Open, closed and invite-only circles
Who can find a circle, who can get in and who can read it, for each privacy setting, plus the extra joining rules admins can switch on.
- In the app
- On zinola.in
Updated
Every circle has one of three privacy settings. It decides who can find the circle, who can get in and who can read what's said.
| Setting | Who can find it | How people get in | Who can read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Anyone nearby | Join straight away | Anyone can read General; only members write |
| Closed | Anyone | Ask to join, an admin approves | Members only |
| Invite only | Nobody, it's hidden from search and nearby | Only with the invite link or code | Members only |
Whatever the setting, groups other than General are for their own members. In an open circle, someone outside can read General but not your other groups.
How you'll see it
- On an open circle, the button says Join.
- On a closed circle, it says Ask to join or Request, and changes to Requested after you tap it.
- An invite-only circle doesn't show in search at all. You need an invite link or QR code or a code.
Extra rules a circle can add
Admins can switch on a few more rules under Who can join:
- Invite link skips approval: people with the circle's link join without a request.
- Members can invite others: members can invite, but those invites still need an admin's approval.
- Only people within the area: requests from outside the circle's reach are declined.
Admins also choose whether new members can see older messages. See Change who can join.
Common questions
What is the difference between an open and a closed circle?
In an open circle you join straight away, and anyone can read the General group. In a closed circle you ask to join, an admin approves you, and only members can read anything.
Why can't I find a circle my neighbor told me about?
It may be invite only, which hides it from search and nearby lists. Ask your neighbor for the invite link or code.
Can people outside a closed circle see who is in it?
No. In a closed circle, only members can see who is in it.
Related articles
- How do I find and join a circle?Find circles near you on Discover, then Join an open circle or Request a closed one, and withdraw a request you no longer want.
- Join from an invite link or QR codeWhat happens when you open a circle invite link or scan its QR code, whether you join straight away or wait, and what to do if it fails.
- Change who can join your circleMake a circle Open, Closed or Invite only, let invite links skip approval, limit it to your area, and set what newcomers see.