How to start a Microsoft Teams call
Microsoft Teams is known for video conferencing, among other things but it also has a neat call feature. If you’ve bought the right kind of license for Microsoft Teams, you can use it to set up a sophisticated VoIP system that connects with proper VoIP phonesets.
The call feature doesn’t always have to be associated with a phone number. It can be used to simply call another team member.
Microsoft Teams call
A Microsoft Teams call is basically any other online call that can be made with the app. The only difference is that by default, the video is turned off and the call is made purely as an audio call. You can, at any time, choose to turn video on and likewise, the person on the other end can also turn video on. Once a call has connected, users can even share their screen if they’re on a desktop.
1. Start Microsoft Teams call
Starting a Microsoft Teams call is easy and there are two different ways to make one.
Call Tab
You can start a Microsoft Teams call from the dedicated calls tab.
- Open Microsoft Teams.
- Select the Calls tab from the column on the left.
- Click Make a call.
- Select a contact from the speed dial or search for a contact.
- Click the little call/phone button next to a contact to start the call.
Chat thread
A Microsoft Teams call can also be started from a chat thread. You must of course have an active chat thread with the person you’re trying to call which is what makes this method somewhat inconvenient.
- Open Microsoft Teams.
- Select the Chat tab in the column on the left.
- Select a chat thread.
- Click the call button at the top right to start a call.
Microsoft Teams call – Mobile apps
A Microsoft Teams call can be initiated from the mobile apps as well.
Method 1
- Open the Microsoft Teams app on your phone.
- Go to the Chat tab.
- Select a chat thread.
- Tap the call/phone button to start a call.
Method 2
- Open Microsoft Teams on your phone.
- Tap the more options (three dots) button on the tabs panel at the bottom.
- Select the Calls app.
- Tap the call button at the top right.
- Search for a contact to call.
- Tap the call button next to a contact to start the call.
Conclusion
Microsoft Teams calls can easily be turned into video calls. The presence of a dedicated button to make an audio cal allows users to make one more easily. Instead of having to choose to turn the camera on or off, users have audio enabled and video turned off when they click the call button. A log is maintained of all calls that were made and missed.
