Slack is one of the most widely used team communication tools today, offering real-time collaboration for companies, remote teams, and organizations around the globe. But if you’ve been noticing that Slack is lagging, running slowly, or sending notifications late , it can become more frustrating than helpful—especially when you rely on it for timely communication.
Performance issues in Slack aren’t uncommon, particularly for users on older machines with dozens of workspaces or when handling large volumes of messages and files. Fortunately, most Slack lags and notification delays have clear solutions. This guide will walk you through actionable steps to fix these problems and boost your Slack performance—whether you’re on desktop, mobile, or using the browser.
One of the lesser-known causes of Slack lag is having too many active workspaces. Each one runs in the background, consuming memory and CPU power.
How to fix:
This reduces background activity and can significantly speed up performance.
Like browsers, Slack stores temporary files to load data faster, but these can accumulate and slow things down if they are not cleared.
To clear cache in Slack (desktop app):
Alternatively:
Restart Slack after clearing to see performance improvements.
Slack integrations (like bots, calendars, task managers) are useful, but they also run constantly and may affect performance. If you’re not using some of them, consider removing or disabling them.
Steps to manage integrations:
Fewer background processes mean less strain on your system and quicker response from Slack.
Older versions of Slack may have bugs or performance issues that have already been fixed in newer updates.
To check for updates:
If you’re using the Slack web app , ensure your browser is updated to the latest version as well.
Sometimes, the quickest fix is the simplest one. Restarting Slack clears memory usage and closes any lingering processes that might be slowing it down.
What to do:
Hardware acceleration can sometimes help performance—but in Slack’s case, it may cause lag on certain systems, especially older ones.
To disable it:
Many users report smoother performance after turning this setting off.
The more channels and threads you keep open, the more resources Slack uses to stay updated in real-time. If you’re in dozens of channels, Slack may struggle to keep up.
Tips to reduce load:
Keeping your workspace tidy helps Slack run more efficiently.
Notification delays are another common issue. They can happen if your device is throttled Slack or if the app settings aren’t optimized.
Desktop Notification Fixes:
Mobile Notification Fixes:
Sometimes Slack lags or notification delays have nothing to do with the app—it could be your network.
Steps to check:
A strong connection ensures real-time communication stays real-time.
If the desktop app is too heavy on your system, you can try Slack’s browser version or mobile app.
Use alternatives when needed:
Sometimes, switching platforms gives you better performance, especially on older computers.
If Slack feels sluggish, other apps may be competing for system resources.
On Windows:
On macOS:
Closing unused apps can free up memory and speed up Slack.
Slack is an incredibly powerful collaboration tool, but like any app, it can slow down if overloaded or misconfigured. Lag, freezing, or delayed notifications don’t have to be your new normal.
With a few adjustments—clearing cache, disabling unnecessary apps, managing your notifications, and keeping your Slack environment clean—you can restore smooth, real-time communication and keep your workflow uninterrupted.
By taking control of Slack’s settings and your system’s resources, you’ll turn those annoying delays into a fast, responsive messaging experience that keeps you and your team in sync.
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