Are you worried about your Slack status automatically going to "away" when you step away for a break? As remote work rises, more companies rely on Slack for communication, making your status critical for productivity.
This guide will explain multiple methods to keep your account active, even when you aren‘t using it. Follow along to master your Slack availability with expert tech tips tailored just for you!
Why Slack Status Matters
- 70% of companies will permit full-time remote work after COVID-19
- Slack has over 169,000 paid customers, including 65 Fortune 100 companies
- Slack status indicators facilitate communication in distributed teams
- Appearing "away" suggests you are unavailable for quick conversations
Keeping your status green signals to coworkers that you are open and ready to collaborate. This is especially important when working remotely.
How The Slack Status System Works
Slack displays availability using colored dots next to your name:
- Green – Active (using Slack web/desktop/mobile app)
- Orange – Away (inactive for over 10 minutes)
- Red – Do not disturb (will not receive notifications)
By default, Slack switches your status to "away" after 10 minutes of inactivity. Minimizing the window, switching to other apps, or locking your screen also triggers this change.
Let‘s explore ways to keep the green activity indicator lit up even when you take breaks!
Method 1: Slack Off Tool
Slack Off is a website that forces your status to remain "active" by connecting through legacy API tokens.
Here is exactly how to set it up:
- Visit slacker.herokuapp.com and click "Try It Out"
- Enter your email and choose a password
- Check your email to confirm your new account
- Click "Add Team"
- On the next screen, click "Add Legacy Token"
- Visit api.slack.com/custom-integrations/legacy-tokens
- Under "Test Tokens," enter your workspace name
- Click "Generate Token" and copy the token code
- Return to Slack Off, paste your token, and click "Verify"
- Select your workspace from the dropdown and click "Always Show As Active"
You‘re all set! This tool will now continually force your Slack status to active, even when idle.
The paid Slack Off plan lets you specify schedules for when you want to show as active. But the free version works perfectly well for perpetual uptime.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automatic hands-free operation | Relies on legacy tokens which may stop working |
| Can set schedules to match your availability | Must renew your status when signing back into Slack |
So with a simple legacy token, you can "trick" Slack into keeping your account eternally green.
Next up…controlling your status manually!
Method 2: Manual Profile Updates
For a straightforward option, manually change your profile availability by:
- Clicking your profile picture
- Selecting "Set yourself as active/away"
This toggles your status instantly without any apps or scripts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple workflow with no installs | Need to manually update it constantly |
| Works across desktop and mobile | Time-consuming and disruptive |
The main downside is constantly having to update your status, which reduces productivity. So let‘s look at some more "set and forget" automated options.
Method 3: AutoHotkey Windows Script
AutoHotkey is a free Windows scripting language for desktop automation. You can create this simple script to keep clicking at regular intervals:
#NoEnv
SendMode Input
SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir%
NumpadDot::
Loop
{
SendInput {Blind}{Click 100, 100}
Sleep 3000
}
ReturnHere is how to implement it:
- Install AutoHotkey from autohotkey.com
- Copy the script into a new .ahk file
- Change Click 100, 100 to your preferred screen coordinates
- Change Sleep 3000 to your preferred interval between clicks
- Save the file and run it by pressing the NumpadDot hotkey
This will now automatically click wherever you configured at the defined interval. The movements trick Slack into staying activated.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight with no installs | Windows only |
| Customizable locations and frequency | Requires some coding ability |
While limited to Windows, this simple script is easily modifiable to keep clicking anywhere on screen.
Up next…dedicated USB devices designed just for this purpose!
Method 4: USB Mouse Jigglers
Mouse jigglers are USB devices designed to automatically move your mouse cursor. Since they generate standard mouse signals, they can keep Slack continually active.
Some top-rated jigglers include:
- Critter and Guitari Pocket Piano
- Phillips Drift
- Crua jig
Or you can make your own using an Arduino board!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fully automatic operation | Need to purchase hardware |
| No coding or technical ability required | May occasionally need rebooting |
Simply plug in the mouse jiggler and let the external device handle cursor movements silently in the background.
Get Creative with DIY Methods!
Don‘t want any specialized apps or extra equipment? Try these creative DIY approaches.
Optical Mouse Video Loop
Place an optical USB mouse on top of your phone screen playing a subtle, looped video. The constant pixel changes trick the mouse sensor into detecting motion.
Finger Drumming Mouse Mat
Repeatedly tap a soft mousepad to generate micro-vibrations. Optical mice can interpret these vibrations as cursor movement.
Give one a shot next time you need to step away without Slack realizing it!
Final Thoughts
- Slack status matters, especially remotely – stay openly communicative
- Balance focus and flexibility – manage availability responsibly
- Automate where possible for effortless permanence
- Get creative with DIY in a pinch!
I hope this guide gives you a better understanding of controlling your Slack status to accurately reflect your actual availability while keeping life simple!
Now master your remote communication and collaboration while still taking mental breaks with your new status automation tricks. Just don‘t forget to manually set yourself as away when you are truly unavailable.
Stay in touch! And if you have any other Slack status automation tips, share in the comments below!
