How To Make A Call On Teams

Placing a call in Microsoft Teams starts by clicking the Calls icon in the left sidebar. This guide will show you exactly how to make a call on teams, whether you are using a desktop, mobile, or web version. We cover every method step by step, so you can start calling colleagues, clients, or external contacts right away.

Microsoft Teams has become a central hub for communication in many workplaces. Knowing how to place calls efficiently saves time and reduces frustration. Let’s jump into the details.

Getting Started With The Calls Icon

Before you make any call, you need to locate the Calls feature. It is usually pinned on the left sidebar. If you do not see it, you might need to add it manually.

Open Microsoft Teams on your desktop or web browser.
Look at the vertical bar on the left side of the screen.
Click the icon that looks like a telephone receiver. It is labeled “Calls.”

Once you click it, you will see your call history, speed dial, and a dial pad. This is your command center for all voice and video calls.

Now, let’s walk through the most common ways to start a call. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your device, but the core process is the same.

Calling A Contact From Your Chat List

This is the fastest method if you are already chatting with someone.

Open the chat with the person you want to call.
Look at the top right corner of the chat window.
Click the phone icon (audio call) or the camera icon (video call).
Teams will ring the contact. Wait for them to answer.

You can also right-click on a person’s name in your chat list. A menu will appear with options to call or video call them. This works in the desktop and web apps.

Using The Dial Pad

The dial pad is useful for calling phone numbers, not just Teams contacts.

Click the Calls icon on the left sidebar.
In the Calls window, click the “Dial a number” field at the top.
Type the full phone number, including the country code if needed.
Press the call button (green handset icon).

Teams will connect you through your organization’s phone system. You might need a calling plan or a direct routing setup to call external numbers.

Calling From A Group Chat Or Channel

You can call multiple people at once from a group chat or a channel.

Open the group chat or channel.
Click the “Meet” button (camera icon) in the top right.
Choose “Call” to start an audio call, or “Video call” for video.
All members of the group will be invited. They can join or decline.

This is great for quick team syncs or stand-up meetings. You do not need to schedule anything in advance.

Making Calls On Mobile Devices

The Teams mobile app for iOS and Android works similarly. Here is how to make a call on your phone or tablet.

Using The Calls Tab On Mobile

Open the Teams app on your phone.
Tap the “Calls” tab at the bottom of the screen.
You will see your recent calls and a dial pad icon.
Tap the dial pad icon to enter a number.
Tap the green call button to start the call.

You can also tap a contact’s name from your recent calls list to call them again. The mobile app supports both Wi-Fi and cellular calling.

Calling From A Chat On Mobile

Just like on desktop, you can call from a chat.

Open the chat with the person or group.
Tap the phone or video icon at the top of the screen.
The call will start immediately. You can switch to speakerphone or use headphones.

Mobile calls use your device’s microphone and speaker. Make sure your volume is turned up and you are in a quiet place.

Advanced Calling Features

Once you know the basics, you can use more advanced options to improve your calling experience.

Call Forwarding And Simultaneous Ringing

You can set up Teams to ring your mobile phone at the same time as your desktop.

Click your profile picture at the top right of Teams.
Select “Settings” then “Calls.”
Under “Call answering rules,” choose “Forward my calls.”
Enter your mobile number or choose a contact.
You can also enable “Simultaneously ring” to ring multiple devices.

This ensures you never miss an important call, even if you are away from your computer.

Using Voicemail

If you miss a call, Teams can take a voicemail. You can set up a greeting and check messages.

Go to Settings > Calls > Voicemail.
Record a custom greeting or use the default.
Your voicemails will appear in the Calls tab under “Voicemail.”
You can listen to them directly in Teams or have them sent to your email.

Voicemail transcription is available in many languages. This helps you read messages quickly without listening to audio.

Recording A Call

You can record calls for later reference. This is useful for training or keeping records.

During a call, click the “More actions” button (three dots).
Select “Start recording.”
All participants will be notified that the call is being recorded.
When the call ends, the recording is saved to Microsoft Stream or OneDrive.

Check your organization’s policy on recording calls. Always get consent from participants if required.

Troubleshooting Common Call Issues

Sometimes calls do not work as expected. Here are solutions to common problems.

No Sound Or Microphone Not Working

First, check your device settings.

Make sure your microphone is not muted. Look for the mute icon in the call window.
Check your system sound settings. Teams might be using the wrong audio device.
In Teams, go to Settings > Devices. Select the correct speaker and microphone.
Test your audio by making a test call. Click your profile picture, then “Settings” > “Devices” > “Make a test call.”

If the test call works, the issue is likely with the other person’s device.

Call Drops Or Poor Quality

Poor network connection is the most common cause.

Close other apps that use bandwidth, like streaming services or large downloads.
Switch from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection if possible.
Move closer to your Wi-Fi router.
Restart the Teams app or your computer.

You can also check your network status in Teams. Look for a red or yellow indicator near your profile picture.

Cannot Call External Numbers

If the dial pad is missing or calls to external numbers fail, your organization might not have a calling plan.

Contact your IT admin. They can enable calling features.
Check if you have a “Calling Plan” or “Direct Routing” license.
Some organizations only allow internal Teams-to-Teams calls.

You can still call other Teams users for free, even if they are in a different company.

Tips For Better Calls

Small changes can make a big difference in call quality and professionalism.

Use a headset with a microphone instead of your computer’s built-in mic.
Find a quiet room. Background noise is distracting.
Look at the camera during video calls to simulate eye contact.
Mute yourself when you are not speaking to reduce background noise.
Test your audio before important calls.

These tips apply to any calling platform, not just Teams.

Integrating Calls With Other Teams Features

Teams calls are not isolated. They work with chats, files, and meetings.

Sharing Your Screen During A Call

You can share your screen to show documents or presentations.

During a call, click the “Share” button (monitor icon).
Choose to share your entire screen, a window, or a PowerPoint file.
Participants will see your screen in real time.
To stop sharing, click “Stop sharing” at the top of the screen.

Screen sharing is available in both audio and video calls.

Adding People To An Ongoing Call

You can bring more people into a call that has already started.

Click the “Show participants” button (two people icon).
Click “Invite someone” or “Add people.”
Type the name or number of the person you want to add.
They will receive a notification and can join the call.

This is helpful when you realize you need input from someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make A Call On Teams Without A Phone Number?

Yes, you can call any other Teams user by searching their name in the dial pad or chat. You do not need a phone number for internal calls.

How Do I Call Someone Outside My Organization On Teams?

You need to use the dial pad and enter their full phone number. Your organization must have a calling plan or direct routing enabled. Alternatively, you can send them a meeting link for a video call.

Why Is My Teams Call Not Ringing?

Check your notification settings. You might have Do Not Disturb mode enabled. Also, ensure your device volume is up and Teams is not minimized or closed.

Can I Make Emergency Calls On Teams?

Teams is not designed for emergency calls. Always use a traditional phone line for emergencies. Some organizations configure Teams for emergency services, but it is not guaranteed.

How Do I Transfer A Call On Teams?

During a call, click the “More actions” button and select “Transfer.” Choose to transfer to another person or to a number. You can consult with the person first or transfer blindly.

Final Thoughts On Calling In Teams

Now you know how to make a call on teams using multiple methods. Start with the Calls icon, explore the dial pad, and use chat shortcuts for speed. Remember to check your audio settings and network connection for the best experience.

Practice these steps a few times. You will soon find that calling in Teams is intuitive and efficient. Whether you are working from home or in an office, these skills will help you stay connected with your team.

If you run into issues, refer back to the troubleshooting section or ask your IT support. Teams is constantly updating, so keep an eye out for new features that can improve your calling experience.