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 subscriptions. 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 can’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.
   
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up your channel with a template, the canvases and lists will remain accessible in Slack, while the workflows will be unpublished.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, tick the box next to its name and click onDelete.

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 at any time. Private channel membership will be retained, but members of public channels will not be restored.

1. From your desktop, hover over   More.
   
2. Click  Channels.
3. Search for a channel or click on the Channel type drop-down menu and select Archived channels.
4. Select the channel that you’d like to unarchive.
5. Click on the channel name in the conversation header.
6. Click on Settings, then click on  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.
   
3. Click on Settings, then click on Delete channel.
4. Select Delete this channel.
5. Tick the box next to Yes, permanently delete the channel, then click on Delete channel.

Delete an archived channel

1. From your desktop, hover over  &nsbp;More.
   
2. Click  Channels.
3. Search for the channel or click on the Channel type drop-down menu and select Archived channels.
4. Select the channel that you’d like to delete.
5. Click on the channel name in the conversation header.
6. Click on Settings, then Delete this channel.
7. Tick the box next to Yes, permanently delete the channel, then click on Delete channel.

Who can use this feature?

• By default, all members (except guests) can archive a channel. Channel managers can archive channels that they’re assigned to, but only Workspace owners can delete channels.
• Available on all subscriptions