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5 min fix 3 min read Recently reviewedBeginner

By , IT support technician

Quick Answer

Press Ctrl + R (or Cmd + R on Mac) to instantly refresh the Slack app and force it to reconnect to the server.

How to Fix Slack Not Loading or Updating Messages ​

Applies to: Slack Desktop App (Windows/Mac)
Article Type: Troubleshooting
Last Updated: 2026-07-10

Summary ​

When Slack stops working, the entire office feels like it has ground to a halt. If you are seeing a banner that says "Slack couldn't connect," messages are stuck sending, or the app is frozen on the loading screen with the spinning logo, follow these steps to force it to reconnect.

Symptoms ​

  • A red banner appears at the top saying "Slack couldn't connect" or "Connecting..."
  • Messages you type turn gray and have a "Failed to send" error next to them
  • You open the app and it is completely blank or stuck on the loading animation
  • Your coworkers are talking about a conversation you cannot see

Prerequisites ​

  • Check status.slack.com on your phone to ensure Slack isn't experiencing a global outage. If they are, you have to wait.

Instructions ​

1. The "Force Reload" (Fixes 80% of issues) ​

Often, the Slack app gets stuck in a bad state and needs to refresh its connection to the server. Closing the window with the "X" button doesn't actually close Slack; it hides it.

  1. Click on the Slack app to make sure it is the active window.
  2. Press Ctrl + R on Windows (or Cmd + R on Mac).
  3. The screen will flash white, and Slack will attempt to reload all of your messages.

2. Clear the Cache ​

If a Force Reload didn't work, Slack might be holding onto corrupted temporary data (cache).

  1. Click the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top left corner of the Slack window. (On Mac, click "Slack" in the top menu bar).
  2. Hover over Help.
  3. Select Troubleshooting.
  4. Click Clear Cache and Restart.
  5. The app will close, clear its memory, and reopen automatically. You will not lose any messages or be signed out.

3. Check for Network or VPN Interference ​

Slack requires a steady, uninterrupted internet connection. Sometimes, your company's VPN or firewall blocks it by mistake.

  1. In the Slack app, click the Help (question mark) icon in the top right corner.
  2. Type Connection Status in the search bar and select the article. Or, go directly to [yourworkspace].slack.com/help/test in a web browser.
  3. This tool tests your connection to Slack's servers.
  4. If it fails the "WebSockets" test: You are likely on a VPN that is blocking Slack traffic. Try disconnecting from the VPN and reconnecting. If it still fails, contact IT.

4. Fully Quit and Reopen ​

If the app is completely frozen and you can't click any menus:

  • Windows: Right-click the Slack icon in your System Tray (the small icons near the clock in the bottom right corner) and select Quit Slack. Then, reopen it from the Start menu.
  • Mac: Right-click the Slack icon in the Dock, hold down the Option key, and click Force Quit.

Troubleshooting ​

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
"Sorry, something went wrong" upon signing inSSO TimeoutYour company's login token expired. Go to Help > Troubleshooting > Restart, then sign in again
Only one specific channel isn't loadingCorrupted channel dataRight-click the channel name, leave the channel, and then rejoin it
Slack is taking up 4GB+ of memory and running slowMemory leakGo to Help > Troubleshooting > Clear Cache and Restart