Slack Not Downloading Files? 4 Quick Things To Check

Stuck trying to download files on Slack?

I know it sucks when you’re just trying to work, but Slack has other ideas. After all, this app should make your life easier, not the opposite.

Unfortunately, this is an issue that affects thousands of people. But, don’t worry, with the help of this article, you’ll be able to fix it in no time.

If Slack isn’t downloading files, check your default download location and your Internet connection. You can also try checking your browser or clearing your cache and cookies.

Keep reading to solve the issue today!

#1 Check Your Default Download Location

Slack is one of the best apps to communicate and collaborate with your colleagues. It allows you to set reminders, call your team, send messages, integrate other tools, and much more.

But sometimes understanding all of its features can be tricky, especially when you’re in a hurry, and you just want to quickly download a file.

Thousands of users have complained about not being able to find their downloaded files. This can easily happen, especially when your default location is different from where you’re looking for the file.

Luckily, more often than not, this issue can be easily fixed by changing your default download location. Follow these simple steps to do it:

1. Open Slack’s desktop app.
2. Click on your profile picture and select “Preferences”.
3. Select “Advanced” and go to “Download Location”. Then, click on “Change”.
4. Change your default download location.

If you’re using Slack’s web version, you’ll need to adjust your browser’s settings in order to change the default download location. Follow these simple steps to do it:

Google Chrome:

1. Click on the three dots icon in the top-right corner of your screen. Then, select “Settings”.
2. Go to “Downloads”.
3. Click on “Change” next to “Location” and select the default download location.

Once you’ve done that, try downloading the file again. Then, go to the default download location you previously selected to find your file.

#2 Check Your Internet Connection

If the issue persists, it’s time for us to run an Internet speed test on speedcheck.org or speedtest.net.

Once you’ve got the results, please check your download and upload speeds.

“Upload speed” refers to how quickly you can send information from your computer to a web server. “Download speed”, on the other hand, refers to how quickly you can receive this data.

You’ll need to have a good download speed in order to stream videos, receive texts, play video games, and of course, download files on Slack.

But, how can you know if you have a good download speed?

Simple. If you live alone and work from home, you’ll need a download speed of 25 Mbps. But, if you live with two or more people that stream HD movies, play online video games, and work from home too, you’ll need a download speed of at least 100 Mbps.

If you have a slow download speed, try closing any tabs and programs you’re not currently using, since they can interfere with your connection. Then, try downloading your files on Slack again.

If you’re still unable to do it, chances are you need to power cycle your modem and router. You see, this is one of the most effective ways to speed up your connection. To do it, you’ll just need to unplug them from the power source and plug them back in.

Tip: If it’s possible, try connecting your computer to your router. You’ll have a much faster connection and using Slack will be easier.

#3 Check Your Browser

If you’re using Slack’s web version and are unable to download multiple files at the same time, chances are your browser is blocking your downloads.

You see, this may happen if your privacy settings are too strict. Follow these quick steps to allow Slack to download multiple files:

Chrome:

1. Click on the three dots icon in the top-right corner of your screen. Then, select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
2. Click on “Privacy & Security” and go to “Site Settings”.
3. Select “Automatic Downloads.
4. Click on “Sites can ask to automatically download multiple files” or add Slack to the list of allowed sites.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click on the three dots icon in the top-right corner of your screen.
2. Select “Settings”.
3. Go to “Cookies and site permissions” and click on “Automatic Downloads”.
4. Turn on the switch next to “Ask when a site tries to download multiple files automatically”.
5. You can also add Slack to the list of allowed sites.

Once you’ve completed the steps above, try downloading your files again. If the issue persists, it’s time for us to update your browser.

By doing this, you’ll be able to fix any bugs that are interfering with your downloads.

Follow these instructions to update your browser:

Chrome:

1. Click on the menu icon (three dots) in the top-right corner of your screen.
2. Select “Help” from the drop-down menu. Then, click on “About Google Chrome”.
3. Click on “Update Google Chrome” and select “Relaunch”.

Edge:

1. Click on the three dots icon in the top-right corner of your screen.
2. Select “Settings” and go to “About Microsoft Edge”.
3. Download the latest version. Then, restart your browser.

However, if you’re still unable to download files on Slack, try temporarily disabling your firewall and antivirus; these may be preventing Slack from downloading files. Please try this tip only if you trust Slack and the person who sent you the file entirely.

#4 Clear Your Cache and Cookies

If nothing has worked so far, you might want to clear your cache and cookies.

You see, cookies are small pieces of data from a specific website stored on your computer. They are in charge of keeping track of your browsing activity to help companies deliver tailored ads. Cookies can also remember your login credentials.

Your cache, on the other hand, is a storage location that keeps your app’s files available for easier access. This way, Slack won’t need to redownload this information every time you launch it.

Although your cache and cookies can improve your experience, they may be the reason you can’t download files on Slack.

You see, files stored in your cache and cookies can become damaged, which can cause multiple errors.

But, don’t worry. You can avoid this situation from happening again by clearing them at least once a month.

Follow these simple steps to do it:

Desktop app:

1. Click on the three horizontal lines at the top of your screen.
2. Select “Help” from the drop-down menu.
3. Click on “Troubleshooting”.
4. Select “Clear Cache and Restart”.

Web-version (Chrome):

1. Click on the three dots icon at the top of your screen.
2. Select “More Tools” and click on “Clear browsing data”.
3. Click on “Time range” and choose “All time”.
4. Tick all boxes.

Web-version (Edge):

1. Click on the three dots icon at the top of your screen. Then, select “Settings”.
2. Go to “Privacy, search, and services”.
3. Go to “Clear browsing data” and click on “Choose what to clear”.
4. Click on “Time Range” and select “All Time”. Then, check all the boxes and click on “Clear now”.

Tip: If Slack keeps saying you have unread messages, try this fix.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article. Hopefully, with the help of the 4 fixes above, you’ll be able to download files on Slack.

More often than not, you can get rid of download issues by checking your default download location, your Internet connection, and your browser’s privacy settings. And remember to clear your cache and cookies. This way, you’ll be able to avoid this situation from happening again.

If you ever encounter a different tech issue, please don’t forget to check out our content. You’ll find multiple articles that will help you fix it.

Have a great day!