---
ref: tool:slack/search-messages
name: Search messages
company: company:slack
workflows: []
access: [mcp]
tags: [capability:research-accounts, category:messaging, has:mcp]
docs: https://github.com/slackapi/slack-skills-plugin/blob/main/skills/slack-search/SKILL.md
updated: 2026-09-27
---

# Search messages

Searches messages and files in public channels, narrowed by channel, person and date.

Use it to see what the team has already said about an account before reaching out; narrow a query with `in:`, `from:`, `before:` and `after:`. `slack_search_public_and_private` also covers private channels and DMs, with the user's consent. The Web API's `search.messages` needs a user token, so it is not listed here beside the bot-token API.

## Set up

Use the first option your agent supports.

### MCP (official, remote)

Add this server to your agent's MCP settings, then sign in when asked.

```json
{ "mcpServers": { "slack": { "url": "https://mcp.slack.com/mcp" } } }
```

Call the MCP tool `slack_search_public`.

Server URL: https://mcp.slack.com/mcp

Before doing anything else, make one read-only call to confirm access.

## Rules

- Ask the user before anything that sends messages, costs money, or changes data.
- Never print API keys.