The most common issue is not being able to send messages on Slack. Although the problem may be at Slack’s backend, it could also be at your end.
If you’re also having trouble communicating with your coworkers on Slack, here are a few fixes that might help.
Getting Started With Preliminary Fixes
Whenever an application in Windows has an issue, restarting it is the first thing to do. Close your app properly and restart it to verify if this resolves the problem.
After that, check that your internet is functioning properly and that it’s not a connectivity issue causing your app to malfunction.
Additionally, you should check to see if you can’t send messages to a particular channel that you have joined. Ensure that the administrator hasn’t restricted the posting permissions of that channel to a few staff members, if that’s the case.
You’ll see a message saying “Only certain people can post in this channel” on the message bar, where you type a message normally that confirms it’s the restricted access that is preventing you from sending messages.
If restarting the app does not resolve the problem, there is no connectivity issue, and you have not been restricted from sending messages, then start implementing the fixes listed below.
1. Check if Slack Is Down
Before implementing any major fixes, ensure the problem is not on Slack’s end. Check it out on the Slack System webpage. When you see Slack is up and running with no issues, something else is going on your end.
You can also check reported errors on Downdetector’s official website. Some of your fellow Slack users may be facing the same issue. It’s the perfect place to find out.
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You can also try running Slack on any other device to see if the same problem occurs there as well. Consequently, the problem is at Slack’s backend, and it will automatically resolve after a while.
If you see Slack’s status as up and running, there are no other errors reported on the Downdetector, and Slack is running perfectly on your other devices, then implement the below fixes:
2. Update Slack
In case the issue is not coming from Slack’s backend, you might be able to resolve the issue by updating your app. If auto-updates are enabled, your app may have already been updated. Yet, it’s a good idea to check manually for updates.
Navigate to Help > Check for Updates from the menu in the top-left corner of your Slack app. Doing so will update your app to the latest version.
To be sure it is the latest version, we suggest you check Slack’s official website to determine the latest version available with its release date.
If that is the same version you see in your Slack app, go ahead and clear Slack’s cache.
3. Clear Cache
If updating the app doesn’t help much, clear its cache to restore its normal functionality. Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner of your Slack app to open the dropdown menu. Navigate to Help > Troubleshooting in the dropdown menu and click on Clear Cache and Restart.
If clearing the cache doesn’t solve the issue, you can reset the app, but this is not recommended due to its risks. Keep it last as a fallback.
4. Disable Anti-Virus Software
Third-party antivirus software is likely to interfere with your app’s processing, especially if they are not from a trusted source and are not recommended by Slack. Slack help center lists a few software programs that can block connection requests.
These include Avira Browser Safety, Browser Guard, Pokki, Smart Panel, Spyware and adware, and Visual Discovery by Superfish. Additionally, several antiviruses or ad-blocking software, such as Avast, McAfee, Norton, AVG, Adblock Plus, can cause the same problem.
Check to see which of these programs are currently running in the background of your computer. Temporarily disable the program if it is on the list. Delete that program permanently if disabling it solves the issue, and transfer your security concerns to another software.
Furthermore, make sure you’re not connected to a VPN on your browser if you’re experiencing the same problem on the Slack web app.
5. Disable Windows Firewall
If you are using a Windows device, make sure that Windows Firewall is not interfering with the app’s processing. Go to Windows’ Settings app and click Update & Security. In the left-sidebar, click Windows Security and select Firewall & network protection.
Then, click on Allow an app through firewall to open the list of allowed apps. If Slack is not already in the allowed apps list, tap on Change Settings. By doing so, you can add, remove or change apps in the list.
In the lower right corner, tap on Allow another app and enter the app path. Click on Add. This will give Slack access to the Firewall, which will eventually resolve the issue.
Implement the changes and refresh your Slack app to see if giving Firewall access has resolved the issue. Furthermore, if you are using third-party apps as firewalls, now is the time to disable them to prevent any interference with your app’s processing.
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Also, if you are a Windows user, and you’ve downloaded Slack from the Microsoft Store, you can run the Microsoft Store App troubleshooter. It will automatically scan Store apps for issues and fix them. By doing so, you will ensure that your OS is not causing the problem.
You may then need to get in touch with the Workspace administrator if all this does not work.
6. Contact Your Workspace Administrator
Try asking your colleagues if they are experiencing the same problem as you. Simply inform your workspace administrator about the problem, but if it’s only you experiencing difficulties sending messages, you can reinstall the app as a last resort.
7. Reinstall the App
Before reinstalling Slack:
Make sure you uninstall it properly and delete all Slack files from your computer. Open the Control Panel and go to Programs and Features. From the list of apps, right-click Slack and click Uninstall.
Get Your Slack App Back on Track
Hopefully, the fixes on the list will help you and your team go back to work. You can contact Slack’s customer support team by creating a new request if none of the above solutions work for you, by going to Slack’s Contact Us page. Reaching out to them as soon as possible helps you resolve your problem faster. Don’t delay!
Are you familiar with Slack integrations? You can now integrate a few of your favorite apps into Slack to manage everything without leaving the workspace. They’ll simplify your life, so take a look!
