So you‘ve decided it‘s time to delete your Slack workspace. Maybe your organization stopped using Slack, you created a test workspace, or you simply no longer need access to the conversations and files stored there.
Deleting a workspace is permanent – once it‘s gone, all messages, channels, apps, and files will be erased instantly from Slack‘s servers. So before you delete, let‘s discuss…
Why Delete a Workspace Instead of Leaving It?
Simply leaving a workspace won‘t fully remove your data. As long as the workspace remains active, messages you sent in the past remain accessible to current members.
Many organizations delete workspaces to limit security risks when they no longer use Slack. Shared files also take up storage space on Slack‘s servers.
By 2021, over half a million customers paid for Slack (source). As more companies adopt remote work, deleting unused workspaces helps limit data bloat.
Now let‘s walk through how to properly delete your workspace start-to-finish:
Before You Delete: Don‘t Lose Important Data
I recommend exporting any messages, files, or data you may need in the future before deleting your workspace.
Once removed, your data can‘t be recovered. Ever.
Here‘s how to back up your Slack data:
- Visit https://[your-team-name].slack.com/services/export
- Select a date range for your export
- Choose which data to export (messages, files, etc.)
- Click "Export" and download the .zip file
Still not sure what to backup? Reach out to your workspace owner – they may know what data your team could need down the line.
Heads Up: Alert Your Team Before Deleting
Before you delete the workspace, let your team know it will no longer exist. Give them at least 1-2 weeks notice to back up resources.
Trust me, they‘ll appreciate not showing up at work one day with critical data suddenly erased!
Here‘s a sample message you can send to give your team a heads up:
@channel heads up – we will be deleting our Slack workspace on [date] due to [reason]. Please take some time over the next two weeks to export or save any messages, files or resources you may need from Slack down the line. Let me know if you have any questions!
Now let‘s walk through deleting your workspace step-by-step…
Step 1: Access Workspace Settings
- Click on your workspace name in the top left corner
- Select "Settings & Administration"
- Choose "Workspace Settings"
This is where you can delete your workspace.
Got it? Okay, let‘s move on…
Step 2: Delete the Slack Workspace
Under "Settings and Permissions", click the "Delete workspace" button.
A warning message will appear:
Carefully read the notice so you fully understand that all data will be erased.
Step 3: Confirm Deletion
- Check the box confirming you understand all data will be deleted
- Enter your Slack login password
- Click the red "Yes, delete my workspace" button
That‘s it! Your workspace will instantly and permanently be deleted along with all associated data.
Alternative Options Beyond Deleting
If you‘re hesitant about deleting your workspace entirely, consider these alternatives instead:
- Archive unused channels to free up space instead of fully deleting the workspace
- Have members deactivate accounts instead of deleting data
- Downgrade to a Free Slack plan if you still want searchable message history
- Setup automated data retention policies (for Plus & Enterprise Grid plans)
Revisiting workspace roles, permissions, and data retention controls can help reduce bloat without fully nuking your Slack.
Just know deactivated accounts still reserve a paid seat – you‘d need to manually reduce subscription slots with Slack‘s billing team.
FAQs About Deleting Slack Workspaces
Here are answers to some common questions about deleting workspaces:
Can I recover a deleted workspace?
No. Slack does not allow recovering deleted workspaces – the deletion is designed to be permanent for security.
What about inactive workspaces – does Slack delete those automatically?
No, Slack does not automatically delete inactive or dormant workspaces. As long as your subscription remains active, your workspace persists.
Is deactivating my account the same as leaving the workspace?
No. Deactivating your account removes access to the workspace but your data remains for other members. Leaving the workspace involves fully deleting your messages and files.
Can someone re-invite me after a workspace is deleted?
No. After a workspace is deleted entirely, there is no way to re-access messages or reactivate it down the line.
What happens to private channels when I delete a workspace?
All private channel messages and files will be permanently deleted instantly along with the rest of your workspace.
In Summary…
I hope this post clearly explained how to delete your Slack workspace to free up space along with alternatives to try first.
Remember – back up any data you need before deleting your workspace. Once deleted, your messages, files and channels cannot be recovered!
Let me know if you have any other questions!
