Placing a Teams call on hold requires just a tap to pause the conversation temporarily. If you are wondering how to put teams call on hold quickly, you are not alone—many users find the feature hidden or confusing. This guide walks you through every method, including desktop, mobile, and web versions, so you never fumble during a meeting again.
Microsoft Teams does not have a single “hold” button like a phone. Instead, you use the mute and video controls, or the park call feature, to achieve the same effect. Below, you will learn the exact steps for each scenario.
How To Put Teams Call On Hold
The most direct way to pause a call is by muting your microphone and turning off your camera. This stops your audio and video from reaching others, effectively putting your participation on hold. However, if you need to place the entire call on hold—so the other party hears hold music or silence—you must use the “park call” feature.
Let us break down each method step by step.
Method 1: Mute And Camera Off
This is the simplest technique for a quick pause. It works on all devices.
- During a call, click the microphone icon (mute button) in the meeting controls.
- Click the camera icon to turn off your video.
- Others will see a muted indicator and a black screen.
This method does not put the call on hold for everyone—only you stop transmitting. The conversation continues without you.
Method 2: Park Call Feature
For placing the entire call on hold, use the park call function. This is available in Teams Phone System.
- During a call, click the “More actions” button (three dots).
- Select “Park call” from the menu.
- A code will appear. Share this code with someone else to retrieve the call.
The caller will hear hold music or silence until you or another user resumes the call using the code.
Method 3: Transfer To Yourself
Another workaround is transferring the call to your own voicemail or another number. This effectively puts the caller on hold.
- Click the “Transfer” button during the call.
- Enter your own number or a colleague’s number.
- The call will be transferred, and you can retrieve it later.
This is less common but works in a pinch.
Mobile App Instructions
On the Teams mobile app, the process is slightly different. Here is how to put a call on hold from your phone.
Using Mute And Video
- Tap the screen during a call to reveal controls.
- Tap the microphone icon to mute yourself.
- Tap the camera icon to turn off video.
This pauses your participation but not the call itself.
Parking A Call On Mobile
- Tap the “More” button (three dots) during the call.
- Select “Park call.”
- Note the code displayed. Share it with someone to retrieve the call.
The mobile app supports park call only if your organization has Teams Phone enabled.
Web Browser Version
Using Teams in a browser? The steps are nearly identical to the desktop app.
Mute And Camera In Browser
- Click the microphone icon in the meeting toolbar.
- Click the camera icon to disable video.
- Your status changes to muted and camera off.
Browser version may lack some advanced features like park call. Check with your admin.
Park Call In Browser
- Click the “More actions” button (three dots).
- Look for “Park call” option. If missing, use mute instead.
- If available, follow the same steps as desktop.
Not all browsers support park call due to security restrictions.
Keyboard Shortcuts For Hold
Speed up your workflow with these shortcuts. They work on Windows and Mac.
- Mute/unmute: Ctrl+Shift+M (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+M (Mac)
- Turn camera on/off: Ctrl+Shift+O (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+O (Mac)
- Open more actions: Ctrl+Shift+Space (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Space (Mac)
These shortcuts let you quickly mute or park a call without clicking around.
Common Issues And Fixes
Sometimes the hold feature does not work as expected. Here are frequent problems and solutions.
No Park Call Option
If you cannot find the park call button, your organization may not have Teams Phone license. Contact your IT admin to enable it.
Hold Music Not Playing
When you park a call, the caller might hear silence instead of music. This is normal in some setups. You can configure hold music in Teams admin center.
Call Drops After Parking
If the call disconnects after parking, check your internet connection. Also, ensure you retrieve the call within the timeout period (usually 5 minutes).
Mobile App Freezes
Restart the app or update to the latest version. Clearing cache can also help.
Best Practices For Holding Calls
Follow these tips to avoid confusion or dropped calls.
- Always inform the other party before placing them on hold.
- Use park call for long holds (over 30 seconds).
- Keep the park code handy in case you need to retrieve the call from another device.
- Avoid muting for extended periods without explanation.
These practices maintain professionalism and prevent misunderstandings.
Advanced Hold Techniques
For power users, there are additional ways to manage calls.
Using Call Queues
If you are part of a call queue, you can place a caller on hold by transferring them to the queue. This is useful for customer service scenarios.
- During the call, click “Transfer.”
- Select the call queue from the list.
- The caller enters the queue and hears hold music.
This method requires proper queue setup by your admin.
Consult Then Transfer
You can consult with a colleague before putting a caller on hold. This is a two-step process.
- Click “Transfer” and select “Consult.”
- Speak with your colleague privately.
- Then transfer the call to them or park it.
This keeps the caller waiting while you discuss.
Setting Up Hold Music
Customizing hold music can improve caller experience. Here is how admins can configure it.
- Open Teams admin center.
- Go to “Voice” > “Call park policies.”
- Upload an audio file for hold music.
- Assign the policy to users.
Users cannot change hold music themselves—only admins can.
Comparing Hold Methods
Each method has pros and cons. Here is a quick comparison.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mute + Camera Off | Simple, works everywhere | Does not pause call for others |
| Park Call | Puts entire call on hold | Requires Teams Phone license |
| Transfer to Voicemail | Works without special features | Caller may hang up |
Choose the method that fits your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common queries about placing Teams calls on hold.
How do I put a Teams call on hold without muting?
Use the park call feature. It places the caller on hold while you do other tasks.
Can I put a Teams call on hold on my iPhone?
Yes, use the mute button or park call option in the mobile app.
Does Teams have a hold button?
No dedicated hold button exists. Use mute or park call as alternatives.
Why can’t I see the park call option?
Your organization may not have Teams Phone enabled. Check with your IT department.
How long can a call stay parked?
Typically 5 minutes, but your admin can adjust this setting.
Troubleshooting Park Call Issues
If park call fails, try these steps.
- Check your internet connection.
- Restart the Teams app.
- Verify you have the correct license.
- Contact your admin to confirm park call is enabled.
Most issues are resolved by updating the app or checking permissions.
Using Hold In Group Calls
In a group call, muting yourself only affects your participation. To pause the entire group call, you need to park it. However, group calls cannot be parked easily—each participant must individually mute.
If you are the organizer, you can mute all participants. Click the “Participants” button and select “Mute all.” This puts everyone on hold from your perspective.
Hold Etiquette
Professional conduct matters when placing calls on hold.
- Always ask permission: “Can I put you on hold for a moment?”
- Keep holds brief—under 2 minutes if possible.
- Thank the caller when you return.
- If the hold will be long, offer to call back.
Good etiquette maintains trust and respect.
Alternatives To Holding
Sometimes holding is not the best option. Consider these alternatives.
- Call back later: End the call and return when ready.
- Transfer to a colleague: Let someone else handle the call.
- Use chat: Send a message instead of holding.
These options can be more efficient than placing someone on hold.
Integrating With Other Apps
Teams integrates with third-party apps that offer hold features. For example, some customer service platforms add a hold button to Teams. Check your app store for integrations.
These integrations may require additional setup but can simplify your workflow.
Security Considerations
When placing a call on hold, be aware of security risks.
- Do not park calls in public areas where others can see the code.
- Retrieve parked calls promptly to avoid unauthorized access.
- Use hold music that does not contain sensitive information.
Security should always be a priority.
Future Updates
Microsoft regularly updates Teams. A dedicated hold button may appear in future versions. Stay updated by checking the Microsoft 365 roadmap.
For now, the methods above cover all current ways to put a call on hold.
Conclusion
Knowing how to put a Teams call on hold is essential for smooth communication. Whether you use mute, park call, or transfer, each method has its place. Practice these steps to become proficient.
Remember to inform the caller before placing them on hold. Use park call for longer pauses, and mute for quick interruptions. With these techniques, you can manage calls confidently.
If you encounter issues, refer to the troubleshooting section or contact your IT support. Now you are ready to handle any Teams call with ease.