Set private channel and DM retention policies

Members can choose how long Slack will retain messages exchanged in any private channel or direct message that they are a part of. For example, if you set a retention policy of one day, all messages in the channel or direct message will be deleted after one day.

These settings will override any workspace-wide message retention policies that your Workspace or Enterprise Grid Org Owner may have put in place.

Caution! Message deletion is permanent. ⚠️  Please use care when setting up retention policies. 

Set message retention for a specific channel

1. From your desktop, click the  gear icon to open the Channel Settings menu.
2. Click Edit message retention.
3. You can choose to use the workspace-wide preference or use custom retention settings for this channel.
4. Click Save, then Apply Settings.

Set message retention for a direct message

1. From your desktop, click the  gear icon to open the Conversation Settings menu.
2. Click Edit message retention.
3. You can choose to use the workspace-wide preference or use custom retention settings for this conversation.
4. Click Save.
5. Tick the box next to Yes, apply these new settings, then click Apply Settings.

Note: If your workspace does not let members override these settings, you will not see the option to set message retention policies for channels or DMs.

Who can use this feature?

• Workspace Owners can make this feature available to all members except guests. 
• Available on paid plans.