starlight_help/src/content/docs/configure-unread-message-counters.mdx
import {Steps, TabItem, Tabs} from "@astrojs/starlight/components";
import FlattenedSteps from "../../components/FlattenedSteps.astro"; import NavigationSteps from "../../components/NavigationSteps.astro";
import MoreVerticalIcon from "~icons/zulip-icon/more-vertical";
To provide information about unread messages, Zulip can show unread message counters next to channel names in the left sidebar. This is likely to be helpful if you generally read (or otherwise mark as read) all the messages in a channel, but may otherwise feel unnecessary.
Zulip offers an option to display a dot instead of an unread counter for channels in the left sidebar. You can use a dot for all channels, or just for channels you have muted. You will still be able to see the number of unread messages in a channel by moving your mouse over it in the left sidebar or opening it.
<Tabs> <TabItem label="Desktop/Web"> <FlattenedSteps> <NavigationSteps target="settings/preferences" /> 1. Under **Left sidebar**, select your preferred option from the
**Show unread counts for** dropdown.
</FlattenedSteps>
You can configure whether Zulip displays unread count summaries on your home view in the left sidebar. You will still be able to see the summary counts by moving your mouse over them in the left sidebar. The counter on your home view will also be shown when you're in that view.
<Tabs> <TabItem label="Via left sidebar"> <Steps> 1. Hover over your configured [home view](/help/configure-home-view) in the **views** section of the left sidebar. 1. Click on the **ellipsis** (<MoreVerticalIcon />). 1. Click the option to hide or show the unread counter. </Steps> </TabItem> <TabItem label="Via personal settings"> <FlattenedSteps> <NavigationSteps target="settings/preferences" /> 1. Under **Left sidebar**, toggle **Show unread count total on home view**.
</FlattenedSteps>