Archive a channel
Archiving a channel removes it from the list of active conversations in your Slack workspace. The channel isn’t open for new activity, but the history is retained for easy browsing and searching.
Looking to delete a channel? Visit Delete a channel.
What to expect
- The archive icon will appear next to the channel name
- Members will be removed from the channel (public channels only)
- Slackbot will notify channel members to let them know it was archived
- Members can still browse the conversation history in Slack
- Messages from the archived channel will appear in search results
- Apps connected to the channel will be disabled
Note: The #general channel cannot be archived.
Archive a channel
Desktop
iOS
Android
- Click the gear icon to open the Channel Settings menu.
-
Select Additional options.
- Click Archive this channel.
- Tap the channel name in the header to view the channel details menu.
- Tap Archive.
- Tap the channel name in the header to view the channel details menu.
- Tap Archive under the Advanced section.
- On the next screen, tap Archive to confirm.
Tip: To archive a shared channel, you'll need to stop sharing it. Learn how on the Standard and Plus plans, or on Enterprise Grid.
Note: Workspace Owners can restrict members' ability to archive channels. If you don't see this option, contact an Owner for help.
Unarchive a channel
If you change your mind, you can unarchive a channel. Keep in mind that members are removed from archived public channels, but they'll be retained in private channels if they're restored. Here's how to unarchive a channel:
- From your desktop, click the Channels header at the top of your list of channels.
- Click Show: All channels and select Archived channels from the drop-down menu.
- Choose a channel from the list to open the channel history.
- Click the gear icon and select Unarchive #channelname.
Note: Channel names cannot repeat across archived or active channels. If you'd like to reuse the name of an archived channel, you'll need to unarchive and rename the channel to something else.
- By default, all members except for guests can use this feature
- Free, Standard, Plus, and Enterprise Grid
Archiving a channel removes it from the list of active conversations in your Slack workspace. The channel won't be open for new activity, but the history will be retained for easy browsing and searching. Keep in mind that Workspace Owners can restrict members' from archiving channels, so if you don't see this option, contact an owner for help.
What to expect
- The archive icon will appear next to the channel name in the sidebar.
- Members will be notified via Slackbot to let them know the channel was archived.
- Messages from the archived channel will appear in search results, allowing members to browse the conversation history in Slack.
- Members will be removed from that channel (public channels only).
- Apps connected to the channel will be disabled.
Note: The #general channel cannot be archived.
Tip: Looking to delete a channel? Visit Delete a channel.
Archive a channel
Desktop
iOS
Android
- Click Details in the top right.
-
Click More, then select Additional options.
- Click Archive this channel.
- Click Yes, archive the channel to confirm.
- Tap the channel name in the header to view the channel details menu.
- Tap Archive.
- Tap the channel name in the header to view the channel details menu.
- Tap Archive under the Advanced section.
- On the next screen, tap Archive to confirm.
Tip: To archive a shared channel, you'll need to stop sharing it.
Unarchive a channel
If you change your mind, you can unarchive a channel. Keep in mind that members are removed from archived public channels, but they'll be retained in private channels if they're restored. Here's how to unarchive a channel:
- From your desktop, click Channels at the top of your left sidebar.
- Search for the channel by name, or click Filter and select Archived channels from the Channel type drop-down menu.
- Choose a channel from the list to open it.
- Click Details in the top right.
- Click More, then select Un-archive #channel-name.
Note: Channel names cannot repeat across archived or active channels. If you'd like to reuse the name of an archived channel, you'll need to unarchive and rename the channel to something else.
- By default, all members except for guests can use this feature
- Free, Standard, Plus, and Enterprise Grid