Archiving a channel removes it from your active list but keeps all messages and files intact
When you archive a Slack channel, the channel stops appearing in your sidebar and new members cannot join it. Everyone who was already in the channel can still read every message and file that was ever posted there — nothing is deleted. You can unarchive the channel later if you need to use it again. Archiving is useful when a project ends, a team restructures, or you simply want to clean up your workspace without losing the record of what happened.
Only workspace owners, admins, and channel owners can archive a channel. If you do not have one of those roles, you can ask the channel owner or a workspace admin to do it for you.
Key Takeaways
- Archiving a channel hides it from your sidebar and stops new members from joining, but all past messages and files remain readable to current members.
- Only workspace owners, admins, and the channel owner can archive a channel.
- You can unarchive a channel at any time if you need to reactivate it.
- Archived channels do not count against your workspace's channel limit on most Slack plans.
- Members who were in the channel before it was archived can still search for and read all messages in that channel.
How to archive a channel you own
Open the channel you want to archive. Click the channel name at the top of the screen to open the channel details panel on the right side. Scroll down to find the option labeled "Additional options" or look for a three-dot menu icon, then select "Settings".
In the Settings tab, scroll down until you see "Archive this channel". Click that button. Slack will ask you to confirm — it will remind you that members can still read all the messages after archiving. Click "Archive channel" to confirm. The channel will immediately move out of your sidebar and into an archived state.
How to archive a channel as a workspace admin
If you are a workspace admin or owner but not the channel owner, you can still archive the channel. Open the channel, click the channel name at the top, and go to Settings. Scroll to "Archive this channel" and click it, then confirm.
As an admin, you may also archive a channel without opening it. Go to your workspace settings by clicking your workspace name in the top left, then select "Manage channels". Find the channel in the list, click the three-dot menu next to it, and select "Archive channel".
What happens to messages and files after archiving
Every message, file, and thread posted in the channel stays exactly where it is. Members who were in the channel before it was archived can still search for those messages using Slack's search function and can still read them by opening the channel. The channel simply stops accepting new messages and new members.
If someone needs to reference something from an archived channel, they can still find it. Archived channels do not disappear from search results — they appear with an "archived" label next to the channel name.
How to unarchive a channel
If you need to reactivate an archived channel, open Slack's channel browser. Click "Browse channels" in your sidebar, then look for a filter or toggle that shows archived channels. Find the channel you want to restore, click the three-dot menu next to it, and select "Unarchive channel".
Once unarchived, the channel reappears in your sidebar and members can post messages again. All the old messages remain — unarchiving does not erase anything.
When to archive instead of delete
Slack does not have a true delete function for channels — you can only archive them. This is actually helpful because it means you never lose a record of team communication. Archive a channel when a project wraps up, when a team dissolves, or when you want to reduce clutter in your sidebar without losing the history.
If a channel contains sensitive information you genuinely need to remove, archiving alone is not enough. You would need to delete individual messages one by one, or contact Slack support to request data removal — but this is rare and usually only done for legal or compliance reasons.
Archiving channels on mobile
On the Slack mobile app, open the channel you want to archive. Tap the channel name at the top to open the details screen. Scroll down and tap "Archive this channel", then confirm. The process is the same as on desktop, just with touch controls instead of clicks.
To unarchive on mobile, open the channel browser, find the archived channel in the list, tap and hold on it, then select "Unarchive".
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I archive a channel if I am not the owner?
Yes, if you are a workspace owner or admin. If you are a regular member, you cannot archive the channel — you would need to ask the channel owner or a workspace admin to do it for you.
Will archived channels still show up in search?
Yes. When you search for a message or keyword, archived channels appear in the results with an "archived" label. You can still read and reference anything posted in an archived channel.
What happens to notifications from archived channels?
Once a channel is archived, you will not receive new notifications from it because no new messages can be posted. If you had muted the channel before archiving, that setting remains in place if you unarchive it later.
Can I archive a channel with direct messages?
No. You can only archive channels, not direct message conversations. If you want to hide a direct message thread, you can mute it or leave the conversation, but you cannot archive it.
Do archived channels count against my workspace's channel limit?
On most Slack plans, archived channels do not count toward your channel limit. This means you can archive as many channels as you want without running into plan restrictions.