# Slack

> Deploy an agent to Slack, where it answers mentions and direct messages.

Source: https://docs.runbear.io/channels/slack

Last updated: 2026-08-26

Slack is the most common place to put an agent: it answers @mentions in any channel it is invited to, and direct messages from individual members. Use it for internal question-and-answer, team runbooks, and anything your team already asks each other in a channel.

![Mentioning the bot in Slack](/img/slack-trigger-bot-mention.png)

## How it works

When a trigger event occurs in a connected Slack channel — such as an @mention or a direct message — Runbear forwards the message to your agent. The agent processes the request, executes any connected tools or knowledge-base lookups, and posts the response back to the Slack thread.

## Setup

1. In the Runbear dashboard, open your agent and go to the **Chatbots** tab.
2. Click **Connect** on the Slack tile.

![Connecting Slack](/img/plugbear-activate-channel.png)

3. Click **Add Runbear to Slack** to install the Runbear bot in your Slack workspace.
4. Confirm the correct workspace is selected, then click **Add** to activate it.
5. Invite the bot to any channels where you want it to respond.
6. Mention `@Runbear` (or your custom bot name) in a channel to start a conversation.

## Display the agent in Slack's AI panel

When your agent is installed in Slack, workspace owners and admins can make it available in the **Agents & Assistants** section of the Slack desktop app. This lets all members discover and use it from the top-right corner of Slack.

### For admins

1. Open your workspace settings (click the workspace name or Admin icon in the sidebar).
2. Navigate to **Workspace Settings**.
3. Scroll to the **Agents & Assistants** section.
4. Enable your agent and save.

### For members

1. Click your profile picture in the sidebar.
2. Select **Preferences**.
3. Go to the **Navigation** section.
4. Under **App Agents and Assistants**, check or uncheck agents to show or hide them.

## Changing the bot icon

You can customize the bot icon to match your brand. The method depends on whether you use the default Runbear bot or a custom Slack bot.

### Default Runbear bot

1. In the Runbear dashboard, open your agent and go to **Chatbots > Preferences**.
2. Click the icon at the top and upload your preferred image.

![Changing the default bot icon](/img/change-default-runbear-logo.png)

### Custom Slack bot

1. In the Runbear dashboard, open your agent and go to **Chatbots > Preferences**.
2. Click **App Icon Settings**.

![App Icon Settings button](/img/change-custom-bot-logo-1.png)

3. Scroll to the **Display information** section and upload your new icon.

![Display information section](/img/change-custom-bot-logo-2.png)

## Disconnecting

In the Runbear dashboard, go to the **Chatbots** tab, click the more options menu on the Slack tile, and select **Deactivate**.