diff --git a/app/shared/src/androidMain/kotlin/iris/platform/AndroidMedia.kt b/app/shared/src/androidMain/kotlin/iris/platform/AndroidMedia.kt
index 81c3695..4471cfa 100644
--- a/app/shared/src/androidMain/kotlin/iris/platform/AndroidMedia.kt
+++ b/app/shared/src/androidMain/kotlin/iris/platform/AndroidMedia.kt
@@ -143,6 +143,33 @@ actual suspend fun loadScaledImage(path: String, maxSize: Int): ImageBitmap? = w
     }
 }
 
+actual suspend fun encodeImageAsBase64(path: String, maxSize: Int): String? = withContext(Dispatchers.IO) {
+    try {
+        val bounds = BitmapFactory.Options().apply { inJustDecodeBounds = true }
+        BitmapFactory.decodeFile(path, bounds)
+        if (bounds.outWidth <= 0 || bounds.outHeight <= 0) return@withContext null
+        var sample = 1
+        while (maxOf(bounds.outWidth, bounds.outHeight) / sample > maxSize) sample *= 2
+        val opts = BitmapFactory.Options().apply { inSampleSize = sample }
+        val bitmap = BitmapFactory.decodeFile(path, opts) ?: return@withContext null
+        val stream = java.io.ByteArrayOutputStream()
+        bitmap.compress(android.graphics.Bitmap.CompressFormat.PNG, 100, stream)
+        bitmap.recycle()
+        android.util.Base64.encodeToString(stream.toByteArray(), android.util.Base64.NO_WRAP)
+    } catch (e: Exception) {
+        null
+    }
+}
+
+actual suspend fun decodeBase64Image(base64: String): ImageBitmap? = withContext(Dispatchers.IO) {
+    try {
+        val bytes = android.util.Base64.decode(base64, android.util.Base64.DEFAULT)
+        BitmapFactory.decodeByteArray(bytes, 0, bytes.size)?.asImageBitmap()
+    } catch (e: Exception) {
+        null
+    }
+}
+
 @Composable
 actual fun MediaPlayerView(media: MediaItem, modifier: Modifier) {
     val path = media.localPath
diff --git a/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/data/ChannelStore.kt b/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/data/ChannelStore.kt
index 7338400..a12b040 100644
--- a/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/data/ChannelStore.kt
+++ b/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/data/ChannelStore.kt
@@ -54,6 +54,7 @@ class ChannelStore {
     private fun sorted(list: List<ChannelInfo>): List<ChannelInfo> =
         list.sortedWith(
             compareByDescending<ChannelInfo> { it.isDefault }
+                .thenByDescending { it.favorite }
                 .thenBy { it.kind != "thread" }
                 .thenBy { it.name.lowercase() },
         )
diff --git a/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/platform/PlatformMedia.kt b/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/platform/PlatformMedia.kt
index 5abfec4..654b3a1 100644
--- a/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/platform/PlatformMedia.kt
+++ b/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/platform/PlatformMedia.kt
@@ -37,6 +37,16 @@ expect suspend fun loadMediaImage(path: String): ImageBitmap?
 /** Load an image scaled to at most [maxSize] px on the longest edge. Null on failure. */
 expect suspend fun loadScaledImage(path: String, maxSize: Int): ImageBitmap?
 
+/**
+ * Encode a local image as a base64 PNG, downscaled to at most [maxSize] px on
+ * the longest edge. Null on failure. Used for channel icons (stored on the
+ * gateway, synced across devices).
+ */
+expect suspend fun encodeImageAsBase64(path: String, maxSize: Int): String?
+
+/** Decode a base64-encoded image (PNG/JPEG) into an [ImageBitmap]. Null on failure. */
+expect suspend fun decodeBase64Image(base64: String): ImageBitmap?
+
 /** Inline audio/video player (ExoPlayer on Android; placeholder on desktop). */
 @Composable
 expect fun MediaPlayerView(media: MediaItem, modifier: Modifier)
diff --git a/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/protocol/Protocol.kt b/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/protocol/Protocol.kt
index c7920ed..96b4864 100644
--- a/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/protocol/Protocol.kt
+++ b/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/protocol/Protocol.kt
@@ -69,6 +69,8 @@ const val TYPE_STATUS = "status"
 const val TYPE_CHANNEL_CREATE = "channel.create"
 const val TYPE_CHANNEL_RENAME = "channel.rename"
 const val TYPE_CHANNEL_SET_DEFAULT = "channel.set_default"
+const val TYPE_CHANNEL_FAVORITE = "channel.favorite"
+const val TYPE_CHANNEL_ICON = "channel.icon"
 const val TYPE_CHANNEL_DELETE = "channel.delete"
 const val TYPE_CHANNEL_CREATED = "channel.created"
 const val TYPE_CHANNEL_RENAMED = "channel.renamed"
@@ -158,6 +160,14 @@ data class ChannelInfo(
     /** Gateway minted this thread for an incoming message (auto-threading);
      *  the name is a derived title, upgraded by the LLM via channel.renamed. */
     val auto: Boolean = false,
+    /** Cosmetic favorite flag (sorts to the top of the channel list). */
+    val favorite: Boolean = false,
+    /** Cosmetic icon: a base64-encoded image (PNG/JPEG), or null for the
+     *  auto-generated letter avatar. */
+    val icon: String? = null,
+    /** Cosmetic avatar color override ("#RRGGBB"), or null for the
+     *  auto-generated name-hash color. */
+    val color: String? = null,
 )
 
 @Serializable
@@ -326,6 +336,17 @@ data class ChannelCreatePayload(
 @Serializable
 data class ChannelRenamePayload(val name: String)
 
+@Serializable
+data class ChannelFavoritePayload(val on: Boolean)
+
+@Serializable
+data class ChannelIconPayload(
+    /** base64-encoded image, or null to clear the icon. */
+    val icon: String? = null,
+    /** "#RRGGBB" avatar color, or null to clear it. */
+    val color: String? = null,
+)
+
 @Serializable
 data class ChannelListPayload(val channels: List<ChannelInfo> = emptyList())
 
@@ -508,6 +529,28 @@ fun channelRenameFrame(id: Int, chatId: String, name: String): Frame =
 fun channelSetDefaultFrame(id: Int, chatId: String): Frame =
     Frame(id = id, type = TYPE_CHANNEL_SET_DEFAULT, chatId = chatId)
 
+fun channelFavoriteFrame(id: Int, chatId: String, on: Boolean): Frame =
+    Frame(
+        id = id,
+        type = TYPE_CHANNEL_FAVORITE,
+        chatId = chatId,
+        payload = IrisJson.instance.encodeToJsonElement(
+            ChannelFavoritePayload.serializer(),
+            ChannelFavoritePayload(on = on),
+        ),
+    )
+
+fun channelIconFrame(id: Int, chatId: String, icon: String?, color: String?): Frame =
+    Frame(
+        id = id,
+        type = TYPE_CHANNEL_ICON,
+        chatId = chatId,
+        payload = IrisJson.instance.encodeToJsonElement(
+            ChannelIconPayload.serializer(),
+            ChannelIconPayload(icon = icon, color = color),
+        ),
+    )
+
 fun channelDeleteFrame(id: Int, chatId: String): Frame =
     Frame(id = id, type = TYPE_CHANNEL_DELETE, chatId = chatId)
 
diff --git a/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/state/IrisController.kt b/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/state/IrisController.kt
index 0ba3605..f81c3c3 100644
--- a/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/state/IrisController.kt
+++ b/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/state/IrisController.kt
@@ -55,6 +55,8 @@ import iris.protocol.TYPE_TYPING
 import iris.protocol.TypingPayload
 import iris.protocol.channelCreateFrame
 import iris.protocol.channelDeleteFrame
+import iris.protocol.channelFavoriteFrame
+import iris.protocol.channelIconFrame
 import iris.protocol.channelListFrame
 import iris.protocol.channelRenameFrame
 import iris.protocol.channelSetDefaultFrame
@@ -528,6 +530,17 @@ class IrisController(
         client.sendFrame(channelSetDefaultFrame(0, chatId))
     }
 
+    /** Toggle the cosmetic favorite flag (sorts the channel to the top). */
+    fun setChannelFavorite(chatId: String, on: Boolean) {
+        client.sendFrame(channelFavoriteFrame(0, chatId, on))
+    }
+
+    /** Set the channel's cosmetic icon (base64 image) and/or avatar color.
+     *  Pass null to clear a field. */
+    fun setChannelIcon(chatId: String, icon: String?, color: String?) {
+        client.sendFrame(channelIconFrame(0, chatId, icon, color))
+    }
+
     fun deleteChannel(chatId: String) {
         client.sendFrame(channelDeleteFrame(0, chatId))
     }
diff --git a/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/ui/screens/ChatScreen.kt b/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/ui/screens/ChatScreen.kt
index d91d833..a20f40d 100644
--- a/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/ui/screens/ChatScreen.kt
+++ b/app/shared/src/commonMain/kotlin/iris/ui/screens/ChatScreen.kt
@@ -104,8 +104,12 @@ import iris.data.MessageItem
 import iris.data.MsgStatus
 import iris.data.ToolItem
 import iris.net.GatewayClient
+import iris.platform.ImageFilePicker
 import iris.platform.MediaFilePicker
 import iris.platform.MediaPlayerView
+import iris.platform.PickedFile
+import iris.platform.decodeBase64Image
+import iris.platform.encodeImageAsBase64
 import iris.platform.isDesktop
 import iris.platform.loadMediaImage
 import iris.platform.openDocument
@@ -175,6 +179,13 @@ fun ChatScreen(controller: IrisController) {
     var showNewThread by remember { mutableStateOf(false) }
     var showPicker by remember { mutableStateOf(false) }
     var showSettings by remember { mutableStateOf(false) }
+    // Channel context menu (long-press / right-click a row): rename / delete /
+    // icon dialogs. The image pick is a full-screen overlay (platform picker).
+    var channelToRename by remember { mutableStateOf<ChannelInfo?>(null) }
+    var channelToDelete by remember { mutableStateOf<ChannelInfo?>(null) }
+    var channelToEditIcon by remember { mutableStateOf<ChannelInfo?>(null) }
+    var iconImageTarget by remember { mutableStateOf<ChannelInfo?>(null) }
+    var showIconImagePicker by remember { mutableStateOf(false) }
     // Status bubble tap → transient toast with the current connection status.
     var toastMessage by remember { mutableStateOf<String?>(null) }
     LaunchedEffect(toastMessage) {
@@ -308,7 +319,6 @@ fun ChatScreen(controller: IrisController) {
         Column(modifier = Modifier.fillMaxSize()) {
             // Header: title pill on the left, status bubble + search on the
             // right, single row on both wide and narrow layouts.
-            val channelName = currentChannel?.name ?: "Iris"
             Row(
                 modifier = Modifier
                     .fillMaxWidth()
@@ -320,7 +330,7 @@ fun ChatScreen(controller: IrisController) {
                         Text("☰", fontSize = 18.sp)
                     }
                 }
-                TitlePill(channelName, Modifier.weight(1f))
+                TitlePill(currentChannel, Modifier.weight(1f))
                 Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(6.dp))
                 StatusBubble(state) { toastMessage = statusToastText(state) }
                 Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(4.dp))
@@ -669,8 +679,10 @@ fun ChatScreen(controller: IrisController) {
                     focusRequester = railFocusRequester,
                     onOpen = { ch -> controller.openChannel(ch.chatId) },
                     onNewChannel = { showNewChannel = true },
-                    onSetDefault = { ch -> controller.setDefaultChannel(ch.chatId) },
-                    onDelete = { ch -> controller.deleteChannel(ch.chatId) },
+                    onRename = { ch -> channelToRename = ch },
+                    onToggleFavorite = { ch -> controller.setChannelFavorite(ch.chatId, !ch.favorite) },
+                    onEditIcon = { ch -> channelToEditIcon = ch },
+                    onDelete = { ch -> channelToDelete = ch },
                     onOpenSettings = { showSettings = true },
                 )
                 Box(modifier = Modifier.width(1.dp).fillMaxHeight().background(IrisColors.divider))
@@ -705,8 +717,22 @@ fun ChatScreen(controller: IrisController) {
                                 showNewChannel = true
                                 drawerScope.launch { drawerState.close() }
                             },
-                            onSetDefault = { ch -> controller.setDefaultChannel(ch.chatId) },
-                            onDelete = { ch -> controller.deleteChannel(ch.chatId) },
+                            onRename = { ch ->
+                                channelToRename = ch
+                                drawerScope.launch { drawerState.close() }
+                            },
+                            onToggleFavorite = { ch ->
+                                controller.setChannelFavorite(ch.chatId, !ch.favorite)
+                                drawerScope.launch { drawerState.close() }
+                            },
+                            onEditIcon = { ch ->
+                                channelToEditIcon = ch
+                                drawerScope.launch { drawerState.close() }
+                            },
+                            onDelete = { ch ->
+                                channelToDelete = ch
+                                drawerScope.launch { drawerState.close() }
+                            },
                             onOpenSettings = {
                                 showSettings = true
                                 drawerScope.launch { drawerState.close() }
@@ -780,6 +806,76 @@ fun ChatScreen(controller: IrisController) {
         )
     }
 
+    // Channel context menu: rename a channel.
+    channelToRename?.let { ch ->
+        NameDialog(
+            title = "Rename channel",
+            onConfirm = { name ->
+                controller.renameChannel(ch.chatId, name)
+                channelToRename = null
+            },
+            onDismiss = { channelToRename = null },
+            initialName = ch.name,
+            confirmLabel = "Rename",
+        )
+    }
+
+    // Channel context menu: delete a channel (with confirmation).
+    channelToDelete?.let { ch ->
+        AlertDialog(
+            onDismissRequest = { channelToDelete = null },
+            title = { Text("Delete channel?") },
+            text = { Text("Delete \"${ch.name}\"? Its history stays available for search.") },
+            confirmButton = {
+                TextButton(onClick = {
+                    channelToDelete = null
+                    controller.deleteChannel(ch.chatId)
+                }) { Text("Delete") }
+            },
+            dismissButton = {
+                TextButton(onClick = { channelToDelete = null }) { Text("Cancel") }
+            },
+        )
+    }
+
+    // Channel context menu: edit the icon (color / image / remove).
+    channelToEditIcon?.let { ch ->
+        ChannelIconDialog(
+            channel = ch,
+            onChooseColor = { color -> controller.setChannelIcon(ch.chatId, ch.icon, color) },
+            onChooseImage = {
+                iconImageTarget = ch
+                channelToEditIcon = null
+                showIconImagePicker = true
+            },
+            onRemove = {
+                controller.setChannelIcon(ch.chatId, null, null)
+                channelToEditIcon = null
+            },
+            onDismiss = { channelToEditIcon = null },
+        )
+    }
+
+    // Channel icon: full-screen image picker (platform picker can't be embedded
+    // in a dialog). The picked image is downscaled + base64-encoded, then set.
+    if (showIconImagePicker) {
+        Box(modifier = Modifier.fillMaxSize().background(Color.Black.copy(alpha = 0.5f))) {
+            ImageFilePicker(onPicked = { picked ->
+                showIconImagePicker = false
+                val target = iconImageTarget
+                iconImageTarget = null
+                if (picked != null && target != null) {
+                    drawerScope.launch {
+                        val base64 = encodeImageAsBase64(picked.path, 256)
+                        if (base64 != null) {
+                            controller.setChannelIcon(target.chatId, base64, target.color)
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            })
+        }
+    }
+
     // M6: command palette (Ctrl/Cmd+K)
     if (showPalette) {
         CommandPalette(
@@ -872,9 +968,10 @@ private fun SystemMessage(msg: MessageItem) {
     }
 }
 
-/** M7: header title pill — letter avatar + channel name + "Bot" subtitle. */
+/** M7: header title pill — channel avatar + channel name + "Bot" subtitle. */
 @Composable
-private fun TitlePill(channelName: String, modifier: Modifier = Modifier) {
+private fun TitlePill(channel: ChannelInfo?, modifier: Modifier = Modifier) {
+    val channelName = channel?.name ?: "Iris"
     Box(
         modifier = modifier
             .clip(RoundedCornerShape(16.dp))
@@ -882,7 +979,8 @@ private fun TitlePill(channelName: String, modifier: Modifier = Modifier) {
             .padding(start = 8.dp, end = 12.dp, top = 4.dp, bottom = 4.dp),
     ) {
         Row(verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically) {
-            LetterAvatar(channelName, 34.dp, IrisColors.primary)
+            if (channel != null) ChannelAvatar(channel, 34.dp)
+            else LetterAvatar(channelName, 34.dp, IrisColors.primary)
             Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(10.dp))
             Column {
                 Text(
@@ -936,14 +1034,174 @@ private fun LetterAvatar(name: String, size: Dp, color: Color) {
     }
 }
 
-/** Left drawer: channel list + create / set-default / delete / settings. */
+/** Parse a "#RRGGBB" (or "#AARRGGBB") hex string into a [Color]. */
+private fun parseHexColor(hex: String): Color {
+    val cleaned = hex.removePrefix("#")
+    val withAlpha = if (cleaned.length == 6) "FF$cleaned" else cleaned
+    return Color(withAlpha.toLongOrNull(16) ?: 0xFF000000L)
+}
+
+/**
+ * Channel avatar: a custom image icon when set, otherwise the letter avatar
+ * tinted with the custom color (or the auto-generated name-hash color).
+ */
+@Composable
+private fun ChannelAvatar(channel: ChannelInfo, size: Dp) {
+    if (channel.icon != null) {
+        IconImage(channel.icon, size)
+    } else {
+        val color = channel.color?.let { parseHexColor(it) } ?: avatarColor(channel.name)
+        LetterAvatar(channel.name, size, color)
+    }
+}
+
+/** Decodes a base64 channel-icon image and shows it (circular crop). */
+@Composable
+private fun IconImage(base64: String, size: Dp) {
+    var bitmap by remember(base64) { mutableStateOf<ImageBitmap?>(null) }
+    LaunchedEffect(base64) {
+        bitmap = decodeBase64Image(base64)
+    }
+    Box(
+        modifier = Modifier
+            .size(size)
+            .clip(CircleShape)
+            .background(IrisColors.panel),
+        contentAlignment = Alignment.Center,
+    ) {
+        bitmap?.let {
+            Image(
+                bitmap = it,
+                contentDescription = null,
+                contentScale = ContentScale.Crop,
+                modifier = Modifier.fillMaxSize().clip(CircleShape),
+            )
+        } ?: Text("?", color = Color.White, fontSize = (size.value * 0.45f).sp)
+    }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Long-press / right-click context menu for a channel row: rename, favorite
+ * (state-aware), icon (state-aware), delete.
+ */
+@Composable
+private fun ChannelContextMenu(
+    expanded: Boolean,
+    onDismiss: () -> Unit,
+    ch: ChannelInfo,
+    onRename: () -> Unit,
+    onToggleFavorite: () -> Unit,
+    onEditIcon: () -> Unit,
+    onDelete: () -> Unit,
+) {
+    val hasIcon = ch.icon != null || ch.color != null
+    DropdownMenu(expanded = expanded, onDismissRequest = onDismiss) {
+        DropdownMenuItem(text = { Text("Rename") }, onClick = { onDismiss(); onRename() })
+        DropdownMenuItem(
+            text = { Text(if (ch.favorite) "Unfavorite" else "Favorite") },
+            onClick = { onDismiss(); onToggleFavorite() },
+        )
+        DropdownMenuItem(
+            text = { Text(if (hasIcon) "Change icon" else "Add icon") },
+            onClick = { onDismiss(); onEditIcon() },
+        )
+        DropdownMenuItem(text = { Text("Delete") }, onClick = { onDismiss(); onDelete() })
+    }
+}
+
+/** Preset avatar colors for the channel-icon color picker. */
+private val AVATAR_COLORS = listOf(
+    "#E57373", "#F06292", "#BA68C8", "#9575CD", "#7986CB",
+    "#64B5F6", "#4FC3F7", "#4DD0E1", "#4DB6AC", "#81C784",
+    "#AED581", "#FFD54F", "#FFB74D", "#FF8A65", "#A1887F",
+    "#90A4AE",
+)
+
+/** A small grid of preset color swatches. */
+@Composable
+private fun ColorPickerGrid(onPick: (String) -> Unit) {
+    Column {
+        for (rowStart in AVATAR_COLORS.indices step 5) {
+            Row(modifier = Modifier.padding(vertical = 4.dp)) {
+                AVATAR_COLORS.subList(rowStart, minOf(rowStart + 5, AVATAR_COLORS.size)).forEach { color ->
+                    Box(
+                        modifier = Modifier
+                            .size(36.dp)
+                            .padding(3.dp)
+                            .clip(CircleShape)
+                            .background(parseHexColor(color))
+                            .clickable { onPick(color) },
+                    )
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Channel-icon editor: preview + choose color / choose image / remove. The
+ * image pick is driven by the caller (a full-screen picker overlay) because
+ * the platform picker can't be embedded in a dialog.
+ */
+@Composable
+private fun ChannelIconDialog(
+    channel: ChannelInfo,
+    onChooseColor: (String) -> Unit,
+    onChooseImage: () -> Unit,
+    onRemove: () -> Unit,
+    onDismiss: () -> Unit,
+) {
+    var showColorPicker by remember { mutableStateOf(false) }
+    val hasIcon = channel.icon != null || channel.color != null
+    AlertDialog(
+        onDismissRequest = onDismiss,
+        title = { Text(if (showColorPicker) "Choose color" else "Channel icon") },
+        text = {
+            if (showColorPicker) {
+                Column {
+                    ColorPickerGrid(onPick = { color -> onChooseColor(color) })
+                    Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(8.dp))
+                    OutlinedButton(onClick = { showColorPicker = false }, modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth()) {
+                        Text("Back")
+                    }
+                }
+            } else {
+                Column(horizontalAlignment = Alignment.CenterHorizontally) {
+                    ChannelAvatar(channel, 56.dp)
+                    Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(12.dp))
+                    Button(onClick = { showColorPicker = true }, modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth()) {
+                        Text("Choose color")
+                    }
+                    Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(8.dp))
+                    Button(onClick = onChooseImage, modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth()) {
+                        Text("Choose image")
+                    }
+                    if (hasIcon) {
+                        Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(8.dp))
+                        OutlinedButton(onClick = onRemove, modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth()) {
+                            Text("Remove icon")
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        },
+        confirmButton = {
+            TextButton(onClick = onDismiss) { Text("Done") }
+        },
+    )
+}
+
+/** Left drawer: channel list + create / settings. Row long-press → context menu. */
+@OptIn(ExperimentalFoundationApi::class)
 @Composable
 private fun ChannelDrawer(
     channels: List<ChannelInfo>,
     currentChatId: String,
     onOpen: (ChannelInfo) -> Unit,
     onNewChannel: () -> Unit,
-    onSetDefault: (ChannelInfo) -> Unit,
+    onRename: (ChannelInfo) -> Unit,
+    onToggleFavorite: (ChannelInfo) -> Unit,
+    onEditIcon: (ChannelInfo) -> Unit,
     onDelete: (ChannelInfo) -> Unit,
     onOpenSettings: () -> Unit,
 ) {
@@ -959,32 +1217,36 @@ private fun ChannelDrawer(
         ) {
             items(channels, key = { it.chatId }) { ch ->
                 val isCurrent = ch.chatId == currentChatId
-                Row(
+                var menuOpen by remember { mutableStateOf(false) }
+                Box(
                     modifier = Modifier
                         .fillMaxWidth()
                         .clip(RoundedCornerShape(8.dp))
                         .background(if (isCurrent) IrisColors.chipSelected else Color.Transparent)
-                        .clickable { onOpen(ch) }
+                        .combinedClickable(onClick = { onOpen(ch) }, onLongClick = { menuOpen = true })
+                        .rightClick { menuOpen = true }
                         .padding(horizontal = 10.dp, vertical = 6.dp),
-                    verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically,
                 ) {
-                    LetterAvatar(ch.name, 28.dp, avatarColor(ch.name))
-                    Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(8.dp))
-                    Text(
-                        ch.name + if (ch.isDefault) " ★" else "",
-                        fontSize = 14.sp,
-                        maxLines = 1,
-                        overflow = TextOverflow.Ellipsis,
-                        modifier = Modifier.weight(1f),
-                    )
-                    if (!ch.isDefault) {
-                        TextButton(onClick = { onSetDefault(ch) }) {
-                            Text("★", fontSize = 12.sp)
-                        }
-                        TextButton(onClick = { onDelete(ch) }) {
-                            Text("✕", fontSize = 12.sp)
-                        }
+                    Row(verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically) {
+                        ChannelAvatar(ch, 28.dp)
+                        Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(8.dp))
+                        Text(
+                            ch.name + if (ch.isDefault || ch.favorite) " ★" else "",
+                            fontSize = 14.sp,
+                            maxLines = 1,
+                            overflow = TextOverflow.Ellipsis,
+                            modifier = Modifier.weight(1f),
+                        )
                     }
+                    ChannelContextMenu(
+                        expanded = menuOpen,
+                        onDismiss = { menuOpen = false },
+                        ch = ch,
+                        onRename = { onRename(ch) },
+                        onToggleFavorite = { onToggleFavorite(ch) },
+                        onEditIcon = { onEditIcon(ch) },
+                        onDelete = { onDelete(ch) },
+                    )
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -1000,8 +1262,10 @@ private fun ChannelDrawer(
 
 /**
  * M6: persistent channel rail (two-pane default, docs/11 §11.3). Keyboard:
- * ↑/↓ move the selection, Enter opens (when the rail has focus).
+ * ↑/↓ move the selection, Enter opens (when the rail has focus). Row
+ * long-press / right-click → context menu.
  */
+@OptIn(ExperimentalFoundationApi::class)
 @Composable
 private fun ChannelRail(
     channels: List<ChannelInfo>,
@@ -1011,7 +1275,9 @@ private fun ChannelRail(
     focusRequester: FocusRequester,
     onOpen: (ChannelInfo) -> Unit,
     onNewChannel: () -> Unit,
-    onSetDefault: (ChannelInfo) -> Unit,
+    onRename: (ChannelInfo) -> Unit,
+    onToggleFavorite: (ChannelInfo) -> Unit,
+    onEditIcon: (ChannelInfo) -> Unit,
     onDelete: (ChannelInfo) -> Unit,
     onOpenSettings: () -> Unit,
 ) {
@@ -1055,7 +1321,8 @@ private fun ChannelRail(
             items(channels, key = { it.chatId }) { ch ->
                 val isCurrent = ch.chatId == currentChatId
                 val isSelected = ch.chatId == channels.getOrNull(selectedIndex)?.chatId
-                Row(
+                var menuOpen by remember { mutableStateOf(false) }
+                Box(
                     modifier = Modifier
                         .fillMaxWidth()
                         .clip(RoundedCornerShape(8.dp))
@@ -1066,37 +1333,40 @@ private fun ChannelRail(
                                 else -> Color.Transparent
                             },
                         )
-                        .clickable { onOpen(ch) }
+                        .combinedClickable(onClick = { onOpen(ch) }, onLongClick = { menuOpen = true })
+                        .rightClick { menuOpen = true }
                         .padding(horizontal = 10.dp, vertical = 6.dp),
-                    verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically,
                 ) {
-                    // M7: accent bar marks the active channel.
-                    Box(
-                        modifier = Modifier
-                            .width(3.dp)
-                            .height(22.dp)
-                            .clip(RoundedCornerShape(2.dp))
-                            .background(if (isCurrent) IrisColors.primary else Color.Transparent),
-                    )
-                    Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(8.dp))
-                    LetterAvatar(ch.name, 28.dp, avatarColor(ch.name))
-                    Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(8.dp))
-                    Text(
-                        ch.name + if (ch.isDefault) " ★" else "",
-                        fontSize = 14.sp,
-                        color = if (isCurrent) IrisColors.primary else IrisColors.onSurface,
-                        maxLines = 1,
-                        overflow = TextOverflow.Ellipsis,
-                        modifier = Modifier.weight(1f),
-                    )
-                    if (!ch.isDefault) {
-                        TextButton(onClick = { onSetDefault(ch) }) {
-                            Text("★", fontSize = 12.sp)
-                        }
-                        TextButton(onClick = { onDelete(ch) }) {
-                            Text("✕", fontSize = 12.sp)
-                        }
+                    Row(verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically) {
+                        // M7: accent bar marks the active channel.
+                        Box(
+                            modifier = Modifier
+                                .width(3.dp)
+                                .height(22.dp)
+                                .clip(RoundedCornerShape(2.dp))
+                                .background(if (isCurrent) IrisColors.primary else Color.Transparent),
+                        )
+                        Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(8.dp))
+                        ChannelAvatar(ch, 28.dp)
+                        Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(8.dp))
+                        Text(
+                            ch.name + if (ch.isDefault || ch.favorite) " ★" else "",
+                            fontSize = 14.sp,
+                            color = if (isCurrent) IrisColors.primary else IrisColors.onSurface,
+                            maxLines = 1,
+                            overflow = TextOverflow.Ellipsis,
+                            modifier = Modifier.weight(1f),
+                        )
                     }
+                    ChannelContextMenu(
+                        expanded = menuOpen,
+                        onDismiss = { menuOpen = false },
+                        ch = ch,
+                        onRename = { onRename(ch) },
+                        onToggleFavorite = { onToggleFavorite(ch) },
+                        onEditIcon = { onEditIcon(ch) },
+                        onDelete = { onDelete(ch) },
+                    )
                 }
             }
         }
diff --git a/app/shared/src/desktopMain/kotlin/iris/platform/DesktopMedia.kt b/app/shared/src/desktopMain/kotlin/iris/platform/DesktopMedia.kt
index c4ed3eb..5509e72 100644
--- a/app/shared/src/desktopMain/kotlin/iris/platform/DesktopMedia.kt
+++ b/app/shared/src/desktopMain/kotlin/iris/platform/DesktopMedia.kt
@@ -180,6 +180,34 @@ actual suspend fun loadScaledImage(path: String, maxSize: Int): ImageBitmap? = w
     }
 }
 
+actual suspend fun encodeImageAsBase64(path: String, maxSize: Int): String? = withContext(Dispatchers.IO) {
+    try {
+        val img = ImageIO.read(File(path)) ?: return@withContext null
+        val scale = (maxSize.toFloat() / maxOf(img.width, img.height)).coerceAtMost(1f)
+        val sw = (img.width * scale).toInt().coerceAtLeast(1)
+        val sh = (img.height * scale).toInt().coerceAtLeast(1)
+        val scaled = BufferedImage(sw, sh, BufferedImage.TYPE_INT_ARGB)
+        val g = scaled.createGraphics()
+        g.drawImage(img, 0, 0, sw, sh, null)
+        g.dispose()
+        val baos = ByteArrayOutputStream()
+        ImageIO.write(scaled, "png", baos)
+        java.util.Base64.getEncoder().encodeToString(baos.toByteArray())
+    } catch (_: Exception) {
+        null
+    }
+}
+
+actual suspend fun decodeBase64Image(base64: String): ImageBitmap? = withContext(Dispatchers.IO) {
+    try {
+        val bytes = java.util.Base64.getDecoder().decode(base64)
+        val img = ImageIO.read(java.io.ByteArrayInputStream(bytes)) ?: return@withContext null
+        img.toComposeImageBitmap()
+    } catch (_: Exception) {
+        null
+    }
+}
+
 /**
  * M6: inline media playback backed by mpv (docs/11 §11.2).
  *
diff --git a/docs/protocol/frames.schema.json b/docs/protocol/frames.schema.json
index 7162d4f..10d4133 100644
--- a/docs/protocol/frames.schema.json
+++ b/docs/protocol/frames.schema.json
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@
       "notification": { "payload": { "kind": { "type": "string", "enum": ["channel_renamed", "channel_created", "channel_deleted", "cron", "approval", "clarify", "generic"] }, "title": { "type": "string" }, "body": { "type": "string" }, "ts": { "type": "integer" } } },
       "channel.list": { "description": "Full channel directory (response to a channel.list request).", "payload": { "channels": { "type": "array", "items": { "$ref": "#/definitions/channel" } } } },
       "channel.created": { "description": "May carry auto:true for a thread the gateway minted itself for an incoming message (auto-threading); the name is a derived title, upgraded by a follow-up channel.renamed.", "payload": { "$ref": "#/definitions/channel" } },
-      "channel.renamed": { "description": "Also the response to channel.set_default (carries the full entry incl. is_default).", "payload": { "$ref": "#/definitions/channel" } },
+      "channel.renamed": { "description": "Also the response to channel.set_default / channel.favorite / channel.icon (carries the full entry incl. is_default, favorite, icon, color).", "payload": { "$ref": "#/definitions/channel" } },
       "channel.deleted": { "payload": { "chat_id": { "type": "string" } } },
       "search.results": { "payload": { "query": { "type": "string" }, "scope": { "type": "string", "enum": ["all", "chat"] }, "hits": { "type": "array", "items": { "type": "object", "properties": { "message_id": {"type":"string"}, "chat_id": {"type":"string"}, "thread_id": {"type":["string","null"]}, "role": {"type":"string"}, "snippet": {"type":"string"}, "ts": {"type":"integer"} } } } } },
       "media.offer": { "description": "Agent-sent media available; app pulls bytes.", "payload": { "$ref": "#/definitions/media_ref" } },
@@ -72,8 +72,10 @@
       "media.pull": { "payload": { "media_id": { "type": "string" } } },
       "channel.create": { "payload": { "name": { "type": "string" }, "kind": { "type": "string", "enum": ["channel", "thread"] }, "parent_chat_id": { "type": ["string", "null"] } } },
       "channel.rename": { "payload": { "name": { "type": "string" } } },
-      "channel.set_default": { "payload": {} },
-      "channel.delete": { "payload": {} },
+"channel.set_default": { "payload": {} },
+       "channel.favorite": { "description": "Toggle the cosmetic favorite flag (sorts the channel to the top of the list). Answered by a channel.renamed carrying the full entry.", "payload": { "on": { "type": "boolean" } } },
+       "channel.icon": { "description": "Set the channel's cosmetic icon (base64 image) and/or avatar color. Omit / null a field to clear it. Answered by a channel.renamed carrying the full entry.", "payload": { "icon": { "type": ["string", "null"], "description": "base64-encoded image (PNG/JPEG), max ~512 KiB." }, "color": { "type": ["string", "null"], "description": "#RRGGBB avatar color override." } } },
+       "channel.delete": { "payload": {} },
       "channel.list": { "description": "Request the full channel directory; answered by the server_to_app channel.list frame.", "payload": {} },
       "search": { "payload": { "query": { "type": "string" }, "scope": { "type": "string", "enum": ["all", "chat"] }, "chat_id": { "type": "string" }, "thread_id": { "type": "string" }, "limit": { "type": "integer", "description": "Optional; server default 20." } } },
       "sync": { "description": "Reconnect catch-up; replays undelivered outbox frames only (not full history).", "payload": { "cursor": { "type": "integer" } } },
@@ -85,7 +87,7 @@
   },
   "definitions": {
     "kind": { "type": "string", "enum": ["image", "audio", "video", "document", "voice"] },
-    "channel": { "type": "object", "properties": { "chat_id": {"type":"string"}, "name": {"type":"string"}, "kind": {"type":"string","enum":["default","channel","thread"]}, "parent_chat_id": {"type":["string","null"]}, "is_default": {"type":"boolean"}, "archived": {"type":"boolean"}, "auto": {"type":"boolean","description":"Optional; true on channel.created for a gateway-minted auto-thread."} } },
+    "channel": { "type": "object", "properties": { "chat_id": {"type":"string"}, "name": {"type":"string"}, "kind": {"type":"string","enum":["default","channel","thread"]}, "parent_chat_id": {"type":["string","null"]}, "is_default": {"type":"boolean"}, "archived": {"type":"boolean"}, "auto": {"type":"boolean","description":"Optional; true on channel.created for a gateway-minted auto-thread."}, "favorite": {"type":"boolean","description":"Optional; cosmetic favorite flag (sorts to the top of the list)."}, "icon": {"type":["string","null"],"description":"Optional; cosmetic icon, a base64-encoded image (PNG/JPEG). Absent/null = auto-generated letter avatar."}, "color": {"type":["string","null"],"description":"Optional; cosmetic avatar color override (#RRGGBB). Absent/null = auto-generated name-hash color."} } },
     "media_ref": { "type": "object", "properties": { "media_id": {"type":"string"}, "kind": { "$ref": "#/definitions/kind" }, "mime": {"type":"string"}, "size": {"type":"integer"}, "filename": {"type":"string"}, "message_id": {"type":"string","description":"Optional; set on media.offer to associate the offer with the assistant message it belongs to."} } }
   },
   "x-planned-frames": [
diff --git a/gateway-plugin/adapter.py b/gateway-plugin/adapter.py
index 3b29e7e..abb960f 100644
--- a/gateway-plugin/adapter.py
+++ b/gateway-plugin/adapter.py
@@ -2100,6 +2100,59 @@ class AndroidAdapter(BasePlatformAdapter):
         resp.id = frame.id
         await self._ws_server.broadcast(resp)
 
+    async def on_channel_favorite(self, frame: protocol.Frame, device_id: str) -> None:
+        chat_id = frame.chat_id or frame.payload.get("chat_id")
+        if not isinstance(chat_id, str) or not chat_id.strip():
+            await self._ws_server.send_to(
+                device_id,
+                protocol.error(protocol.ERR_NOT_FOUND, "channel.favorite requires chat_id", id=frame.id),
+            )
+            return
+        on = bool(frame.payload.get("on"))
+        entry = self._channels.set_favorite(chat_id, on)
+        if entry is None:
+            await self._ws_server.send_to(
+                device_id,
+                protocol.error(protocol.ERR_NOT_FOUND, f"unknown chat_id {chat_id}", id=frame.id),
+            )
+            return
+        # Reuse the renamed event shape: it carries the full entry (incl. the
+        # new favorite flag) so every device reconciles the change.
+        resp = protocol.channel_renamed(entry)
+        resp.id = frame.id
+        await self._ws_server.broadcast(resp)
+
+    async def on_channel_icon(self, frame: protocol.Frame, device_id: str) -> None:
+        chat_id = frame.chat_id or frame.payload.get("chat_id")
+        if not isinstance(chat_id, str) or not chat_id.strip():
+            await self._ws_server.send_to(
+                device_id,
+                protocol.error(protocol.ERR_NOT_FOUND, "channel.icon requires chat_id", id=frame.id),
+            )
+            return
+        payload = frame.payload
+        icon = payload.get("icon")
+        icon = icon if isinstance(icon, str) and icon else None
+        color = payload.get("color")
+        color = color if isinstance(color, str) and color else None
+        # Guard against a runaway base64 blob (a channel icon is small).
+        if icon is not None and len(icon) > 512 * 1024:
+            await self._ws_server.send_to(
+                device_id,
+                protocol.error(protocol.ERR_UNSUPPORTED, "channel icon too large", id=frame.id),
+            )
+            return
+        entry = self._channels.set_icon(chat_id, icon, color)
+        if entry is None:
+            await self._ws_server.send_to(
+                device_id,
+                protocol.error(protocol.ERR_NOT_FOUND, f"unknown chat_id {chat_id}", id=frame.id),
+            )
+            return
+        resp = protocol.channel_renamed(entry)
+        resp.id = frame.id
+        await self._ws_server.broadcast(resp)
+
     async def on_channel_delete(self, frame: protocol.Frame, device_id: str) -> None:
         chat_id = frame.chat_id or frame.payload.get("chat_id")
         if not isinstance(chat_id, str) or not chat_id.strip():
diff --git a/gateway-plugin/channels.py b/gateway-plugin/channels.py
index 956a84c..452a0a1 100644
--- a/gateway-plugin/channels.py
+++ b/gateway-plugin/channels.py
@@ -64,10 +64,25 @@ class ChannelDirectory:
                     parent_chat_id TEXT,
                     is_default     INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
                     archived       INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
-                    created        REAL NOT NULL DEFAULT 0
+                    created        REAL NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
+                    favorite       INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
+                    icon           TEXT,
+                    color          TEXT
                 )
                 """
             )
+            # Migrate existing DBs: add the cosmetic columns if missing.
+            existing = {
+                row[1] for row in self._conn.execute("PRAGMA table_info(channels)")
+            }
+            if "favorite" not in existing:
+                self._conn.execute(
+                    "ALTER TABLE channels ADD COLUMN favorite INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0"
+                )
+            if "icon" not in existing:
+                self._conn.execute("ALTER TABLE channels ADD COLUMN icon TEXT")
+            if "color" not in existing:
+                self._conn.execute("ALTER TABLE channels ADD COLUMN color TEXT")
             self._conn.execute(
                 """
                 CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS counters (
@@ -206,6 +221,35 @@ class ChannelDirectory:
             self._conn.commit()
         return self.get(chat_id)
 
+    def set_favorite(self, chat_id: str, on: bool) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
+        """Toggle the cosmetic favorite flag (sorts to the top of the list)."""
+        with self._lock:
+            cur = self._conn.execute(
+                "UPDATE channels SET favorite = ? WHERE chat_id = ? AND archived = 0",
+                (1 if on else 0, chat_id),
+            )
+            self._conn.commit()
+            if cur.rowcount == 0:
+                return None
+        return self.get(chat_id)
+
+    def set_icon(self, chat_id: str, icon: Optional[str], color: Optional[str]) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
+        """Set the channel's cosmetic icon (base64 image) and/or avatar color.
+
+        ``icon`` is a base64-encoded image (or ``None`` to clear it); ``color``
+        is a ``#RRGGBB`` hex string (or ``None`` to clear it). Both are purely
+        cosmetic and independent of the name / default flag.
+        """
+        with self._lock:
+            cur = self._conn.execute(
+                "UPDATE channels SET icon = ?, color = ? WHERE chat_id = ? AND archived = 0",
+                (icon, color, chat_id),
+            )
+            self._conn.commit()
+            if cur.rowcount == 0:
+                return None
+        return self.get(chat_id)
+
     def delete(self, chat_id: str) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
         """Soft-delete (archive) a channel. History stays for search.
 
@@ -234,11 +278,11 @@ class ChannelDirectory:
         return _row_to_entry(row) if row else None
 
     def list(self, include_archived: bool = False) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
-        """Directory listing. Default channel first, then creation order."""
+        """Directory listing. Default first, then favorites, then creation order."""
         sql = "SELECT * FROM channels"
         if not include_archived:
             sql += " WHERE archived = 0"
-        sql += " ORDER BY is_default DESC, created ASC"
+        sql += " ORDER BY is_default DESC, favorite DESC, created ASC"
         with self._lock:
             rows = self._conn.execute(sql).fetchall()
         return [_row_to_entry(r) for r in rows]
@@ -318,6 +362,9 @@ def _row_to_entry(row: sqlite3.Row) -> Dict[str, Any]:
         "is_default": bool(row["is_default"]),
         "archived": bool(row["archived"]),
         "created": row["created"],
+        "favorite": bool(row["favorite"]),
+        "icon": row["icon"],
+        "color": row["color"],
     }
 
 
diff --git a/gateway-plugin/protocol.py b/gateway-plugin/protocol.py
index 2e79c9b..b9507c9 100644
--- a/gateway-plugin/protocol.py
+++ b/gateway-plugin/protocol.py
@@ -58,6 +58,8 @@ TYPE_COMMENTARY = "commentary"
 TYPE_CHANNEL_CREATE = "channel.create"
 TYPE_CHANNEL_RENAME = "channel.rename"
 TYPE_CHANNEL_SET_DEFAULT = "channel.set_default"
+TYPE_CHANNEL_FAVORITE = "channel.favorite"
+TYPE_CHANNEL_ICON = "channel.icon"
 TYPE_CHANNEL_DELETE = "channel.delete"
 TYPE_CHANNEL_CREATED = "channel.created"
 TYPE_CHANNEL_RENAMED = "channel.renamed"
@@ -434,6 +436,12 @@ def _channel_payload(entry: Dict[str, Any]) -> Dict[str, Any]:
         payload["is_default"] = True
     if entry.get("archived"):
         payload["archived"] = True
+    if entry.get("favorite"):
+        payload["favorite"] = True
+    if entry.get("icon"):
+        payload["icon"] = entry["icon"]
+    if entry.get("color"):
+        payload["color"] = entry["color"]
     return payload
 
 
diff --git a/gateway-plugin/ws_server.py b/gateway-plugin/ws_server.py
index 4e5347a..826d90a 100644
--- a/gateway-plugin/ws_server.py
+++ b/gateway-plugin/ws_server.py
@@ -370,6 +370,10 @@ class WsServer:
             await self._adapter.on_channel_rename(frame, device_id)
         elif frame.type == protocol.TYPE_CHANNEL_SET_DEFAULT:
             await self._adapter.on_channel_set_default(frame, device_id)
+        elif frame.type == protocol.TYPE_CHANNEL_FAVORITE:
+            await self._adapter.on_channel_favorite(frame, device_id)
+        elif frame.type == protocol.TYPE_CHANNEL_ICON:
+            await self._adapter.on_channel_icon(frame, device_id)
         elif frame.type == protocol.TYPE_CHANNEL_DELETE:
             await self._adapter.on_channel_delete(frame, device_id)
         elif frame.type == protocol.TYPE_CHANNEL_LIST: