Last updated: March 5, 2026
Slack may stop sending notifications for new messages, mentions, or direct messages. You might miss important work communications because desktop, mobile, or email notifications aren't arriving.
Notification settings disabled: Slack notifications may be turned off in the app or device settings.
Do Not Disturb mode: Slack's DND schedule or your device's DND may be active.
Channel notification settings: Specific channels may have notifications muted.
Device notification permissions: Your OS may be blocking Slack notifications.
Outdated app: Older versions of Slack may have notification bugs.
• In Slack, click your profile picture > Preferences > Notifications.
• Make sure "Notify me about" is set to your preference (All messages, Direct messages, or Mentions).
• Check that "Sound & appearance" has notifications enabled.
• Click your profile picture in Slack.
• If you see a DND icon, click "Pause notifications" to turn it off.
• Check your notification schedule: Preferences > Notifications > Notification Schedule.
• Right-click on the channel name.
• Select "Change notifications".
• Make sure it's not set to "Nothing" or "Mute channel".
• On Windows: Settings > System > Notifications > Make sure Slack is enabled.
• On Mac: System Preferences > Notifications > Slack > Allow Notifications.
• On mobile: Settings > Apps > Slack > Notifications > Enable.
• Check if your device's Do Not Disturb or Focus mode is active.
• On Windows: Check Focus Assist settings.
• On Mac: Check Focus settings in System Preferences.
• On mobile: Check the DND toggle in your quick settings.
• Update Slack to the latest version from your app store.
• If notifications still don't work, uninstall and reinstall Slack.
• Log back in and check notification settings.
If notifications still aren't working, contact Slack support at slack.com/help or your workspace admin. Admins can check if there are workspace-level notification restrictions.
Q: Why do I get Slack notifications on my phone but not my computer?
A: Slack delays mobile notifications when you're active on desktop. If your desktop notifications are broken, you'll get mobile ones faster. Fix your desktop notification settings.
Q: Can I set different notification sounds for different channels?
A: Not for individual channels, but you can customize the notification sound in Slack's notification preferences.
Q: Why does Slack only notify me for direct messages?
A: Your notification preference may be set to "Direct messages & mentions only". Change it in Preferences > Notifications to receive notifications for all messages.
Q: How do I set notification hours in Slack?
A: Go to Preferences > Notifications > Notification Schedule. Set the days and times when you want to receive notifications.