You just joined a new team that uses Slack, or you already use it at your desk and want the Slack mobile app on your phone too. This guide shows you how to install Slack on iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and Android tablets, then sign in to the right workspace. It also covers QR code sign-in from desktop, SSO, multiple workspaces, and the basics of using Slack on phone.
Slack works in a browser, but the mobile app is better for daily use because it gives you push notifications and easier workspace switching. If you also need Slack on your computer, use our Slack desktop install guide.
Do You Need the Slack Mobile App?
You can use Slack mobile in a browser through Slack’s website, so installing the app is not required for every user. The browser version is fine if you only need to check a message once in a while.
For regular work, the native app is easier. It handles push notifications better than a browser tab, works with Focus modes, and lets you use the iOS or Android share sheet. It can also keep recently loaded messages readable if your connection drops.
The Slack app install is free. You do not need a paid Slack subscription to download it, but you do need access to a workspace before you can message your team.
System Requirements for Slack Mobile
Before you start the Slack installation, check that your phone or tablet can run the current Slack app.
Slack currently requires:
- iPhone: iOS 17 or later.
- iPad: iPadOS 17 or later.
- Android phones and tablets: Android 11 or later.
- Android devices: Google Play Services installed by default.
- Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Note: If your phone runs an older operating system, the store may still show an older Slack version. That version may stop receiving updates or stop working with your workspace.
How to Install the Slack App on Mobile
The Slack app installation flow is simple, but the buttons are different on iOS and Android. Use the section for your device.
How to Install Slack on iPhone and iPad
Use these install Slack app steps for iPhone or iPad.
- Open the App Store.
- Tap the Search tab.
- Search for Slack.
- Look for the official app published by Slack Technologies, LLC. The icon is the multicolor Slack logo.
- Tap Get.
- Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password if prompted.
- Wait for the download to finish. The Get button changes to Open.
- Tap Open, or find the Slack icon on your home screen.
Tip: You can also install Slack from Slack’s official iOS download page.
Note: Only install Slack from the App Store, Google Play, or Slack’s official download pages.
Note for iPad: The install flow is the same. On iPad, Slack uses a wider layout, so the channel sidebar can stay visible while you read messages.
If you searched for “how to install app in Slack,” this page covers installing Slack itself. Adding third-party apps inside a Slack workspace is a separate task.
How to Install Slack on Android Phones and Tablets
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet.
- Tap the search bar at the top.
- Search for Slack.
- Look for the official app published by Slack Technologies, LLC.
- Tap Install.
- Wait for the download and installation to finish. The button changes to Open.
- Tap Open, or find Slack in your app drawer.
Tip: You can also install Slack from Slack’s official Android download page.
If the install fails, check that your device runs Android 11 or later and that Google Play Services is installed by default. Make sure you are signed in to the Play Store with a Google account, then free up storage space.
Slack’s app size varies by device and version, so keep extra space available. If Google Play still will not install Slack, clear the Play Store cache from Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage → Clear cache.
How to Sign In to Slack on Mobile
Downloading Slack is only the first step. To use the app, you need to sign in to the workspace tied to your email address.
Sign In with Email and Magic Link
Use this flow if you are joining Slack for the first time.
- Open the Slack app.
- Tap Get Started.
- Tap Continue with Email.
- Enter the email address you use for your Slack workspace.
- Tap Next. Slack sends a confirmation email to that address.
- Open your email app on the same phone.
- Find the message from Slack.
- Tap Confirm Email Address, or enter the confirmation code if Slack provides one.
- If a browser opens, tap Open in Slack.
- Tap Sign in next to the workspace you want to join.
Note: If your workspace requires a password, Slack will ask for it. If your workspace uses single sign-on, Slack will redirect you to your company’s identity provider.
Sign In with QR Code from Desktop
This is the fastest method if you already use Slack on your computer.
- On desktop, open Slack.
- Click your workspace name in the top-left corner.
- Select Sign in on mobile.
- Wait for Slack to display a QR code.
- On your phone, open the Slack app.
- Tap Get Started.
- Tap Scan QR Code.
- Allow camera access if prompted.
- Point your phone at the QR code on your desktop.
- Wait for Slack to sign you in automatically.
Tip: QR code sign-in bypasses the email confirmation step. Use it when you are setting up mobile access for an account you already use on your laptop.
Sign In with SSO
Many workplace accounts use SSO through Google, Microsoft, Okta, or another identity provider.
- Start the email sign-in flow above.
- Enter your work email address.
- Follow Slack’s redirect to your company’s SSO page.
- Sign in with your work credentials.
- Complete any two-factor authentication prompt.
- Approve access if your company asks for it.
- Return to the Slack app and confirm that the correct workspace opens.
Note: Some companies require Mobile Device Management approval before Slack can be installed or used on a work phone. If the store blocks the install, contact IT because they may need to approve, whitelist, or push the app through your MDM.
How to Add Multiple Workspaces to the Slack Mobile App
You can use more than one workspace in the same Slack app. This is common if you work with multiple teams, clients, or communities.
- Open the Slack app.
- Tap your current workspace icon in the top-left corner.
- Tap Add a Workspace below your existing workspaces.
- Choose Sign in to another workspace.
- Follow the email, QR code, Google, Apple, or SSO sign-in flow.
- Repeat the same process for any other workspace you need to add.
Note: You can switch between workspaces by tapping the workspace icon. On iOS, a three-finger swipe left or right can also switch between workspaces.
Navigating the Slack Mobile App
After you sign in, the mobile layout is smaller than desktop, but the main areas are familiar.
The Bottom Navigation Tabs
Slack’s mobile app usually has these areas:
- Home: Channels, threads, and recent conversations.
- DMs: Direct messages with teammates.
- Activity: Mentions, reactions, replies, and other notifications.
- Later: Saved messages and reminders.
- You: Profile, status, and notification preferences.
On Android, the layout can also include a navigation drawer depending on your app version and screen size.
Switching Between Workspaces and Channels
Tap the workspace icon in the top-left corner to switch workspaces. Tap Home to see your channels and recent conversations.
If you need to share a channel after setup, see our guide on how to create a link for a Slack channel.
Setting Your Status and Notifications
- Tap You.
- Tap your name or profile area.
- Set your status if needed.
- Tap Notifications.
- Adjust your mobile notification settings.
Pausing notifications here can pause notifications across all your devices. If you only want to mute Slack on your phone, use You → Notifications → Mobile and set quiet hours.
For a full walkthrough, see how to turn on Slack notifications.
Common Slack Mobile Install and Sign-In Issues
“I can’t find Slack in the App Store or Play Store”
Check that your device meets Slack’s current system requirements. On older phones, the store may filter Slack out automatically. Also check that the publisher is Slack Technologies, LLC.
“The email confirmation link doesn’t open Slack”
Open the confirmation email from the same phone where Slack is installed. If the link opens in a browser, look for Open in Slack.
If that button is missing, force-close Slack and try the link again. Also check that you used the same email address your team invited.
“I don’t see my workspace after signing in”
A workspace only appears if your email address has been invited or already belongs to it. Ask your admin to invite the correct email address, then sign in again.
“I’m not getting push notifications”
On iPhone, go to Settings → Notifications → Slack and make sure notifications are allowed. On Android, go to Settings → Apps → Slack → Notifications and turn notifications on.
Then open Slack and check You → Notifications. For more fixes, see Slack notifications not working.
“The Slack app keeps crashing”
Update Slack from the App Store or Play Store. Then force-close the app and reopen it.
If the issue continues, sign out and sign back in. As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall Slack. Your workspace messages stay in Slack when you reinstall the app.
“I can’t install Slack on my work phone”
Your company may control app installs through Mobile Device Management. Contact IT and ask whether Slack needs to be approved, whitelisted, or pushed to the device.
How Suptask Helps Once You’re In Slack
After you install and sign in, the next step is usually learning how your team handles work inside Slack. Many teams use Slack for IT requests, HR questions, approvals, and task tracking.
A Slack ticketing system turns those conversations into trackable tickets without making users leave Slack. For broader onboarding, see these Slack tips for beginners.
Slack Mobile Installation FAQ
Is the Slack mobile app free?
Yes. The Slack mobile app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play. You still need access to a Slack workspace to use it with a team.
How do I use Slack on my phone?
Install the app, open it, and sign in with your work email, QR code, Google, Apple, or SSO. After signing in, use Home for channels, DMs for direct messages, and Activity for mentions and replies.
Can I use Slack on my phone without downloading the app?
Yes. You can use Slack in a mobile browser, but the app is better for regular use because it handles push notifications and workspace switching more smoothly.
Does Slack work on iPad and Android tablets?
Yes. Slack works on supported iPad and Android tablets. Tablet screens may show more of the sidebar and message area than a phone screen.
Can I sign in to multiple Slack workspaces from the same app?
Yes. Tap your workspace icon, choose Add a Workspace, then choose Sign in to another workspace. Repeat the normal sign-in flow for the second workspace.
How do I sign in to Slack on my phone if I already use it on my computer?
Use QR code sign-in. On desktop, click your workspace name, choose Sign in on mobile, then scan the QR code from the Slack app on your phone.
Why isn’t Slack installing on my phone?
A Slack phone setup can fail because of an unsupported OS version, missing Google Play Services on Android, low storage, or workplace device restrictions. Update your phone, free up storage, and contact IT if it is a managed work device.
