Connecting Guru's MCP server to Slackbot

Guru's MCP server now works with Slackbot, Slack's built-in AI assistant. Connect Guru to Slackbot and you can ask for answers, search your knowledge base, and tap your Knowledge Agents without leaving Slack. Getting Guru's knowledge into an AI assistant used to mean using a separate tool. Now your team gets verified, permission-aware answers right in the Slack conversations where work already happens.

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Access Required
Guru Access: You need to be a Guru workspace Admin or have a relevant custom role to install the Slack app and configure Knowledge Agents. Each person who uses Guru in Slackbot signs in with their own Guru account.
Slack Access: Your Slack plan must include the Slackbot AI assistant (the Slackbot DM that can use MCP tools). This isn't available on free Slack workspaces. Depending on your organization's app approval settings, you may also need Slack admin permissions.

Understanding how Slackbot MCP works

When you ask Slackbot a question, Slackbot connects to Guru's MCP server and calls Guru's tools for you. It can search your knowledge base, ask a Knowledge Agent, and more, all within your own Guru permissions. You'll only see content you already have access to in Guru.

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Note
Slackbot MCP is different from Guru's Slack MCP. The two work in opposite directions:

Slack MCP lets a Guru Knowledge Agent reach into Slack to read channels, search messages, and post.

Slackbot MCP lets Slackbot reach into Guru to search your knowledge base and ask a Knowledge Agent.

They solve different problems, so you can use both.

Connecting Guru's MCP server to Slackbot

Follow these steps whether you're connecting Slack to Guru for the first time or already have the Slack integration installed.

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Important
If your team already uses the Slack integration, you'll need to re-authorize it. This lets the Slack app pick up the new mcp:connect permission that Slackbot needs. Re-authorizing updates your existing connection, so it won't create a second Slack app.

In Guru, go to Apps and Integrations.
Under Connected Apps, click Manage next to Slack.
Click Add Workspace.
Choose the Slack workspaces where you'd like to connect Guru's MCP server to Slackbot.
Review the updated list of permissions and approve them.

If you select workspaces that are already connected, your existing connections are updated to include the MCP permission.

Adding Guru to Slackbot

Once Guru is connected to your Slack workspace, each person adds Guru in Slackbot and signs in with their own Guru account.

In Slack, open a DM with Slackbot.
Click Apps in the Slackbot toolbar.
On first use, a list of suggested apps appears. Click + next to Guru to add it.
When prompted, sign in with your Guru account.

That's it! Ask Slackbot a question in your DM, and it'll pull answers and search results from Guru.

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Tip
Ask Slackbot the same kinds of questions you'd ask a Knowledge Agent in Guru, like "What's our PTO policy?" or "How do I submit an expense report?"

Frequently asked questions about connecting Guru to Slackbot

How is this different from Slack MCP?
It's about direction. Slack MCP lets a Guru Knowledge Agent reach into Slack to search messages, read channels, and post. Slackbot MCP lets Slackbot reach into Guru to search your knowledge base and ask a Knowledge Agent.

Does this work on a free Slack workspace?
No. Your Slack plan must include the Slackbot AI assistant.

I already have the Slack integration. Do I need to do anything?
Yes. Re-authorize the Slack app in Guru so it picks up the mcp:connect permission. This updates your existing connection and won't create a new Slack app.

Will Slackbot show me content I don't have access to in Guru?
No. Slackbot works within your Guru permissions, so you'll only see content you can already access in Guru.

Updated about 1 hour ago

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