How to fix Slack notifications not working

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for Slack notifications.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To fix Slack notifications not working, ensure that both your system and Slack app settings are correctly configured. This includes checking notification permissions, app settings, and system sound settings.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you start troubleshooting Slack notifications, ensure you meet the following requirements:
  • •Operating System: Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux, or mobile (iOS/Android)
  • •Slack app installed and updated to the latest version
  • •Administrator access to modify system settings if necessary
  • •Internet connection to check for updates and settings

Method 1: Check Slack Notification Settings

This method is crucial when notifications seem to be disabled within the Slack app itself.
  • •Step 1: Open the Slack app and click on your workspace name at the top left corner.
  • •Step 2: Select 'Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
  • •Step 3: In the Preferences window, click on 'Notifications' from the left sidebar.
  • •Step 4: Ensure 'All new messages' or 'Direct messages, mentions & keywords' is selected under 'Notify me about'.
  • •Step 5: Verify that 'Sound & appearance' settings are configured to your preference.
  • •Step 6: Test notifications by sending a message to yourself or asking a colleague to send you a direct message.
  • •Step 7: If notifications still do not work, proceed to check system settings.

For Windows 11

Windows 11 specific steps to ensure notifications are enabled.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Start menu and select 'Settings'.
  • •Step 2: Navigate to 'System' and then 'Notifications'.
  • •Step 3: Ensure that 'Notifications' is toggled on.
  • •Step 4: Scroll down to find Slack in the list of apps and ensure notifications are enabled.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 specific steps to check notification settings.
  • •Step 1: Right-click on the Start button and select 'Settings'.
  • •Step 2: Click on 'System', then 'Notifications & actions'.
  • •Step 3: Ensure 'Get notifications from apps and other senders' is turned on.
  • •Step 4: Locate Slack in the list and ensure notifications are enabled.

Method 2: Check System Notification Settings

Sometimes, system-level settings can prevent Slack notifications from appearing.
  • •Step 1: For Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select 'Sounds'.
  • •Step 2: In the 'Sounds' tab, ensure that the 'Default Beep' is set to a sound.
  • •Step 3: For macOS, go to 'System Preferences' > 'Sound' > 'Sound Effects' and ensure a sound is selected.
  • •Step 4: On mobile, check the device settings to ensure that notifications for Slack are allowed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If notifications are still not working, consider the following common issues and solutions:
  • •Error: 'Notifications not showing' - Solution: Check if Do Not Disturb mode is enabled in Slack or your OS.
  • •Issue: 'No sound for notifications' - Fix: Ensure the sound settings in both Slack and your OS are configured correctly.
  • •Problem: 'Notifications only for some channels' - Workaround: Check channel-specific notification settings in Slack.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some tips to enhance your Slack experience:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + M (Windows) or Command + Shift + M (macOS) - Opens the direct message window.
  • •Command line: /mute - Temporarily mute notifications for a specific channel.
  • •Hidden feature: Use 'Do Not Disturb' settings to customize notification times.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Keeping Slack updated and properly configured is essential for seamless communication.