Environment
U-M Slack, Slack Connect
Issue
- When I navigate to the "External Connections" / "Slack Connect" section of my U-M Slack app, I notice a blue message at the top stating the following message:
- "University of Michigan has disabled Slack Connect - You don’t have permission to start conversations with external people. Want to change that? Ask an admin for help."
- Alternatively, when an external connection attempts to send me a direct message, I receive the following notice:
- "Unfortunately, you can't accept this invitation using any of the accounts below. For more info, you'll need to contact an admin."
Resolution
Slack displays these messages because U-M Slack restricts the ability to use Slack Connect to start a direct message (DM) with someone in an external (non-UM) Slack workspace. However, the message is misleading, as Slack Connect is available and enabled for Workspace Admins to start a channel with an external workspace. (In order to DM an external user, you first have to be a member of a Slack Connect channel with their organization/workspace.)
In most cases, you can ignore this message if you are a Workspace Admin and continue to follow the instructions for starting a channel with an external workspace. If you are a regular member or single-channel guest, the message still applies.
Additional Information
This article includes screenshots of the error messages.
Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.