Are you dealing with a server error on Slack?
Slack is one of the best business-centric messaging applications out there. With Slack, you can work with your entire team remotely, host meetings, send reminders, and share files in one platform.
Being a platform for businesses, Slack makes it a point that their application and services are working all the time.
Unfortunately, occasional downtimes and errors are inevitable on any platform.
Server errors are one of the most common issues on Slack. With more than 12 million daily users, it’s no surprise that Slack’s servers experience a few hiccups from time to time. Even tech giants like Facebook and Google suffer from this problem.
However, this can be a problem for end-users like you who need to meet deadlines, host meetings, or catch up with their team.
With this, we’ve decided to show you what to do if you encounter a server error on Slack.
Let’s get started!
1. Check Slack Servers.
Since you are dealing with a server error, the first thing you should check is the status of Slack’s servers. This way, you can quickly identify if the problem is on your side or their end. Visit Slack’s System Status page to see if there are reported issues with their servers.
If Slack is currently down, the best thing to do is move on with your other work until the platform goes back up again.
On the other hand, proceed to the following method below if there’s nothing wrong with Slack’s servers to address the issue on your end.
2. Restart Your Device.
Before performing advanced measures on your device, you should start with the basics first. If you encounter a server error on Slack, try restarting your device to reboot its system. This will reload all of its resources and eliminate temporary errors in the process.
For Windows users, you can restart your computer by doing the following:
- On your keyboard, press the Windows key to access the Start Menu.
- After that, click on the Power tab.
- Finally, choose the Restart option to reboot your system.
If you are using a macOS device, see the guide below to restart it:
- First, click on the Apple logo at the top left corner of your screen.
- Next, choose Restart.
- Lastly, click the Restart button to confirm your action.
On iOS devices, follow the guide below to restart its software:
- Tap on the Assistive Touch on your screen to access the menu.
- Now, go to Device and tap on More.
- Finally, tap the Restart option and wait for your system to reboot.
If you are using an Android device, check out the steps below to restart it:
- Locate the Power button of your Android device.
- Next, press and hold the Power button until the options screen shows up.
- Finally, tap on Restart to reboot your system.
After restarting your device, go back to Slack to check if you would encounter any server-related errors.
3. Check Your Network Connection.
Your device could be having a hard time communicating with Slack’s servers due to a slow or unstable network. To confirm this, perform a speed test using Fast.com to measure your network’s current upload and download bandwidth.
If the result is nowhere near the speed indicated on your monthly plan, restart your network router to refresh the connection with your service provider. Unplug your router’s power cable from the outlet and let it rest for 5 to 10 seconds before plugging it back in.
After restarting your modem or router, perform another test to check if you’re now getting the correct internet speed from your network. If not, report the problem to your ISP and ask them to fix their service.
4. Turn Off Your VPN.
Virtual private networks are third-party software that protects your home or local network. VPNs can also bypass restrictions set by your ISP to access websites and applications unavailable for your region.
However, VPNs also make changes to your IP address, which can interrupt the flow of your network. If this happens, your device won’t be able to communicate with application servers properly, and errors could occur.
To avoid this, turn off your VPN before accessing Slack and see if the problem goes away.
On the other hand, you can also try other VPNs such as PureVPN if you don’t want to go online without protection. Unlike other services, it works well with most applications and keeps your network fast and reliable.
5. Clear Slack’s Cache and Data.
Caches and app data contain temporary files that Slack uses to improve its performance. If you are using the dedicated Slack app for Windows and macOS, you can try clearing its cache and data if it’s not working correctly.
See the steps below to clear Slack’s cache and data:
- First, launch the Slack app on your computer.
- Next, click on the Menu button and point your cursor to the Help tab.
- After that, access the Troubleshooting tab.
- Lastly, click on Clear Cache and Restart.
Once done, try to connect to Slack’s servers and see if the problem is solved.
If you still encounter server errors, try clearing Slack’s app data by going to Menu > Help > Troubleshooting > Reset App Data.
6. Disable Your Proxy Server (Windows).
Proxy Servers could also be the reason why you encounter a server error on Slack. While Proxy Servers provide high-level security to your network, they can also interfere with the connection of other applications like Slack.
To fix this, disable your Proxy Server before accessing Slack. See the steps below to guide you on the process:
- First, press the Windows + S keys on your keyboard and look for ‘Internet Options’.
- Next, click on Open and access the Connections tab.
- After that, go to LAN Settings and enable ‘Automatically Detect Settings’.
- Lastly, disable the ‘Use a Proxy Server’ option and hit the OK button to save the changes.
After turning off your Proxy Server, go back to Slack to check if you would encounter a server error.
7. Disable Your Third-Party Antivirus.
Antivirus software protects your system from malicious files and programs that could eat up your system resources and affect the performance of your device. They also protect you from viruses and malware such as ransomware and spyware.
However, Antivirus software can also get too protective and flag down applications as suspicious and cut off their access to your network and the entire system.
If your system has an Antivirus running, try to disable it before accessing Slack. You can also add Slack to the exception list to avoid getting cut off by your Antivirus when it draws bandwidth from your network.
8. Report the Problem to Slack.
If none of the solutions above worked out for you, we suggest that you ask the help of Slack’s team.
Visit Slack’s Help Center, where you can browse their guides for possible solutions. You can also contact their customer support to ask for assistance in troubleshooting the server error on the Slack app.
When reporting a problem, be sure to include your account details, the model of your device, and the exact error message you’re getting to make it easier for Slack’s team to understand your situation.
This ends our guide for fixing the server error on Slack. If you have other questions in mind, please leave a comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
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