Need to discuss something quickly without a full meeting? Starting a private chat in Teams is the fastest way to connect. Knowing how to create a chat in teams can save you time and keep your team aligned without cluttering your calendar.
Microsoft Teams offers multiple ways to start a conversation. Whether you need a one-on-one talk or a group discussion, the process is simple. This guide covers every method step by step.
How To Create A Chat In Teams
Before diving into the steps, understand the basics. A chat in Teams is a private message thread. You can send text, files, emojis, or even start a video call from within a chat.
The chat feature lives in the left sidebar. Look for the chat icon that looks like a speech bubble. Click it to see your recent conversations and start new ones.
Starting A New Chat From The Chat Tab
This is the most common method. Follow these steps:
- Open Microsoft Teams on your desktop or web browser.
- Click the Chat icon on the left sidebar. It looks like a speech bubble.
- At the top of the chat list, click the New Chat button. It looks like a pencil with a plus sign.
- A text box appears. Type the name or email of the person you want to chat with.
- Select the correct contact from the dropdown list.
- Press Enter or click the compose box to start typing your message.
- Type your message and hit Send (the paper plane icon).
Thats it. Your chat is now active. The conversation appears in your chat list for easy access later.
Creating A Group Chat In Teams
Need to include multiple people? Group chats are perfect for quick team discussions. Here is how to create one:
- Click the New Chat button as described above.
- In the To field, type the name of the first person.
- After selecting them, type the name of the next person. Repeat for everyone you want to add.
- You can add up to 250 people to a group chat.
- Once all members are added, type your message and send it.
- Give your group chat a name for easy identification. Click the group chat name at the top, then select Edit group name.
Group chats are temporary by default. They do not create a team or channel. But you can pin them to the top of your chat list for quick access.
Starting A Chat From A Contact Profile
Another fast way to start a chat is directly from someones profile. Use this method when you are already viewing their details.
- Search for the person using the search bar at the top of Teams.
- Click on their name to open their profile card.
- In the profile card, click the Chat button (speech bubble icon).
- A new chat window opens with that person selected.
- Type your message and send it.
This method works well when you are in a meeting or channel and want to quickly message someone.
Using The Command Bar To Start A Chat
Power users love the command bar. It is a quick way to start chats without clicking through menus.
- Press Ctrl + E (Windows) or Cmd + E (Mac) to focus the command bar.
- Type /chat followed by the persons name. For example: /chat John Smith
- Press Enter. A new chat window opens.
- Type your message and send it.
You can also use /chat with multiple names for a group chat. Separate names with semicolons.
Advanced Chat Features In Teams
Once you know how to create a chat in teams, explore these advanced features to get more value.
Pinning Important Chats
Keep your most important conversations at the top of your chat list. Pinning prevents them from getting buried.
- Right-click on any chat in your list.
- Select Pin from the menu.
- The chat moves to the top with a pin icon.
- To unpin, right-click again and select Unpin.
You can pin up to 15 chats. Use this for active projects or key contacts.
Sending Files And Images In Chat
Sharing files is easy. Click the paperclip icon below the compose box. Choose from OneDrive, your computer, or recent files.
For images, you can also drag and drop them directly into the chat. Teams supports most image formats and previews them inline.
Using Chat With Teams Channels
Channels are different from chats. Channels are public conversations within a team. But you can start a private chat from a channel.
- In a channel, hover over a message.
- Click the More options button (three dots).
- Select Chat with participants.
- A new group chat opens with all channel members.
This is useful for side conversations that do not need to be in the main channel.
Setting Chat Notifications
Control how you get notified about new messages. Click your profile picture, then Settings > Notifications.
You can customize notifications for:
- Direct messages
- Group chat mentions
- Missed activity
Turn off notifications for chats that are not urgent. This helps you focus.
Common Issues When Creating Chats
Sometimes things go wrong. Here are fixes for common problems.
Cannot Find Someone To Chat With
If a persons name does not appear when you type it, they might be outside your organization. Teams only shows people in your companys directory by default.
To chat with external users, your admin must enable external access. Ask your IT team to set this up.
Chat Not Sending
If your message does not send, check your internet connection. Also verify the recipient is not blocked or deleted from the directory.
Try restarting Teams. Press Ctrl + Shift + M to mute/unmute, but for a full restart, close the app and reopen it.
Accidentally Started A Chat With Wrong Person
You cannot delete a chat entirely in Teams. But you can hide it. Right-click the chat and select Hide. It moves to the hidden section.
To unhide, scroll to the bottom of your chat list and click Hidden chats.
Best Practices For Teams Chats
Follow these tips to keep your chats organized and effective.
Use Chat For Quick Questions
Chats are for fast, informal communication. Save complex discussions for meetings or channel posts.
If a chat gets too long, consider moving the conversation to a scheduled meeting.
Mention People Carefully
Use @mentions to get someones attention. Type @ followed by their name. They receive a notification.
Do not overuse mentions. It can annoy teammates. Reserve mentions for urgent or directly relevant messages.
Keep Chats On Topic
Group chats can quickly become noisy. Stay on topic. If the conversation drifts, start a new chat for the new subject.
This makes it easier to find information later.
Use Chat For File Sharing
Sharing files in chat is faster than email. But remember, files in chats are not stored in a team channel. They are only visible to chat participants.
For permanent storage, upload files to a channel or SharePoint.
Mobile Chat Creation In Teams
The Teams mobile app works similarly. Here is how to create a chat on your phone.
- Open the Teams app on your iOS or Android device.
- Tap the Chat tab at the bottom.
- Tap the New Chat button (pencil icon) at the top right.
- Type the name or email of the person.
- Tap their name to add them.
- For group chats, keep adding names.
- Tap the compose box, type your message, and tap Send.
The mobile app has the same features as desktop. You can pin chats, send files, and use commands.
Keyboard Shortcuts For Faster Chat
Learn these shortcuts to speed up your workflow.
- Ctrl + N – Start a new chat
- Ctrl + Shift + X – Expand compose box
- Ctrl + Enter – Send a message (if you have a custom setting)
- Ctrl + Shift + C – Go to chat list
- Ctrl + E – Go to command bar
Using shortcuts reduces mouse clicks and keeps your hands on the keyboard.
Integrating Chat With Other Apps
Teams chat works with many third-party apps. You can connect tools like Trello, Asana, or GitHub.
To add an app to a chat:
- Open the chat you want to modify.
- Click the Apps icon (plus sign) at the top of the chat.
- Search for the app you want.
- Click Add and follow the setup instructions.
This lets you get notifications and take actions directly from chat.
Privacy And Security In Chats
Teams chats are private to participants. But your organization can access them for compliance reasons. Do not share sensitive personal information in chats.
Use Private channels for highly confidential discussions. Private channels restrict access to specific team members.
You can also set message retention policies. Your IT admin controls how long messages are kept.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a chat in Teams without a meeting?
Simply click the Chat icon, then New Chat, and type the persons name. No meeting needed.
Can I create a chat in Teams with external users?
Yes, if your admin has enabled external access. The external user must have a Teams account or guest access.
How do I delete a chat in Teams?
You cannot delete a chat permanently. You can hide it by right-clicking and selecting Hide.
What is the difference between a chat and a channel in Teams?
A chat is a private conversation between selected people. A channel is a public discussion within a team that all team members can see.
How do I start a group chat in Teams on mobile?
Tap the Chat tab, then New Chat. Add multiple names before sending your first message.
Final Thoughts On Teams Chat Creation
Mastering how to create a chat in teams is a core skill for modern collaboration. It replaces quick emails and phone calls with instant, searchable conversations.
Start with simple one-on-one chats. Then experiment with group chats and advanced features. The more you use it, the more efficient your communication becomes.
Remember to pin important chats, use mentions wisely, and keep conversations focused. Teams chat is a powerful tool when used correctly.
Now go ahead and start a chat. Your team is waiting.