Quick answer

Keep Slack Active During Video Calls

Video conferencing apps don't signal activity to Slack, so long calls without Slack interaction trigger away status. Cloud-based scheduling keeps you active during meeting-heavy days.

Why this happens

When you're on a video call in Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or other platforms, you're focused on the call, not on Slack. Even though you're clearly working, Slack can't detect video call activity. After about 10 minutes without Slack interaction, you'll be marked away. This is especially problematic for roles with back-to-back meetings: you're in calls all day but appear offline in Slack. Video apps running in focus mode or fullscreen make it even less likely you'll interact with Slack.

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.

Zoom Calls

1 Zoom doesn't integrate with Slack presence (only Slack's Zoom app for status)
2 Consider keeping Slack visible in a corner during calls
3 Use Slack's calendar integration to show 'In a meeting' status
4 Schedule presence to cover your typical meeting hours

Limitation: The Slack-Zoom integration can show meeting status but doesn't control presence (active/away).

Google Meet Calls

1 Google Meet doesn't communicate with Slack presence
2 If using Google Workspace, check calendar integration options
3 Keep Slack open in another tab or window during calls
4 Use cloud scheduling for meeting-heavy schedules

Limitation: Google Calendar can sync with Slack status text, but not presence status.

Microsoft Teams Calls

1 Teams and Slack have separate presence systems
2 Your Teams presence doesn't affect Slack presence
3 If using both platforms, presence can be inconsistent
4 Consider unified presence scheduling for both platforms

Limitation: Teams presence and Slack presence are completely independent systems.

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

Back-to-back meetings make me appear offline all day

Schedule your Slack presence to cover your work hours. The cloud service maintains active status while you're in meetings.

Colleagues ping me on Slack during calls asking if I'm there

Use both presence scheduling (to stay green) and a Slack status message (to indicate you're in a meeting).

Slack's calendar integration doesn't keep me active

Calendar integration updates your status message, not your presence. For presence control, use a dedicated scheduling tool.

FAQs

Why does Slack show away during video calls?

Video conferencing apps like Zoom, Meet, and Teams don't communicate with Slack. When you're focused on a call, you're not interacting with Slack, so after about 10 minutes Slack marks you away, even though you're clearly working.

Does Slack's Zoom integration keep me active?

No. The Slack-Zoom integration can update your status message to show you're in a meeting, but it doesn't control your presence status (active/away). You can still appear away while your status shows 'In a Zoom meeting'.

Should I keep Slack visible during video calls?

You can, but it's distracting. Splitting attention between your call and Slack to occasionally click the window isn't ideal. Scheduled presence lets you focus on calls without managing your Slack status.

How do I handle back-to-back meetings?

Meeting-heavy days mean you're rarely interacting with Slack, leading to persistent away status. Schedule presence to cover your work hours, and use status messages to indicate you're in meetings but available.

Can calendar integration solve video call presence issues?

Partially. Calendar integration updates your status message but not your presence. You'll show 'In a meeting' with a yellow dot, which some people interpret as unavailable even though you might want to appear reachable.

What if I'm in calls all day but want to appear available?

This is common for managers, sales, and support roles. Schedule presence to stay active during work hours, set a status like 'In calls but responsive', and colleagues will see you as available even while you're on video.