Slack can show a banner, a red badge, or an unread dot without ever making a sound. When the ding goes missing, the cause is almost always a setting, either inside Slack or in your computer’s or phone’s notification controls. Slack has several layers of sound settings, and any one of them can silence alerts. This guide explains why it happens and walks through each fix for Windows, Mac, the browser, iPhone, and Android.
Quick answer
In Slack, click your profile picture, choose Preferences > Notifications, and make sure a notification sound is selected and Mute all messaging sounds from Slack is unchecked. Then check that notifications aren’t paused, the channel isn’t muted, and your system’s Do Not Disturb or Focus mode is off.
Why Slack might not make a notification sound
- Slack sounds are muted. Slack has its own option to mute all messaging sounds.
- Notifications are paused. A manual pause or a notification schedule silences everything during those hours.
- The channel or conversation is muted. Muted channels don’t make a sound for regular messages, so it’s easy to miss activity there.
- Your notification level is too narrow. If Slack is set to notify you only about direct messages and mentions, regular channel messages won’t make a sound.
- Your device is blocking it. Do Not Disturb, Focus, or per-app notification settings can turn off sounds while still showing badges.
- You’re active somewhere else. By default, Slack sends mobile notifications only when you’re inactive on desktop, so your phone may stay quiet while your computer is in use.
- A glitch. An outdated app or a corrupted cache can cause sounds to stop.
How to fix Slack notification sounds
Step 1: Check Slack’s sound settings
On the desktop app, click your profile picture, select Preferences, and open Notifications. Scroll to the Sound & appearance section. Choose a sound from the notification sound menu (anything except None) and make sure Mute all messaging sounds from Slack isn’t checked. Click the play button next to the sound to test it.
Step 2: Check what you’re notified about
At the top of the same Notifications page, look at Notify me about. If it says Direct messages, mentions & keywords, regular channel messages won’t trigger a sound. Choose All new messages if you want to hear everything, or add keywords so important topics still alert you.
Step 3: Make sure notifications aren’t paused
Click your profile picture. If you see Notifications paused or a bell with a “z,” click it and choose Resume notifications. Also check Notification schedule in Preferences > Notifications. If your work hours are set incorrectly, Slack may think you’re off the clock.
Step 4: Unmute the channel
Open the quiet channel and click its name at the top. If you see Unmute channel or a crossed-out bell, it’s muted. Unmute it, and check the channel’s own notification setting so it isn’t set to Nothing.
Step 5: Check your computer’s notification settings
Windows 11: Open Settings > System > Notifications. Make sure notifications are on, Slack is turned on in the app list, and, after clicking Slack, Play a sound when a notification arrives is enabled. Turn off Do Not Disturb at the top of the same page. Also right-click the speaker icon, open the volume mixer, and make sure Slack isn’t muted. See our guide on changing notification sounds in Windows for more on system sounds.
Mac: Open System Settings > Notifications > Slack. Turn on Allow notifications and Play sound for notifications. Then open Focus in System Settings or Control Center and make sure no Focus mode is blocking Slack.
Step 6: Check browser permissions (Slack on the web)
If you use Slack in a browser, click the site settings icon to the left of the address bar and make sure notifications and sound are allowed for Slack. Check that the Slack tab isn’t muted. Right-click the tab and look for Unmute site.
Step 7: Fix sounds on iPhone
Open the Settings app, go to Notifications > Slack, and turn on Allow Notifications and Sounds. Make sure your ring/silent switch or Action button isn’t set to silent, and that no Focus mode is blocking Slack. In the Slack app, tap You > Notifications and check the sound setting there too.
Step 8: Fix sounds on Android
Open Settings > Apps > Slack > Notifications. Make sure notifications are allowed and that each notification category you care about, like direct messages and mentions, is set to make a sound rather than to silent. Check that Do Not Disturb is off and the notification volume is turned up.
Step 9: Adjust mobile timing
In Slack’s Notifications preferences, look for the mobile setting that controls when notifications go to your phone. If it’s set to notify you only when you’re inactive on desktop, your phone stays quiet while you use your computer. Change the timing if you want both devices to alert you.
Step 10: Update Slack and clear the cache
Install the latest version of Slack. On the desktop app, you can also open the Help menu, choose Troubleshooting, and select Clear cache and restart. This doesn’t delete messages or files. Restarting your computer or phone afterward is also worth a try.
If you’ve checked everything, Slack’s own notification troubleshooting page has a built-in test that sends you a sample notification.
Tips
- Pick a distinct sound for Slack so you don’t confuse it with email or other apps.
- Use keywords for important topics instead of turning on alerts for every message.
- If you only miss sounds during certain hours, your notification schedule is the likely cause.
- Huddle and call sounds are separate from message sounds, so a working huddle ring doesn’t mean message sounds are on.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I see Slack notifications but hear no sound?
Either Slack’s own sounds are muted or your device has sounds turned off for Slack. Check Step 1 and Step 5.
Why does my phone stay silent when I’m at my computer?
Slack sends mobile notifications only when you’re inactive on desktop by default. That prevents double alerts.
Can I change the Slack notification sound?
Yes. In Preferences > Notifications, open the sound menu in the Sound & appearance section and pick a different sound.
Does clearing the cache delete my messages?
No. Messages are stored in your workspace, not in the cache, so they reappear after the app restarts.
Summary
- Choose a sound and unmute Slack’s messaging sounds.
- Check your notification level and schedule.
- Unmute the channel.
- Allow sounds for Slack in your device settings and turn off Do Not Disturb or Focus.
- Update Slack and clear its cache.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.