---
ref: tool:slack/search-messages
name: Search messages
company: company:slack
workflows: [workflow:gtm-knowledge-answers]
access: [mcp]
tags: [capability:search-conversations, category:messaging, has:mcp]
docs: https://github.com/slackapi/slack-skills-plugin/blob/main/skills/slack-search/SKILL.md
updated: 2026-09-29
---

# Search messages

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

## 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 anything else, confirm access with the cheapest read-only call, like a list or a search. Never send or change anything to test access.

## Rules

- Ask the user before anything that sends messages, costs money, or changes data, and say how many records it touches. One approval covers a batch the user has seen.
- Never print API keys.