> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.moselle.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.moselle.io/faq/troubleshooting/why-cant-i-edit-a-forecast-channel.md).

# Why Can't I Edit a Forecast Cell? Locked Channels Explained

{% hint style="info" %}
**Quick Answer:** If a forecast cell won't accept an edit and you see the message **"This channel is locked and cannot be edited,"** the channel has been locked by the forecast owner. Locked cells are read-only for everyone until the owner unlocks the channel in **Forecast Settings → Lock Forecast**.
{% endhint %}

## What's Happening?

**A locked channel** protects a finalized part of your forecast from further edits. When a channel is locked, its cells are read-only across every period — past **and** future months — so the approved plan stays stable while your team executes against it.

If you try to change a locked cell, Moselle blocks the edit and shows a short explanation instead of saving the value:

> This channel is locked and cannot be edited.

This is expected behavior, not an error. Your other unlocked channels remain fully editable.

## Who Can Lock and Unlock a Channel?

**Time to read:** 2 minutes\
**Difficulty:** Beginner

| Role                   | What they can do                                             |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Forecast owner**     | Lock and unlock channels, and edit any cell                  |
| **Other team members** | View the lock state (read-only); edit only unlocked channels |

Everyone on your team can now **see** which channels are locked and **who locked them** — the **Lock Forecast** section in Forecast Settings is visible to all users, and read-only for anyone who isn't the forecast owner. This makes it clear why a cell can't be edited without having to guess.

## How to See Whether a Channel Is Locked

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open the forecast

Navigate to the **Forecasting** section in the left sidebar and open the forecast you're working in.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open Forecast Settings

Click the **gear icon** on the right-hand side of the forecast and select **Forecast Settings**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Check the Lock Forecast section

The **Lock Forecast** section lists which channels are locked and notes who locked the plan. If you're not the forecast owner, this view is read-only.

**Expected Result:** You can confirm whether the cell you tried to edit belongs to a locked channel.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## How to Make Edits Again

* **If you're the forecast owner:** open **Forecast Settings → Lock Forecast**, unlock the channel, make your changes, then re-lock it to protect the approved plan.
* **If you're not the owner:** ask the forecast owner (shown in the Lock Forecast section) to unlock the channel, or to make the change on your behalf.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Unlock a channel only when a change is genuinely needed. Locking exists to keep an approved forecast stable, so re-lock as soon as your edits are complete.
{% endhint %}

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Why did editing a locked cell used to fail silently?

**Answer:** Editing a locked channel now shows a clear message — "This channel is locked and cannot be edited" — and your original value is kept. There's nothing you need to do differently; the block is intentional.

### Can I still edit future months on a locked channel?

**Answer:** No. When a channel is locked, all of its periods are read-only, including future months. Unlock the channel to edit any period.

### How do I know who locked the channel?

**Answer:** Open **Forecast Settings → Lock Forecast**. The section attributes the lock to the user who set it, so you know who to ask for an unlock.

## Related Guides

{% content-ref url="<https://github.com/Moselle-io/moselle-docs/tree/master/planning-and-execution/forecasting/locking-forecast-periods.md>" %}
<https://github.com/Moselle-io/moselle-docs/tree/master/planning-and-execution/forecasting/locking-forecast-periods.md>
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/0j4ySH8ZiAtDK6eRiQ77" %}
[Refine Your Forecast](/planning-and-execution/forecasting/phase-3-refine-and-maintain/refine-your-forecast.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}