What is Slack's Idle Timeout?
Quick Definition
Slack's idle timeout is the period of inactivity after which Slack automatically changes your presence status from active to away. This typically occurs after approximately 10 minutes without keyboard, mouse, or app interaction.
Understanding Slack Idle Timeout
Slack monitors activity signals from your device to determine if you're actively using the application. When no activity is detected for a sustained period, Slack assumes you've stepped away and updates your presence to 'away'. The exact timeout duration isn't officially published by Slack and may vary slightly based on platform, connection stability, and other factors. Each connected device (desktop, mobile, web) tracks activity independently.
Key Points
- Typically triggers after approximately 10 minutes of inactivity
- Monitors keyboard, mouse, and in-app interactions
- Exact timing isn't officially documented by Slack
- Each device tracks activity independently
- Cannot be configured or extended in Slack settings
Examples
Reading in another app
If you're reading a PDF or browsing the web without touching Slack for 10 minutes, Slack's idle timeout will trigger and mark you away, even though you're actively working.
Multiple devices
If your desktop goes idle but you interact with Slack on your phone, you may stay active. Slack considers activity from any connected device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change Slack's idle timeout duration?
Is the idle timeout exactly 10 minutes?
Does mobile Slack have the same idle timeout?
How Idle Pilot Helps
Idle Pilot bypasses Slack's idle timeout entirely by maintaining your presence from the cloud. Instead of trying to generate fake activity before the timeout triggers, Idle Pilot keeps your status active during your scheduled work hours regardless of your device activity.
Try Idle Pilot freeRelated Terms
Slack auto-away is the automatic system that switches your presence status from active (green) to away (yellow) after a period of inactivity. Slack typically triggers this after approximately 10 minutes with no interaction.
Slack presence is the indicator (green or yellow dot) next to your name showing whether you're currently active or away in Slack. It's automatically determined by Slack based on your recent activity and connection status.
Slack away status is the presence indicator (hollow circle or yellow dot) that appears next to your name when Slack detects you're inactive or disconnected. It signals to teammates that you may not respond immediately.