Connect and reconnect Slack

How do I connect Slack with the extension?

1. On a computer, open Chrome or Edge and sign in to the Slack workspace you want.
2. In the same browser, open https://app.idlepilot.com and choose Slack.
3. Choose the browser-extension method and follow the on-screen installation/connection steps. The official extension is https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/idle-pilot/nadppgjnachfgclfcgdbekniiiemepdp.
4. If several workspaces are offered, select the intended one and choose Connect workspace.
5. Wait for Slack is connected, choose Continue, and check the Dashboard workplace card.
6. Review Work Hours and turn it on.

Keep setup in the same browser profile where Slack is signed in. You can remove the extension after the successful connection.

How do I connect Slack Desktop on Windows?

If onboarding offers Slack desktop on Windows, choose Use the script. Keep the Slack desktop app open and signed in. Follow Idle Pilot's Open PowerShell instructions, use Copy script, paste that command into PowerShell, and press Enter. Keep PowerShell open until it prints ok, then wait for Idle Pilot to confirm the connection. If several workspaces are offered, choose the one you want.

Only use the command in your own Idle Pilot setup screen. The app shows a 30-minute validity period. If it expires, choose Start again for a fresh attempt. Do not send the command or screenshots containing it to support.

What if PowerShell or extensions are blocked on my work computer?

Use Change method if the app offers another connection method that your workplace permits. If your organization blocks all supported options, ask its administrator or use a permitted account. Idle Pilot does not bypass restrictions or provide permission to ignore workplace rules.

Does the Chrome extension stay on my computer?

You may uninstall it once Idle Pilot confirms the connection. Removing it afterward does not stop your saved schedule. Keep or reinstall it when you need the extension reconnect method again. Removing it before the initial connection finishes can prevent setup from completing.

How do I reconnect Slack?

For the browser-extension method, use a computer with Chrome or Edge. In that browser profile, open a new tab, go to https://app.slack.com/client and sign in to the workspace you want to reconnect. Wait until you see your channels and messages, and leave that tab open. In Idle Pilot, choose Re-link Slack on Dashboard, then choose Slack. If a method choice appears, choose Browser extension → Use the extension. If asked, use Get the extension to install and enable it in this browser profile, or Update extension to update it, then return to Idle Pilot. Wait while Idle Pilot reads your Slack session. If Select a workspace appears, select the intended workspace and choose Connect workspace. Wait for Slack is connected, choose Continue, and review Work Hours and the dashboard status. Signing in to the Slack desktop app does not reconnect the browser method. Do not purchase another plan or create another Idle Pilot account merely to reconnect.

What if the wrong Slack workspace is connected?

Open Dashboard → Switch → Connect another workspace on a computer. Choose Slack, select the intended workspace, and finish the connection. The previous workspace is replaced only when the new one succeeds. Review the workspace name and work hours afterward.

Why does setup say this Slack account is already linked?

The selected workplace account is connected to another Idle Pilot account. Check whether you previously used another Idle Pilot email. Sign in to that account if it is yours, choose a different workspace, or ask Support to help resolve ownership. Do not create extra accounts to get around the message.

What if Slack is not found during setup?

Make sure Slack is signed in and open in a tab of the same Chrome/Edge window you are using for Idle Pilot, not only in the Slack desktop app. The Slack tab's address must start with app.slack.com/client/ and show your channels. Follow the step named on the Idle Pilot screen, then choose I’m in Slack in this browser — check again. With the Windows desktop method, make sure the Slack desktop app is open and signed in. Check the selected method before retrying.

Will Slack sign-out or a password change affect Idle Pilot?

A sign-out, password change, or workplace sign-in rule can mean you need to reconnect. Follow Re-link Slack if Idle Pilot shows that warning. Merely signing out of Idle Pilot itself does not disconnect Slack or pause Work Hours.

How do I disconnect Slack without cancelling my plan?

Choose Dashboard → Switch → Remove, then confirm Remove. This stops Idle Pilot for that workspace. It does not cancel billing. If you want to stop future subscription renewals, use your account menu or mobile Profile and choose Manage subscription instead.

Can I use more than one Slack workspace?

One Slack workspace can be linked at a time per Idle Pilot account. You can switch which workspace is connected, but the same schedule does not keep several workspaces active simultaneously. Do not assume a team or multi-seat plan is available.

What is the difference between Slack presence and Slack status?

Presence is the active/away indicator beside your name. Status is the text and emoji you choose, such as a lunch or meeting message. Idle Pilot manages availability; writing a status message alone does not keep the green dot active. Vacation Mode can use selected Slack statuses to pause at session start.

Does the Chrome extension stay installed?

The setup extension helps you connect your own Slack or Teams account once on a supported desktop browser. Install it from the official listing when onboarding asks: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/idle-pilot/nadppgjnachfgclfcgdbekniiiemepdp. Wait for Idle Pilot to confirm the connection before removing it. After success you can uninstall it; your saved schedule does not depend on leaving it installed. You may need it again for a later browser-based reconnect.

What does Slack presence actually track?

The active/away dot is an availability indicator. It is not a record of tasks completed, messages read, or work quality. Idle Pilot helps maintain that indicator during your chosen hours; it does not do work or respond to people for you. Slack status text and emoji are a separate setting.

How long before Slack marks me as away?

Slack says it normally changes desktop availability to Away after 10 minutes of inactivity. On a phone, leaving or closing Slack can change availability. After linking Slack to Idle Pilot, use Dashboard → Work Hours to choose the hours you intend to remain available. If Dashboard says Active but Slack still shows Away, choose Is this working? and follow the check before contacting Support.

Does Slack presence work differently on mobile vs desktop?

Yes. Slack documents desktop inactivity and leaving/closing the mobile app as different reasons availability can change. Keeping Slack on a phone is not a substitute for a saved schedule. After connecting Idle Pilot, you do not need to keep either device open; review Dashboard for your chosen hours and any connection warning.

How is Slack presence different from Slack status?

Presence is the active/away indicator beside your name. Status is the text and emoji you set, such as a lunch or meeting message. Changing that text does not keep the active dot on. Idle Pilot maintains availability during Work Hours; Slack Vacation Mode can use selected status presets as a reason to pause when a presence session starts.

What is a Slack presence scheduler?

It lets you choose the days and hours when your Slack availability should be active. In Idle Pilot, connect Slack once, open Dashboard → Work Hours, set the days, From, To, optional break, and time zone, then turn the main switch on. The saved schedule continues without leaving your computer on. To pause immediately, turn Work Hours off; signing out alone does not pause it.

How does a presence scheduler keep Slack green?

It lets you choose the days and hours when your Slack availability should be active. In Idle Pilot, connect Slack once, open Dashboard → Work Hours, set the days, From, To, optional break, and time zone, then turn the main switch on. The saved schedule continues without leaving your computer on. To pause immediately, turn Work Hours off; signing out alone does not pause it.

Can I keep Slack active while away from my keyboard?

Yes, during your enabled Work Hours after connection. You do not need constant keyboard or mouse input. Choose the hours when you intend to be reachable, review Dashboard for Active, and remember that Idle Pilot does not reply to messages or perform work. For deliberate time away, switch Work Hours off or disable the relevant day.

What causes Slack auto-away and how do I fix it permanently?

Slack normally marks desktop users Away after inactivity; closing or leaving mobile Slack can also change availability. Idle Pilot lets you choose scheduled hours without keeping a device awake. Connect Slack, set Dashboard → Work Hours, and confirm Active. It is not a permanent change to Slack’s own settings: breaks, disabled hours, ended access, connection problems, or workplace restrictions can still affect the outcome. Check the Dashboard warning rather than assuming a permanent fix.

Can I disable Slack auto-away completely?

Slack normally marks desktop users Away after inactivity; closing or leaving mobile Slack can also change availability. Idle Pilot lets you choose scheduled hours without keeping a device awake. Connect Slack, set Dashboard → Work Hours, and confirm Active. It is not a permanent change to Slack’s own settings: breaks, disabled hours, ended access, connection problems, or workplace restrictions can still affect the outcome. Check the Dashboard warning rather than assuming a permanent fix.

Is a schedule-based auto-away fix reliable?

After connection, the schedule does not depend on your computer staying on. To check your own setup, review Dashboard during enabled hours and choose Is this working?. Keep the correct days/time zone and follow Re-link or payment warnings. Availability is not an unconditional uptime guarantee, and the terms do not promise that every workplace change or interruption can be prevented.

How does the Chrome extension work?

The setup extension helps you connect your own Slack or Teams account once on a supported desktop browser. Install it from the official listing when onboarding asks: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/idle-pilot/nadppgjnachfgclfcgdbekniiiemepdp. Wait for Idle Pilot to confirm the connection before removing it. After success you can uninstall it; your saved schedule does not depend on leaving it installed. You may need it again for a later browser-based reconnect.

Does Caffeine keep Slack active?

Keeping a computer awake and maintaining Slack availability are different outcomes. Do not assume one guarantees the other. Idle Pilot lets you connect Slack and choose Dashboard → Work Hours; the saved schedule does not need a keep-awake utility or an awake laptop after connection. Ask the utility’s publisher about its own current behavior.

Why does Slack mobile go away faster than desktop?

Slack can change your availability when you leave or close its phone app. On desktop, Slack documents Away after 10 minutes of inactivity. Neither state is proof of whether you were working. For Idle Pilot, connect the workplace once on a computer and configure Work Hours; you do not need to keep the phone app open afterward.

If I'm active on mobile, will I show active on desktop Slack?

Slack's availability indicator belongs to your account in that workspace. Using Slack on your phone can make you appear active to people viewing that account, but leaving or closing the phone app can change availability again. It is not a promise of a fixed all-day status. In Idle Pilot, review your enabled Work Hours and the Dashboard state rather than relying on leaving mobile Slack open.

How can I keep Slack active on my phone when the app closes?

Finish the Slack connection in Idle Pilot on a computer, then set Dashboard → Work Hours, check the time zone, and turn the main switch on. During enabled hours, the saved schedule does not need the phone app or laptop to stay open. You can manage hours from your phone after setup, but you cannot finish the initial workplace connection on the phone. Your own account access and workplace connection must remain usable; follow any Re-link warning.