Are you experiencing delayed messages on Slack?
The best thing about messaging applications is that messages are delivered instantly. Unlike traditional mail that takes days, you can get in touch with anyone at any time using messaging platforms.
With remote work being implemented worldwide due to COVID-19, companies look for reliable platforms to relay messages and announcements to their employees.
If your company or team uses Slack, you may have experienced delayed messages recently.
Based on what we know, this issue on Slack occurs when the servers struggle to handle the volume of users in the platform. However, there could also be a problem with your device, the app, or your network.
To help you, we’ve decided to make a guide for fixing delayed messages on Slack.
Let’s get started!
1. Check Slack’s Servers.
Since their servers mostly cause delayed messages on Slack, we suggest you visit Slack’s System Status page to check what’s going on with their services.
If Slack’s servers are down, we suggest you just wait for their team to resolve the issue.
However, if Slack’s services are working fine, you can proceed to the following method below to troubleshoot the problem.
2. Restart Your Device.
Your device may have run into a temporary error during use, which caused delayed messages on Slack. To rule this out, restart your device to reload your system and application files.
If you are using a Windows PC, check out the steps below to restart your computer:
- On your desktop, click on the Windows icon in the Taskbar to access the Start Menu.
- In the Start Menu, click on the Power Options tab.
- Finally, choose the Restart option and wait for your system to reboot.
For macOS users, follow the guide below to restart your device:
- First, access the Apple Menu on your Mac.
- After that, click on the Restart button from the pop-up menu.
- Lastly, hit the Restart button again to proceed.
On Android devices, you can reboot its system by doing the following:
- On your device, locate the Power button and hold it down.
- Now, tap on Restart.
- Finally, wait for your device to reboot, which should take a few seconds.
If you are using an iOS device, do the following steps to restart it:
- Access the Assistive Touch on your display and go to the Device tab.
- Next, tap on More.
- Finally, tap the Restart button to reboot your system.
After restarting your device, use Slack as you usually would and observe if you still experience delayed messages.
3. Check Your Internet Connection.
Another reason for delayed messages on Slack is a slow internet connection. If your network is unstable, Slack may have difficulties fetching new data from the servers, which causes delayed messages.
To check if your network is the problem, run a speed test using Fast.com to measure its current bandwidth.
If the result indicates that your internet connection is the problem, restart your modem or router to refresh the link between your ISP’s servers and your router.
Once done, perform another speed test to check if the restart worked. If your network continues to run slow, report the issue to your service provider and let them handle the situation.
4. Turn Off VPN.
VPNs or virtual private networks are third-party programs that protect your online data from hackers and other entities. They work by filtering your data and changing your IP address to keep your identity and location private.
However, these VPNs could also disrupt the flow of your network and cause problems to other applications on your device.
If you experience delayed messages on Slack, ensure that you are not using any VPNs before accessing the platform.
On the other hand, you can try using other VPNs if you don’t want to go online without protection. We recommend using PureVPN to protect your data online. Compared to other services, PureVPN keeps your network fast and reliable while protecting your online data.
5. Update Slack.
Slack releases timely updates to its application to ensure that bugs and errors are getting patched. If you keep experiencing delayed messages on Slack, try updating the app and see if the problem goes away.
On Windows and macOS, you can update Slack by doing the following:
- Launch the Slack app on your computer.
- After that, access the Menu and go to the Help tab.
- Finally, click on Check for Updates.
If you are using an Android device, follow the steps below to update Slack:
- Access the Google Play Store on your device and tap on your Profile.
- Next, open My Apps and Devices and go to Updates Available.
- Lastly, tap the Update button beside Slack to install the update.
For iOS users, check out the steps below to update Slack on your device:
- First, go to the App Store and access your Profile.
- Now, locate the Slack app from the list of applications with available updates.
- Lastly, tap the Update button next to Slack to install the update.
After the update, use the app normally and observe if you would still experience delayed messages on Slack.
6. Clear Slack’s Cache and Data.
If messages are still delayed on Slack, you can try clearing its cache and data. After some time, Slack’s data accumulates on your device and could become corrupted. When this happens, some features on the app may not function correctly.
See the steps below to clear Slack’s cache and data:
- First, open the Slack app on your computer and go to the Menu.
- After that, point the cursor to the Help tab.
- Lastly, click on Troubleshooting and choose Clear Cache and Restart.
After clearing Slack’s cache, use the app normally to check if the problem is solved.
If not, go back to Menu > Help > Troubleshooting and click on the Reset App Data option.
7. Reinstall the Slack App.
Some of Slack’s installation files may have gotten severely corrupted on your device, and the update can no longer fix it. If this is the case, we recommend that you just reinstall the app on your device.
This way, you can ensure that you have the latest and working copy of Slack installed on your device.
On Windows, you can delete the Slack app by doing the steps below:
- First, go to the Control Panel and click on Uninstall a Program.
- Next, locate the Slack app from the list of installed programs on your computer.
- Lastly, right-click on Slack and click on Uninstall.
For macOS users, see the steps below to uninstall Slack:
- On your Mac, go to the Finder and click on Applications.
- After that, find the Slack app from the list.
- Finally, drag Slack to the Trash to remove it from your computer.
If you are using a mobile device, follow the guide below to delete Slack:
- On your Android or iOS device, find the Slack app on the home screen.
- Now, press and hold Slack’s app icon until the options menu appears.
- Finally, tap on Remove App or Uninstall to delete Slack.
After removing Slack from your device, go to their official website and download the installer. For mobile users, simply go to the App Store or Play Store and reinstall the Slack app from there.
8. Report the Problem to Slack.
If you still experience delayed messages on Slack, it’s time that you let the professionals take over.
Visit Slack’s Help Center and contact their customer support to report the issue you’ve been experiencing with your account. Provide all the details needed for diagnosing the problem to make it easier for Slack’s team to assess the situation.
You can also check the other guides in the help center and see if you can find possible solutions to your problem.
That ends our guide for fixing delayed messages on Slack. If you have questions or any other concerns, please let us know in the comment section, and we’ll be glad to help you out.
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