Message Cleanup

Why Cleanup Matters

When Smithy creates a Classic Thread, it generates a new parent message with the thread subject. The user's original message is still sitting in the channel. Without cleanup, the channel ends up with both the original message and the thread — which is messy.

Message cleanup removes the original message so only the managed thread remains.

Why Authorization Is Required

Slack's API requires that to delete a user's message, the app must have the chat:write permission granted by that specific user. Smithy's bot token alone cannot delete messages authored by other users.

This is a Slack security measure — it ensures no app can delete your messages without your explicit consent.

How to Authorize

There are two ways to authorize Smithy for message cleanup:

Option 1: Slash command. Run /smithy authorize in any channel where Smithy is active. This opens a link to connect your Slack account with Smithy.

Option 2: Thread creation modal. When you create a thread and haven't yet authorized, the modal displays an Authorize button. Clicking it opens the OAuth flow in your browser while the modal stays open, so you can grant access and continue creating your thread without interruption.

Both options are a one-time step. Once connected, Smithy can delete your original messages after converting them into threads, and the Authorize button will no longer appear.

What Happens Without Authorization

If a user hasn't authorized Smithy:

• Their original message stays in the channel
• Smithy still creates the managed thread
• Smithy sends a private reminder to authorize for a cleaner experience
• The Authorize button appears in the thread creation modal as a reminder each time a thread is created