A method for channel management in an optical network unit includes receiving a disable channel action message sent by an optical line terminal, wherein the disable channel action message is used to instruct disabling a first channel of the optical network unit; transferring the state machine of the optical network unit on the first channel from the association substate of the operation state to the pending substate according to the disable channel action message; and turning off the transmitter and/or the receiver on the first channel after a specified time is reached, transferring the state machine from the pending substate of the operation state to the disabling channel status, and starting a timer.