Archive or delete a channel

When a channel is no longer needed, it can be archived or deleted. Archived channels are closed to new activity, but the message history is retained and searchable. Deleted channels are permanently removed from a workspace, message history included.

Note: Unlike other Slack channels, the #general channel can't be archived or deleted. 


Archive a channel

Members (but not guests) can archive and unarchive channels by default, but owners and admins can restrict this. If you don’t see these options, find a Workspace Owner or Admin to ask for help.

Archive a channel

Desktop

Mobile

  1. Open the channel you'd like to archive.
  2. Click the channel name in the conversation header.
    Gif of a cursor clicking the channel name in the channel header
  3. Click Settings, then Archive channel for everyone
  4. Click Archive channel to confirm.

Note: If you have permission, you can select Disconnect & Archive to disconnect a Slack Connect channel from other organizations and archive it.

  1. Open the channel you'd like to archive.
  2. Tap the channel name in the conversation header.
  3. Tap Archive channel. Scroll down if you don't see the option.
  4. Tap Archive to confirm.

Unarchive a channel

If you change your mind, you can unarchive a channel. If the channel is private, the channel members will be retained, but if it's public, the former members will not be restored. 

  1. From your desktop, click   More.
    An image of a cursor over the More icon in the Slack desktop app.
  2. Click  Channels.
  3. Search for the channel by name or description, or click the Channel type filter and select Archived channels.
  4. Select the channel you'd like to unarchive from the list.
  5. Click the channel name in the conversation header.
  6. Click Settings, then click  Unarchive this channel.

Tip: Channel names can't be repeated. To reuse the name of an archived channel, you'll need to unarchive it and rename the channel.


Delete a channel 

Only Workspace Owners and Workspace Admins can delete a channel (except for the #general channel). If you can't delete a channel, find a Workspace Owner or Admin to ask for help. Deleting a channel is permanent, so make sure to proceed with care.

Note: Retention settings do not apply to messages in deleted channels. If you delete a channel, any messages sent in the channel will be permanently deleted as well.

Delete an active channel 

  1. From your desktop, open the channel you'd like to delete. 
  2. Click the channel name in the conversation header.
    Gif of a cursor clicking the channel name in the channel header
  3. Click Settings, then Delete channel.
  4. Select Delete this channel.
  5. Check the box next to Yes, permanently delete the channel, then click Delete Channel.


Delete an archived channel 

  1. From your desktop, click   More.
    An image of a cursor over the More icon in the Slack desktop app.
  2. Click  Channels.
  3. Search for the channel by name or description, or click the Channel type filter and select Archived channels.
  4. Select the channel you'd like to delete from the list.
  5. Click the channel name in the conversation header.
  6. Click Settings, then Delete this channel.
  7. Check the box next to Yes, permanently delete the channel, then click Delete Channel.
Who can use this feature?
  • By default, all members (except guests) can archive a channel. Channel Managers can archive channels they're assigned to. Only Workspace Owners/Admins can delete a channel.
  • Available on all plans