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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 on paid plans. Deleted channels (and their message history) are permanently removed.

Note: Unlike other channels, the #general or #all-companyname channel can’t be archived or deleted.


Archive a channel

By default, members (but not guests) can archive and unarchive channels, 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 select Archive channel for everyone. 
  4. Click Archive channel to confirm.
  5. If you set up your channel with a template, the canvases and lists will remain accessible in Slack, while the workflows will be unpublished. To delete a canvas, list, or workflow added as part of a template, check the box next to its name, then click Delete.
  1. Open the channel you'd like to archive.
  2. Tap the channel name in the conversation header.
  3. Tap   Settings & Details. 
  4. Tap   Archive Channel, then tap Archive to confirm.


Unarchive a channel

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

You can unarchive a channel anytime. Private channel membership will be retained, but members of public channels will not be restored.

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


Delete a channel

Only Workspace Owners and Admins can delete channels. If you can’t delete a channel, find a Workspace Owner or Admin to ask for help. Deleting a channel is permanent, so 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 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 click 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, hover over  &nsbp;More.
    An image of a cursor over the More icon in the Slack desktop app.
  2. Click  Channels.
  3. Search for the channel, or click the Channel type drop-down menu and select Archived channels.
  4. Select the channel you'd like to delete.
  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, but only Workspace Owners can delete channels.
  • Available on all plans

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