Slack error: channel_not_found

Symptoms

When using Slack actions to send direct messages or channel messages, you get the error message “channel_not_found”. You’ll see this error in the details of a Zap run.

Causes

This happens when:

• The connected Slack account is not a member of the Slack channel you’re sending a message to.
• The connected Slack account does not have access to the Slack workspace you’re sending a message to. If you have multiple app connections, you may have selected the wrong one.
• You set the user or channel as a custom value and it’s not in the correct format Slack expects.
• The channel you’re sending a message to has been renamed.

How to fix

To fix this:

Direct messages Channel messages

Direct messages

• Check the selected Slack connection account in your Zap gives you access to the correct Slack workspace.
• If you are using a custom value in your Zap, ensure you're using the member ID and not the username. A member ID typically looks like this: U47FNLGQ4.

Tip

To find a user’s member ID in Slack:

• Select the user’s Slack profile.
• Click the three dot icon.
• Click Copy member ID.

Channel messages

• Check the selected Slack connection account in your Zap gives access to the correct Slack workspace.
• Check in Slack that you are a member of the channel you are attempting to message.
• In your Zap, either:
  • Re-select the channel from the dropdown menu. 
  • If you're using a custom value, ensure you're using the channel ID and not the channel name. A channel ID typically looks like this: C1F5RKJPR.

Tip

To find a channel ID in Slack: 

• Right-click on the desired channel name
• Select View channel details.
• A dialog box will open, displaying the Channel ID at the bottom.