How to transfer WhatsApp channel ownership

Much like an Instagram page or a YouTube channel, a WhatsApp channel is a feed that anyone can subscribe to for updates on their favourite creator, influencer, or friend. Unlike a chat or group chat, a channel is a one-way broadcast comprising text, video, polls, images, and more that the subscriber consumes but cannot respond to.

This feature can be especially useful for businesses and creators alike as it helps keep customers and fans up to date while building a following. This feature rolled out last year and has gained some traction.

Understanding channel ownership

So far, channel ownership has been locked to the original user, which can be problematic when, say, a business changes hands. It was possible to assign multiple admins to manage the channel, but the ownership could never change hands. That has since changed.

Since the update, channel owners now have the option to transfer channel ownership to one of the channel’s admins at their discretion. Do note that a channel can only have one owner at a time, so care must be taken to ensure that the channel is transferred to the right person. Once it’s gone, nobody else will have permission to change channel ownership.

The process of transferring this ownership is quite straightforward. This transfer can happen on iOS and Android devices, as well as directly via a web app or the desktop app on macOS and Windows.

How to transfer channel ownership

To transfer ownership on iOS and Android devices:

1. Open Channels by tapping the icon in WhatsApp

2. Open your channel and tap on its name

3. Select ‘Transfer Ownership’ and select the admin who will inherit your channel

4. Select continue

5. Enter your phone number to confirm and select ‘Transfer’

The process is similar on the web and via the WhatsApp desktop apps on macOS and Windows. 

Once this is done, ownership will be transferred to the selected admin, giving them sole ownership of the channel. Only the new owner can decide whether, and to whom, the ownership will be transferred next. You can still be an admin of what was once your channel or choose to relieve yourself of those duties. You can of course still follow the channel if you choose to.

WhatsApp channels can be explored via the ‘Updates’ tab in the WhatsApp app in India. Simply tap on updates and navigate to the bottom of the page to find the Channels section.

Here you can tap on the ‘+’ icon to create your own channel, search for channels, or quickly subscribe to one of the recommended channels by tapping the ‘Follow’ icon.

You can also tap on ‘Explore more’ at the very bottom of the page to look for more recommendations. Popular celebrities, news media, and influencers are already available via Channels, including regional language options.

Channels are a great way to keep up with the lives of people you follow, the news, and to grow your business. The option to transfer ownership is a welcome one and should go a long way towards helping build and foster large communities over time.