Slack storage limits and file management issues typically arise when workspaces reach their allocated storage capacity or encounter file-sharing restrictions. The free plan offers 5GB of shared file storage, while paid plans provide expanded limits and customizable retention policies. Troubleshooting involves checking current storage usage, adjusting file retention settings, and optimizing file-sharing practices. For persistent issues, workspace owners can manage permissions, integrate third-party storage apps like Google Drive or OneDrive, or upgrade their plan to accommodate growing needs.

Key findings from the sources:

• Free Slack workspaces have a 5GB file storage limit, with warnings appearing when capacity is reached ^[8]
• File retention settings can be customized by Workspace Owners to automatically delete files after 90 days or longer, depending on the plan ^[4]
• Third-party integrations (Google Drive, OneDrive) allow offloading files to external storage while maintaining Slack accessibility ^[3]
• Connection and cache issues can sometimes mimic storage problems, requiring troubleshooting steps like clearing cache or checking network settings ^[1][2]

Managing Slack Storage Limits and File Retention

Understanding Slack’s Storage Tiers and Limits

Slack’s storage capacity varies by subscription plan, with the free tier being the most restrictive. Workspaces on the free plan share 5GB of total file storage, which includes all uploaded documents, images, and other media ^[8]. Once this limit is reached, users receive warnings that "no space is left," though files may temporarily upload before being removed if unused ^[8]. Paid plans eliminate this hard cap, offering unlimited storage (Pro/Business+) or customizable limits (Enterprise Grid), with default retention settings that preserve files indefinitely unless manually adjusted ^[4].

For workspaces nearing their storage limit, Slack provides several indicators:

• A banner notification appears when storage is 90% full, prompting users to delete files or upgrade ^[8]
• Uploaded files may disappear after 24 hours if the workspace exceeds its limit and the files aren’t interacted with ^[8]
• Free workspaces also face a 10,000-message limit, which can indirectly affect file accessibility in search results ^[8]

To check current storage usage:

1. Workspace Owners can navigate to Tools & settings > Workspace settings > Storage to view usage metrics ^[4]
2. Admins can export a file activity log to identify large or redundant files for deletion ^[4]
3. Third-party apps like Google Drive or OneDrive can be integrated to offload files while keeping them accessible in Slack conversations ^[3]

Optimizing File Management and Retention Policies

Workspace Owners and Org Admins can proactively manage storage by adjusting file retention settings, which determine how long files remain in Slack before automatic deletion. These settings are accessible via Tools & settings > Workspace settings > Retention ^[4]. Key options include:

• Keep files indefinitely (default for paid plans) or set a custom timeline (e.g., 90 days, 1 year) ^[4]
• Override permissions to allow members to set retention rules for specific channels or DMs ^[4]
• Org-level policies that enforce uniform retention across all workspaces (Enterprise Grid only) ^[4]

For workspaces struggling with storage, the following strategies can help:

• Archive old files: Use retention policies to automatically purge files older than 90 days, freeing up space without manual deletion ^[4]
• Integrate external storage: Apps like Google Drive for Slack or OneDrive/SharePoint allow files to be hosted externally while remaining previewable and searchable in Slack ^[3]
• Files shared via these integrations do not count toward Slack’s storage limit ^[3]
• Example: A 500MB PowerPoint file stored in Google Drive and shared in Slack occupies 0MB of Slack storage ^[3]
• Restrict file uploads: Workspace Admins can limit file upload permissions for guests or specific channels via Tools & settings > Permissions > File Uploads ^[7]
• Monitor large files: Use Slack’s file activity logs to identify and delete oversized or duplicate files ^[4]

For Slack Connect (external collaboration), additional controls are available:

• Admins can disable file uploads for external organizations entirely or set size limits (e.g., 100MB per file) ^[7]
• Canvas and list sharing can also be restricted to reduce storage bloat from collaborative documents ^[7]

Troubleshooting Common File and Storage Issues

When users encounter errors like "storage full" or failed uploads, the issue may stem from storage limits, connection problems, or cache overload. The following steps can resolve most issues:

1. Verify storage usage: - Check the workspace’s storage meter in Workspace settings ^[4] - Delete unnecessary files or empty the trash (deleted files occupy space until permanently removed) ^[4]

1. Clear cache and restart: - Desktop app: Help > Troubleshooting > Clear Cache and Restart ^[2] - Browser: Clear Slack’s site data in Firefox Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data ^[5] - Mobile app: Phone Settings > Apps > Slack > Clear Cache ^[2]

1. Check network and connection settings: - Ensure WebSocket connections (port 443) are unblocked by firewalls or proxies ^[9] - Test connectivity at my.slack.com/help/test ^[9] - Temporarily disable VPNs or antivirus software that may interfere ^[9]

1. Offload files to external storage: - Install Google Drive or OneDrive apps from the Slack Marketplace ^[3] - Replace Slack-hosted files with externally shared links (e.g., /gdrive share [file]) ^[3]

1. Upgrade or adjust plan settings: - Free workspaces can upgrade to Pro ($7.25/user/month) for unlimited storage ^[8] - Enterprise Grid admins can request storage increases via Slack support ^[4]

For persistent issues, contact Slack support with:

• A Net Log (collected via Help > Troubleshooting > Collect Net Log) ^[1]
• Screenshots of error messages (e.g., "This workspace has reached its file limit") ^[8]
• Details of browser/OS version and network environment ^[9]