Troubleshoot Slack notifications on macOS Big Sur

Having trouble with Slack notifications when using macOS Big Sur? Read on to learn about common issues and how to troubleshoot. If you’re using Slack on another operating system or a mobile device, visit Troubleshoot Slack notifications.

Tip: To check if you’re using macOS Big Sur, click the  Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen, then select About This Mac.

Common notification issues on macOS Big Sur

• Missing notifications
• Slack not appearing in macOS notification preferences

Missing notifications, sounds, or banners

If you’re not receiving notifications, or if you’re missing notification sounds or banners, you may need to turn off Do Not Disturb or quit Notification Center. If that doesn't resolve the issue, try the steps in the section below.

Check your macOS Do Not Disturb settings

1. Click the  toggles icon in the top right of your screen.
2. Select Do Not Disturb and make sure it’s turned off.
3. If a time frame from the menu is selected, click that option to turn it off.

Quit macOS Notification Center

1. Quit the Slack desktop app.
2. Click the  search icon in the top right of your screen to open Spotlight.
3. Search for and select Activity Monitor.
4. Find Notification Center in the list. Open it, then select Quit.
5. Wait at least 10 seconds, then re-open the Slack desktop app.
6. To send a test notification, click your profile picture in the top right and select Preferences. Under Sound & appearance, click Show an example.

Slack doesn’t appear in macOS notification preferences

You'll find a list of apps in your macOS notification preferences. If Slack doesn't appear in this list, or if you’re not receiving notifications, try the steps below. If that doesn't resolve the issue, send us your logs.

Update your macOS version

1. Click the  Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
2. Choose System Preferences.
3. Select Software Update.
4. If there are available updates, click Update Now. (If you're using an older OS version than Big Sur, click Upgrade Now.)

Switch to a different version of the Slack app

There are two versions of the Slack app for Mac — the Direct Download version and the App Store version. Sometimes switching to the other version of the Slack app can solve notification issues.

Tip: Not sure which version of the Slack app you’re using? Open the app, click Slack in the top left corner of your screen, and select About Slack. 

Switch to the Direct Download version

1. Uninstall the Slack desktop app from your computer.
2. Visit slack.com/downloads.
3. Click Download.
4. Once the download is complete, open a Finder window and select your Downloads folder.
5. Open the Slack .dmg file. This will open a small window.
6. Drag and drop the Slack icon to the Applications folder in the window.
7. To re-open the Slack app, open the Applications folder and click the Slack icon.

Switch to the Mac App Store Version

1. Uninstall the Slack desktop app from your computer.
2. Find Slack in the App Store.
3. Click Install.
4. To re-open the Slack app, open a Finder window and select the Applications folder in the sidebar. Then click the Slack icon.

Send us your logs

If you’ve tried all the steps above and you're still having trouble with your notifications, collect your logs from the Slack app and send them to us for more help:

1. Click Help in your computer's menu bar.
2. Select Troubleshooting, then Report Issue.
3. Add a brief summary of your issue, then click Send us a message. Your logs will automatically be attached when you send your message.