The browser extension
The SlackVault browser extension is where the actual syncing happens. It's a Manifest V3 extension that runs locally in your browser — data moves directly between your browser and Slack / your Firebase. There's no SlackVault server in the path.
Installation
Chrome Web Store (recommended)
Add SlackVault from the Chrome Web Store. Microsoft Edge users can install it directly from the Chrome Web Store too.
Load unpacked (for development)
- Download the extension build.
- Go to
chrome://extensions. - Enable the Developer mode toggle.
- Click Load unpacked and select the extension folder.
Initial configuration
- Open the extension — click the SlackVault icon. If you don't see it, click the puzzle icon and pin SlackVault.
- Enter your Firebase config — paste the config object from Firebase setup. The extension validates it automatically.
- Connect to Slack — click Connect to Slack to start OAuth; you'll be redirected to Slack to authorize.
- Start your first sync — click Start Sync. The first sync may take a while depending on workspace size.
tip
A workspace with ~10,000 messages typically takes 2–5 minutes for the first sync. Later syncs are incremental and much faster.
Sync settings
| Setting | Options | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-sync interval | Manual only · Every 6 hours · Every 12 hours · Daily | Daily | How often to automatically sync new messages |
| Include private channels | Yes / No | Yes | Back up private channels you have access to |
| Include DMs | Yes / No | Yes | Back up direct messages |
| Include files | Yes / No | Yes | Back up file attachments (via FilesHub) |
| Message history depth | Last 30 days · Last 90 days · Last year · All time | All time | How far back to sync |
The dashboard
The extension dashboard shows:
- Workspace info (name, icon, member count)
- Last sync time and next scheduled sync
- Totals: messages, channels, and files backed up
- Firebase storage usage
- Sync status and a live progress bar
Manual sync
- Click the SlackVault icon.
- Click Sync Now.
- Watch the progress bar as data is backed up.
Keyboard shortcuts (popup open)
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Ctrl/Cmd + S | Start manual sync |
Ctrl/Cmd + F | Focus the search bar |
Ctrl/Cmd + E | Open the export menu |
Esc | Close the popup |
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|
| Extension icon is grayed out | The extension needs configuration first — open it and enter your Firebase config + Slack credentials. |
| Sync stuck at 0% | Check your connection and that your Slack token hasn't expired. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to Slack. |
| "Permission denied" error | Your Firestore rules may be blocking writes — see Firebase setup → security rules. |
| Missing channels in backup | You can only back up channels you're a member of. Join them, then run a full sync. |
| Slow sync | Large workspaces take longer on the first sync; later syncs are incremental. Try off-peak hours. |
| Extension crashed | Reload it from chrome://extensions (refresh icon). If it persists, clear extension data and reconfigure. |
Next: learn how syncing works and how to browse your archive.