  Because history is kept, archiving is safe to use whenever you're unsure. You're pausing the channel, not erasing your records.
</Note>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Archive the channel">
    * Open the channel under **Integrations → Channels**.
    * **Choose Archive** (sometimes labelled remove or disconnect).
    * Confirm. The channel moves to an archived state and stops handling messages right away.

    <Check>The channel is archived. It no longer receives or sends messages, and its open chats are resolved.</Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reconnect later (optional)">
    If you change your mind, you can **unarchive** the channel to bring it back:

    * Find the archived channel in your channel list.
    * **Choose Unarchive.** The channel comes out of the archived state.

    <Warning>
      Unarchiving restores the channel record, but channels that rely on external credentials — like a Telegram bot token or a Meta connection — may need to be **reconnected** before messages flow again, especially if those credentials have changed or expired, or if the platform's webhook needs re-registering. Check the channel's per-channel settings after unarchiving to confirm it's live.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect a fresh channel instead (optional)">
    If you don't plan to reuse the old setup, you can simply **add a new channel** of the same type. Because an archived channel no longer holds its name or identifier, the same LINE account, bot, or number can be connected fresh.

    👉 See [How channels work in Cura](/setting-up-cura/how-channels-work) for the connection guides.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Who can archive or unarchive

* **Admins** can archive or unarchive any channel in the workspace.
* **The channel's creator** can archive or unarchive the channels they set up.
* Everyone else will see a permission message and should ask an admin.

## Troubleshooting

* **"Permission denied" when archiving.** You're not an admin or the channel's creator. Ask an admin to do it or to grant you access.
* **An archived channel still appears in lists.** Archived channels are kept for your records. Filter to active channels if you only want the live ones.
* **A reconnected channel isn't receiving messages.** Its external credentials may have changed. Reconnect the channel and check the per-channel settings.

***

### Related articles

* [How channels work in Cura](/setting-up-cura/how-channels-work)
* [Per-channel settings (owner, notifications, AI schedule)](/setting-up-cura/per-channel-settings)
* [Connect LINE OA](/setting-up-cura/connect-line-oa)
* [Connect Telegram](/setting-up-cura/connect-telegram)