Quick answer

Keep Slack Active When Your Screen Locks

Use a cloud-based presence scheduler like Idle Pilot to keep Slack green during work hours. It works even when your screen locks because it runs in the cloud, not on your device.

Why this happens

Slack marks you 'away' after 10 minutes of inactivity. When your screen locks, your computer stops sending activity signals to Slack. Even if you're reading documents, reviewing code, or on a call, the locked screen means Slack sees zero input. The desktop app loses its connection to your active session, and the web app in your browser gets suspended. This happens regardless of whether you're actually working, because Slack can only detect keyboard and mouse activity, not your actual availability.

The reliable solution

Local workarounds try to keep your device active, but they can't solve the fundamental problem: Slack needs constant signals from your device. When your device sleeps, locks, or loses connection, those signals stop.

Cloud-based presence scheduling like Idle Pilot runs on always-connected servers. It maintains your Slack status during scheduled hours regardless of what your device is doing.

Works even when your laptop is closed or off
No local installs or device workarounds needed
No workspace bot or admin approval required
Set your schedule once, it handles the rest

Try Idle Pilot free for 14 days

Platform-specific options

Here are platform-specific settings you can adjust. Note that these are workarounds with limitations, not complete solutions.

Mac

1 Open System Settings > Lock Screen
2 Set 'Require password after screen saver begins' to a longer interval
3 Consider using Hot Corners to manually trigger screen saver only when needed
4 Note: This only delays the issue, doesn't solve it for longer periods

Limitation: These settings only delay auto-away, they don't prevent it during extended screen lock periods.

Windows

1 Open Settings > System > Power & sleep
2 Adjust 'Screen' and 'Sleep' timeout settings
3 You can also use Group Policy to set screen lock timeout
4 Note: Corporate policies may override these settings

Limitation: IT policies often enforce screen lock, making local changes ineffective.

Linux

1 Check your desktop environment's power settings
2 For GNOME: Settings > Privacy > Screen Lock
3 For KDE: System Settings > Workspace Behavior > Screen Locking
4 You can disable automatic lock, but this has security implications

Limitation: Disabling screen lock creates security risks, especially on shared networks.

Set up scheduled presence in 3 steps

Get reliable Slack presence without device workarounds:

Step 1
Connect your Slack account
Authorize Idle Pilot to update your presence. This uses Slack's standard OAuth, no workspace bot installation needed.
Step 2
Set your schedule
Choose the days and hours you want to appear active. Set your timezone so it aligns with your actual work hours.
Step 3
Enable and forget
Turn on your schedule and you're done. Idle Pilot keeps your Slack status active during those hours, regardless of your device state.

Troubleshooting

Slack still shows away even with longer screen lock timeout

The issue is that any screen lock period will eventually trigger away status. Cloud-based scheduling bypasses this entirely.

IT policy forces screen lock after 5 minutes

You can't override corporate policies locally. A cloud-based presence scheduler works independently of your device settings.

Multiple monitors and screen lock behaves inconsistently

Multi-monitor setups can have varying behavior. The most reliable solution is presence scheduling that doesn't depend on screen state.

Screen lock triggers during presentations or meetings

Presentation mode in macOS and Windows can prevent screen lock temporarily, but this doesn't help with Slack presence. Use scheduled presence to stay green during meeting-heavy blocks.

Slack web app disconnects after screen lock on Chrome

Chrome suspends background tabs aggressively after screen lock. The desktop Slack app handles this slightly better, but cloud scheduling is the most reliable solution.

Wake-on-LAN doesn't restore Slack presence

Even if your computer wakes, Slack needs time to reconnect and re-establish presence. There's a gap where you appear away. Cloud scheduling has no such gap.

FAQs

Why does Slack show away when my screen locks but I'm still at my desk?

Slack detects presence through activity signals from your keyboard and mouse. When your screen locks, these signals stop reaching Slack even if you're physically present. The lock screen creates a barrier between your input devices and running applications.

Can I keep Slack active while following security policies that require screen lock?

Yes. Cloud-based presence scheduling works independently of your screen lock state. You can follow your company's security policies while still maintaining predictable Slack availability during work hours.

Does changing my screen lock timeout settings help with Slack presence?

Extending the timeout only delays the problem. Eventually your screen will lock, and Slack will mark you away. For reliable presence during work hours, cloud-based scheduling provides consistent coverage regardless of screen state.

Why do mouse jigglers stop working when the screen locks?

Most mouse jigglers simulate input at the OS level, which gets blocked by the lock screen. The lock screen is specifically designed to prevent input from reaching applications. Only cloud-based solutions work around this limitation.

My IT policy requires 5-minute screen lock. What are my options?

With strict IT policies, local workarounds won't help. Cloud-based presence scheduling operates outside your device entirely, so it maintains your Slack status regardless of how quickly your screen locks.

Is there a difference between screen saver and screen lock for Slack presence?

Screen savers typically don't affect Slack presence since apps continue running. However, if your screen saver triggers a password-protected lock screen, Slack will be affected. The lock screen, not the visual effect, is what interrupts presence signals.