You may adjust your message and data history settings to customize how long Slack retains messages, canvases, lists, and files (including audio and video clips) in private channels and direct messages before automatically deleting them.
Messages and data history settings in public channels are set by the workplace administrator. Not all workspaces may have history settings enabled.
Warning: Data Deletion is Permanent
- Data deletion is permanent and cannot be recovered. Adjust these settings with care.
- Retention settings will apply to all messages, files, canvases, and lists, including those that are pinned or saved.
- Deletions run once a day, so data may be deleted shortly after making a change to your message history retention settings.
Change Slack Message History Settings
- Click on the private channel or direct message.
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Click the three dots in the top right to open the settings menu.
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For private channels, Open Channel Details.
For direct messages, click Open Conversation Details.
- Click the Settings tab and then click Edit in the Message History section.
- Select the "Delete messages after a specific time period" option and specify how long Slack should keep messages, with a minimum of 1 day.
- Click Save Changes to confirm.
Get Help
If you don’t see the option to change Slack message history settings, check with your workspace administrator as they may not be enabled for your workspace.
For other issues or questions, please contact the IT Help Desk.