Beginning a Teams call is as simple as clicking the audio or video call button next to a person’s name. But if you’re new to Microsoft Teams, you might be wondering how to start a Teams call the right way. This guide covers every method, from quick one-on-one chats to scheduling large group meetings.
Teams offers several ways to start calls. You can call someone directly, set up a meeting, or use the “Meet Now” feature. Each option works for different situations. Let’s walk through them step by step.
How To Start A Teams Call
Before you start, make sure you have the Teams app installed. You can use the desktop app, the web version, or the mobile app. All methods work similiarly, but the desktop version gives you the most features.
Log in with your work or school account. If you don’t have one, ask your IT department. Once you’re in, you’ll see the main interface with chats, teams, and calendar options.
Starting A One-On-One Call From Chat
This is the fastest way to call someone. Open the chat window for the person you want to call. At the top right, you’ll see two icons: a camera and a phone.
- Click the camera icon for a video call
- Click the phone icon for an audio-only call
Teams will ring the other person. They can answer or decline. If they’re busy, they might send you to voicemail. You can leave a message if you want.
One tip: if you see a green dot next to their name, they’re available. A yellow dot means they’re away. A red dot means they’re busy. This helps you decide when to call.
Using The Meet Now Feature
Meet Now lets you start an instant meeting without scheduling. This is great for quick team discussions. Here’s how to use it:
- Go to your calendar in Teams
- Click “Meet Now” at the top
- Give your meeting a name
- Choose audio and video settings
- Click “Join Now”
Once you’re in, you can share the meeting link with others. They can join by clicking the link. You can also add people directly from the meeting window.
Sharing The Meeting Link
When you start a Meet Now session, Teams creates a unique link. Click the “Share invite” button to copy it. Send this link via email, chat, or any messaging app. People can join even if they don’t have Teams installed—they can use the web version.
Scheduling A Call In Advance
For planned meetings, scheduling is better. It gives people time to prepare. Here’s the process:
- Go to the Calendar tab
- Click “New Meeting”
- Add a title, date, and time
- Invite attendees by typing their names
- Set the meeting to repeat if needed
- Click “Save”
Teams will send an invitation to everyone. They’ll get a reminder before the meeting. You can also add an agenda or documents to the invitation.
Adding Meeting Details
When scheduling, you can add more than just a title. Include a brief agenda so people know what to expect. Attach files they should review beforehand. You can also set a password for extra security.
Teams lets you choose between a private meeting and a channel meeting. Channel meetings are visible to everyone in that team. Private meetings are only for invited people.
Starting A Call From A Channel
If you’re working in a team channel, you can start a call there. This is useful for project updates or team stand-ups. Here’s how:
- Go to the channel where you want the call
- Click the “Meet” button at the top right
- Choose “Meet Now” or schedule a meeting
- If using Meet Now, you join immediately
- Channel members see the call and can join
Channel calls are recorded automatically if you set it up. This helps people who can’t attend live. They can watch the recording later.
Using The Dial Pad For Phone Calls
Teams also works like a regular phone. If your organization has a calling plan, you can call phone numbers. Click the “Calls” tab on the left. Then use the dial pad to enter a number.
- Enter the full number with country code
- Click the call button
- Teams connects you like a normal phone call
This is handy for calling external clients or partners. You can also call multiple people at once using the “Call” button in a group chat.
Starting A Group Call From Chat
Group calls are easy from a group chat. Open the group chat. Click the call button at the top. Teams calls everyone in the chat at the same time. They can join or decline.
Group calls work for up to 20 people in chat. For larger groups, use a scheduled meeting instead. Group calls are great for quick team decisions.
Adding People Mid-Call
If you’re on a call and need to add someone, you can. Click the “Show participants” button. Then click “Add people”. Type their name and they’ll join. This works for one-on-one and group calls.
Setting Up Audio And Video Before A Call
Before you start a call, check your settings. Bad audio or video can ruin a conversation. Here’s what to check:
- Click your profile picture at the top
- Go to “Settings”
- Select “Devices”
- Choose your microphone and speaker
- Test your audio by making a test call
To test, click “Make a test call”. Teams will record your voice and play it back. This confirms your mic and speaker work. Also check your camera by looking at the preview.
Adjusting Background And Lighting
Good lighting makes you look professional. Face a window or use a desk lamp. Avoid sitting with a bright window behind you—it makes you look dark.
Teams lets you blur your background or replace it with an image. Click the “Background filters” button before joining. Choose from default images or upload your own. This hides clutter and keeps focus on you.
Using Noise Suppression
If you’re in a noisy place, turn on noise suppression. In settings, go to “Devices” and find “Noise suppression”. Choose “High” to block background noise. This helps if you have kids, pets, or traffic nearby.
Joining A Call As A Participant
Sometimes you’re not the host. When someone invites you, you’ll get a notification. Click “Join” to enter. You can also join from your calendar.
- Open the meeting invitation
- Click “Join Microsoft Teams Meeting”
- Choose audio and video options
- Click “Join Now”
If you’re late, you can still join. The meeting is already running. You’ll see the participants and shared content.
Using The Web Version
Don’t have the app? No problem. Teams works in most browsers. Click the meeting link. It will ask if you want to open the app. Choose “Continue on this browser” instead. You’ll join through the web version.
The web version has fewer features. You can’t use background effects or some advanced settings. But it works fine for basic calls. For full features, download the desktop app.
Managing Call Settings During A Call
Once you’re in a call, you have controls. Here’s what each button does:
- Mute/unmute your microphone
- Turn camera on/off
- Share your screen
- Show chat
- Show participants
- Record the call
- Raise your hand
- End the call
Use mute when you’re not speaking. This reduces background noise. Only unmute when you have something to say. It’s polite and professional.
Sharing Your Screen
Screen sharing is useful for presentations. Click the “Share” button. Choose to share your entire screen, a specific window, or a PowerPoint file. You can also share audio from your computer.
When sharing, be careful what’s on your screen. Close private tabs or documents. You can also share just a portion of your screen by selecting a region.
Using The Whiteboard
Teams has a built-in whiteboard. Click “Share” and select “Microsoft Whiteboard”. This opens a blank canvas. You and others can draw, type, and add sticky notes. Great for brainstorming sessions.
Recording A Teams Call
Recording is helpful for later reference. To start, click the “More actions” button (three dots). Select “Start recording”. Teams records audio, video, and screen sharing.
When you stop recording, the file saves to Microsoft Stream. You can share the link with attendees. Recordings are stored for a limited time, so download them if needed.
Note: Always tell participants you’re recording. Some places require consent by law. It’s good practice to announce it at the start.
Transcribing Calls
Teams can also transcribe your call in real time. Click “More actions” and select “Show transcript”. This shows spoken words as text. It helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It also makes it easy to search for key points later.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes calls don’t start smoothly. Here are common problems and fixes:
- Can’t hear anyone: Check your speaker volume and device selection
- Others can’t hear you: Unmute and check your microphone
- Video not working: Check camera permissions in your browser or app
- Call won’t connect: Restart Teams or check your internet connection
- Echo or feedback: Use headphones instead of speakers
If issues persist, try restarting your computer. Or use the web version as a backup. Most problems are temporary and fixable.
Internet Speed Requirements
Teams needs a stable internet connection. For audio calls, you need at least 100 kbps. For video calls, 1.2 Mbps is recommended. For group video, 4 Mbps or more. Test your speed at speedtest.net.
If your connection is slow, turn off your video. This saves bandwidth and keeps audio clear. You can also ask others to turn off their video.
Best Practices For Starting A Teams Call
To make calls effective, follow these tips:
- Always test your audio and video before important calls
- Use a quiet room with good lighting
- Mute yourself when not speaking
- Look at the camera, not the screen, to make eye contact
- Share your screen only when necessary
- End the call politely by saying goodbye
These habits make you look professional. They also make the call more productive for everyone.
Etiquette For Large Meetings
In large meetings, be extra careful. Mute yourself by default. Use the “Raise hand” feature to speak. Don’t interrupt others. Wait for the host to call on you.
If you’re the host, manage the flow. Ask people to mute if there’s background noise. Use the chat for questions. Keep the meeting on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a Teams call without scheduling?
Use the “Meet Now” button in your calendar. Or call someone directly from chat by clicking the phone or camera icon.
Can I start a Teams call from my phone?
Yes. Download the Microsoft Teams app on iOS or Android. You can start calls from chat, calendar, or the dial pad.
What if the person I’m calling doesn’t answer?
They can leave a voicemail. You can also send them a message in chat. Or try calling again later.
How many people can join a Teams call?
For one-on-one calls, it’s just two people. For group calls from chat, up to 20. For scheduled meetings, up to 300 or more depending on your plan.
Do I need a Microsoft 365 subscription to start a Teams call?
Yes, for most features. But some free versions allow limited calls. Check with your organization or Microsoft’s website for details.
Final Thoughts On Starting A Teams Call
Starting a Teams call is straightforward once you know the options. Whether you use chat, calendar, or the dial pad, each method works for different needs. Test your equipment first, follow basic etiquette, and you’ll be fine.
Remember to check your settings before important calls. Use background blur if needed. And always mute when you’re not speaking. These small steps make a big difference.
Now you know how to start a Teams call in multiple ways. Try each method to see what works best for you. With practice, it becomes second nature. Good luck with your next call.