Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

@clsandoval
Created January 17, 2026 06:18
Show Gist options
  • Select an option

  • Save clsandoval/8a411e0a7cca1b26fc05713633cdeeb6 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.

Select an option

Save clsandoval/8a411e0a7cca1b26fc05713633cdeeb6 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
How to get a Slack User Token for Cheerful integration

How to Get Your Slack User Token

This guide walks you through creating a Slack app and getting a User Token so we can access your Slack data.

Time needed: ~5 minutes


Step 1: Create a Slack App

  1. Go to https://api.slack.com/apps
  2. Sign in to Slack if prompted
  3. Click the green "Create New App" button
  4. Choose "From scratch"
  5. Enter any name (e.g., "Cheerful Integration")
  6. Select your workspace from the dropdown
  7. Click "Create App"

Step 2: Add Permissions

  1. In the left sidebar, click "OAuth & Permissions"
  2. Scroll down to the "User Token Scopes" section (NOT "Bot Token Scopes")
  3. Click "Add an OAuth Scope" and add each of these:
Scope What it allows
channels:history Read messages in public channels
channels:read See list of public channels
groups:history Read messages in private channels
groups:read See list of private channels
im:history Read direct messages
im:read See list of DMs
mpim:history Read group DM messages
mpim:read See list of group DMs
users:read See basic user info
users:read.email See user email addresses

Step 3: Install the App

  1. Scroll back up to "OAuth Tokens for Your Workspace"
  2. Click the "Install to Workspace" button
  3. Review the permissions and click "Allow"

Step 4: Copy Your Token

After installation, you'll see a "User OAuth Token" on the page.

  • It starts with xoxp-
  • Click the "Copy" button next to it

Step 5: Send Us the Token

Send the token to us through a secure channel (not email or Slack DM).

Important: This token gives access to your Slack messages. Keep it private and don't share it publicly.


Troubleshooting

"I don't see the Install button"

  • Make sure you added at least one scope in Step 2

"I need admin approval"

  • Your Slack workspace may require admin approval for new apps
  • Contact your Slack admin to approve the app

"I accidentally shared the token publicly"

  • Go back to https://api.slack.com/apps
  • Click your app, then "OAuth & Permissions"
  • Click "Revoke Tokens" and reinstall to get a new one
Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment