How to Send Direct Messages and Make Calls in Slack: Desktop and Mobile Guide

Slack began as a workplace instant messaging tool but has evolved into a versatile platform for staying connected with friends, colleagues, or family. With paid plans, it even supports instant "huddles" for seamless audio discussions among two or more people.

Designed primarily for team collaboration, Slack also excels at one-on-one communication. In this guide, drawn from extensive hands-on experience with the platform, we'll walk you through private text, audio, and video chats using the free version of Slack.

Text Conversations

Slack Desktop App:

• If you've recently messaged someone privately, find their name under "Direct Messages" in the left sidebar. Click it, type your message at the bottom, and press Enter/Return to send.
• To start a new conversation, click the + icon next to "Direct Messages." Type the person's name; select them from the results (if in the workspace), then send your message.
• Alternatively, click the pencil icon in the top-left near your workspace name. Enter the recipient's name, compose your message, and hit Enter/Return.

Slack Mobile App:

To resume a prior chat, tap "DM" at the bottom for your direct message history.

Or tap the pencil icon on the home screen for "New Message." Choose from recent contacts or search by name.

Voice and Video Calls

Slack's free plan supports one-on-one voice and video calls. Paid plans extend to group calls (up to 15 participants) and screen sharing.

Desktop App:

• Open a direct message or channel.
• Click the phone icon in the upper-right corner.

• Tap the camera icon for video. Paid users can select "Share Screen."

Mobile App:

• Open a direct message.
• On Android, tap the info icon (top-right); on iOS, tap the person's name at the top.
• Tap the call icon (they'll get a notification).
• Switch to video with the camera icon.

Huddles

Introduced last spring, Huddles offer spontaneous audio chats directly from text conversations—less formal than scheduled calls. Available only on paid plans, they work for one-on-one, groups, or channels.

Desktop App:

• Ensure you're in a text conversation.
• At the bottom-left, toggle the Huddle icon (microphone-like) next to the person's name to start instantly.

For live captions: While in a Huddle, click the participant count line above the icon. Select the three dots for the active speaker, then "Enable Subtitles."

Captions proved highly accurate in our tests, even with overlapping speech. Share your screen via the monitor icon next to the toggle.

Mobile App:

• Open the text conversation.
• Tap the Huddle icon (top row, right of name).

Note: Captions and screen sharing are desktop-only on mobile.