Is Slack slacking? Maybe it’s running slower than usual, or you’re running into errors. Slack’s developers work hard to ensure the workspace organization software runs smoothly — and most of the time, it does. But sometimes, you need to update Slack to keep it running properly.

© Yalcin Sonat/Shutterstock.com

Whether you’re using the Slack mobile or desktop app, we’ll show you how to update Slack. We’ll also offer some helpful tips and answer your most frequently asked questions along the way.

Why Update Slack?

It’s easy to overlook new software updates. Perhaps you don’t have the time to wait for it to load, or you keep forgetting to initiate the updates. So, why are Slack updates so important?

To start, Slack’s developers do a wonderful job of keeping us informed about all issues, new features, and potential updates. The reason they do this is to ensure our workspace works correctly and doesn’t pose any security vulnerabilities.

Software updates patch the parts of the system that are weak and entice hackers and sketchy interlopers. That’s the main reason we like to keep our software updated: to ensure security.

But Slack developers also fix known issues with every new release. Have you had trouble with Slack recently? Perform the update, and you likely won’t have that problem anymore.

Lastly, updates give us new features and more functionality. Don’t miss out on anything Slack has to offer by skipping updates.

How to Update Slack Mobile App on a Mac Using Direct Download

Slack supports Apple’s Mac machines using OS X 10.15 and above (so basically, any recent Mac). You can download the Slack app and access your workspace from the Launchpad. Slack will send you alerts, let you open or send files, and keep you informed about what’s happening in your Slack channels.

If you initially installed Slack using the web link, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Slack

Start by launching Slack from your Mac’s Launchpad or the dock. Be sure to log into your Slack account if you aren’t already.

Step 2: Click Slack

Unlike PC, Mac offers a menu at the top of the screen that changes depending on which app you’re currently using. Be sure to have Slack on top of any other apps. Then, click Slack in the menu at the very top of your Mac screen.

Step 3: Check for Updates

After clicking the Slack menu at the top, you’ll see a dropdown with a few options. Click Check for Updates.

If any updates are available, follow the steps to update your Mac Slack desktop app.

How to Update Slack on a Mac from the App Store

If you installed Slack using your Mac’s App Store, you need to go to the App Store to update it. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Open the App Store

Start by opening the App Store on your Mac.

Helpful hint: If you don’t see the App Store on the dock or desktop, open the Launchpad and search for it at the top.

Step 2: Click Updates

On the left side of the App Store window, you’ll see Updates. Click it.

Step 3: Click Update

If there are any Slack updates available, you’ll see them on this page. Click Update if the option appears.

If you don’t see Slack on this page or the Update button says Open, there aren’t any updates available right now.

How to Update Slack on a PC by Direct Download

Similar to Mac, the instructions for updating Slack on a PC depend on how you initially added it to your machine. If you used the web link to install Slack, follow the steps in this section.

If you downloaded Slack from the Microsoft store, scroll past this section and follow the steps in the next one.

Step 1: Click the Three Line Menu

Open Slack and sign into your account. Then, click the three-line menu in the top left corner.

Step 2: Click Help

A small dropdown menu will appear with a few options. Click the Help option at the bottom of the menu.

Step 3: Click Check for Updates

If your Slack app is up-to-date a window will appear letting you know You’re all good. But if there’s an update, you’ll see the option to update your Slack software.

Follow the steps on the screen and complete the update. Then, click Restart to complete update.

How to Update Slack on a PC Using the Microsoft Store

If you initially installed the Slack app from the Microsoft Store, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store

First, launch the Microsoft Store on your PC and click the Library icon in the lower half of the menu bar.

Helpful hint: these instructions vary depending on which Windows version you’re running. If you see a three-dot menu icon on the right, click that instead.

Step 2: Click Get Updates

A blue button appears in the upper right corner of the Windows Store. Click the blue Get Updates button. You’ll see the button spinning and a checkmark when your Microsoft Store apps are up-to-date.

Helpful hint: If you don’t want to update all your Windows apps, scroll down to Slack and hit the Update button there.

How to Update Slack Mobile App on iOS

Updating Slack on iOS is like any other iOS app. Whether you’re using an iPad or iPhone, you can follow these steps to update the app:

Head over to the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.

Helpful hint: if you don’t see the App Store on your home screen, swipe to the right to see the App Library. Then, search for Slack there.

Step 2: Type Slack

Searching for the app is faster than going through your purchase history and scrolling to find the app you need to update. Use the search bar at the top and type Slack.

Step 3: Tap Update

If an update is available, you’ll see the Update option. Tap Update and wait for the blue circle to finish filling.

If you only see Open where the Update button should be, it’s because there are no updates available.

How to Update Slack Mobile App on Google Play

Android users can update Slack using the Google Play app on their smartphones and tablets. Follow these simple steps to update Slack:

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store

Tap on the Google Play Store app on your Android.

Helpful hint: If you don’t initially see the Google Play Store app, you can search for it in the device’s app drawer.

When you have the Google Play Store open, type Slack at the top (in the search bar). This will quickly take you to the app.

If you see the Update option tap it. However, if you see the Open option, your app is already up-to-date.

Slack, As Good As New

Updates are crucial to software security and usability. Slack developers tend to understand our need for a functional and reliable workspace. So, the steps to update the desktop and mobile app aren’t too difficult. But they aren’t readily apparent either.

Fortunately, once you figure out how to update Slack, it becomes second nature, and you can keep it updated more easily in the future.