how to unarchive a slack channel

2 min read 06-02-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to quickly and easily unarchive a Slack channel! This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions for both desktop and mobile, covering different scenarios and troubleshooting tips. Get back to your important conversations in minutes!

Why Unarchive a Slack Channel?

Sometimes, a project wraps up or a conversation fizzles, leading to archiving a Slack channel. However, you might need to revisit those past discussions. Perhaps you need information, or the project unexpectedly restarts. Whatever the reason, knowing how to unarchive a Slack channel is a valuable skill. This guide will show you exactly how.

How to Unarchive a Slack Channel: Desktop Instructions

Step 1: Find the Archived Channel

First, you'll need to locate the archived channel. The process is slightly different depending on your Slack workspace's organization.

Method 1 (Most Common): In your Slack sidebar, click the "More..." button (it might look like three dots). A list of channels will appear, including the archived ones. Locate your channel and click on it.
Method 2 (If you've already searched): If you've recently searched for the channel, it might appear at the top of the search results. Even if archived, it will still be searchable.

Step 2: Unarchive the Channel

Once you've opened the archived channel, you'll see it's marked as archived at the top. There's usually a prominent option to unarchive it – often a button labeled "Unarchive" or similar. Click this button.

Step 3: Confirmation

Slack may prompt you to confirm you want to unarchive the channel. Confirm your action.

How to Unarchive a Slack Channel: Mobile Instructions (iOS and Android)

The mobile experience might differ slightly based on the latest app updates, but the overall process remains similar:

Step 1: Access Archived Channels

Open the Slack app. On the left sidebar menu, you usually need to scroll down. Look for a section labeled "Archived" or something similar.

Step 2: Find Your Channel

Browse through the list of archived channels to find the one you want to unarchive. Tap on it.

Step 3: Unarchive

Similar to desktop, you'll find an "Unarchive" button in the channel's header (typically at the top of the screen). Tap the button to unarchive.

Troubleshooting: I Can't Find the Unarchive Option

There are a few reasons why the unarchive option might be missing:

Permissions: You might not have the necessary permissions to unarchive the channel. Only workspace owners, admins, or users with specific channel permissions can usually unarchive. Contact your Slack administrator for assistance.
Channel Type: Certain types of channels might have restrictions on archiving/unarchiving.
App Version: Make sure you're using the latest version of the Slack app. An outdated app might have bugs affecting functionality.

What Happens After Unarchiving?

After unarchiving, the channel will reappear in your Slack sidebar and its previous messages will be accessible. The channel will behave as a normal, active channel. New messages can be sent, and notifications will be reactivated (depending on your settings).

Pro-Tip: Before Archiving

Before archiving a Slack channel, consider if you truly need to archive it or if there are alternatives. Sometimes, muting notifications is sufficient. Archiving removes a channel from easy access, so be sure it's the best course of action.

Conclusion

Unarchiving a Slack channel is a straightforward process, whether you're using the desktop or mobile app. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly restore access to important conversations and collaborate effectively again. Remember to check your permissions and update your app if you encounter any issues. Happy Slacking!