Easy Tech TutsHow to Get Started With Slack Connect Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Working with outside partners often means either a messy email thread or a separate tool just for one client. Slack Connect solves that by letting you invite an external company into a shared channel or a direct one-on-one conversation. This guide covers how to start a Slack Connect channel, send a secure invitation to a partner's email, and manage the approval process from your admin dashboard.
01Open Slack Connect from your sidebar
Locate the Slack Connect or External Connections option in your left navigation to start the external integration flow.
02Choose a shared channel or a direct message
Decide whether you need a multi-company shared channel, which can support many organizations, or a simple one-on-one Slack Connect direct message.
03Name your channel with a clear external indicator
Use a naming convention like ext- or client- so teammates can immediately tell which channels include people outside your company.
04Send an invitation to your partner's email
Add the external collaborator's corporate email address and include a short personalized note explaining the connection request.
05Track pending approvals
Monitor your administrative pending grid to see the real-time status of your invitation until your partner accepts.
06Confirm the connection works
Once connected, start a test huddle or share a project file to make sure both organizations can collaborate smoothly.
Frequently asked questions
How many organizations can join one Slack Connect channel?
A shared channel can support a large number of external organizations, though exact limits depend on your plan and workspace settings.
Does the other company need a Slack account already?
They need access to a Slack workspace, but Slack Connect invitations guide them through joining or linking their own workspace to the shared channel.
Can I remove an external partner from a shared channel later?
Yes, workspace admins can manage and revoke access to shared channels at any time from the administrative settings.
Is Slack Connect available on the free plan?
Availability depends on your Slack plan, since some Connect features are limited to paid tiers.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
