Set up Slack

How this destination works

Fwrd makes a direct HTTPS attempt from the iPhone to this destination when it is active. The destination service still controls final acceptance and delivery.

Before you begin

• A Slack workspace where you are allowed to install an app — some workspaces need an admin to approve it first
• The channel that should receive the messages. If it is private, join it before you create the webhook
• Fwrd installed on the iPhone that receives the messages

1. 1

   Create a Slack app

   Go to api.slack.com/apps, choose Create New App, then From scratch. Name it something you will recognise later, pick the workspace, and create it. An app you already own works too.

2. 2

   Turn on incoming webhooks

   Open Incoming Webhooks in the app’s settings and switch Activate Incoming Webhooks on. The page reloads with more options once it is on.

3. 3

   Point a webhook at your channel

   Choose Add New Webhook to Workspace, pick the channel that should receive the messages, and allow it. Each webhook posts to exactly one channel, so create a second webhook if you want a second channel.

4. 4

   Copy the webhook URL

   Copy the URL listed under Webhook URLs for Your Workspace. Anyone who has it can post to that channel, so treat it like a password and keep it out of shared documents.

   https://hooks.slack.com/services/T00000000/B00000000/XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
5. 5

   Check it is an incoming webhook, not a workflow

   Slack’s Workflow Builder hands out a different URL that begins with hooks.slack.com/triggers. Fwrd accepts only the /services/ form shown above and will refuse the other one.

6. 6

   Add Slack in Fwrd

   On the iPhone, open Destinations, tap Add Destination, and choose Slack. Give it a name you will recognise in the list.

7. 7

   Paste the URL into Fwrd

   Paste the whole URL into the Configuration field. Fwrd checks the address before it lets you continue, so a shortened or hand-edited URL will not be accepted.

   Configuration ← Slack incoming webhook URL
8. 8

   Send a test message from Fwrd

   Tap Send Test Message and check that it arrives. This proves the credential and the network path. It does not prove the SMS automation, so do not stop here.

9. 9

   Save and keep the destination active

   Tap Save Destination and leave Destination Active switched on. An inactive route stays saved on the iPhone but is skipped when messages arrive.

   Destination Active ← On
10. 10

    Prove it with a real message

    Text yourself something that contains nothing private and watch it arrive at the destination. Try it with the iPhone unlocked first, then locked, because locked is the state it will usually be in.