Microsoft Teams to End SMS Messaging Feature Support for Android Phones and Switch to Phone Link App as Alternative

Microsoft Teams will soon no longer allow users to send and receive SMS messages from within the app on their Android phones. In April 2025, this change will come into effect. As an alternative, Microsoft recommends customers to use the Phone Link app.

The software giant Microsoft announced in a support article that Microsoft Teams will stop supporting sending and receiving SMS from Android devices as of April 2025. For SMS messaging, this change encourages customers to use the Phone Link app instead.

You will be notified of the change with an alert if you try to send an SMS using Teams. One of the less well-known features—you might not even be aware that it exists—is SMS, which Microsoft plans to discontinue from Teams shortly. Sending texts and viewing SMS messages under Recent are still possible for the time being, however, they will shortly be discontinued. You can now manage your text messages without switching to another app, thanks to the “Link your phone” feature, which saves you time and effort.

Currently, Android SMS messages can be synced to the Recent Chats section of Microsoft Teams. By using this function, users may view and reply to text messages directly from their Windows 11 computer, doing away with the need to pick up their phone. As per Windows Latest, the “Link your phone” feature works without the need for the Phone Link app.

Users must have a Windows 11 PC and an Android phone running 7.0 or later to take advantage of this option. By scanning a QR code created in the Teams settings, users can connect their phone to Teams after downloading the “Link to Windows” app from the Play Store. Once connected, Teams chats and SMS messages show up together, allowing users to manage everything in one place.

Microsoft has begun displaying alerts in Teams stating that SMS integration support will terminate in April 2025. The company has confirmed this move in a statement and suggests that consumers use the Phone Link app instead. Users of Windows PCs may already view and reply to SMS messages using the Phone Link app.

Given that Skype will soon be closing down, some users may choose Microsoft Teams instead, which could increase Teams’ user base. However, the requirement to use the Phone Link app to do tasks that were previously possible on Teams will now be presented to new users. Any Android device with version 7.0 or higher and a Windows 11 PC can both use the feature. The Link to Windows app is also required, though it ought to be preinstalled on your Android device if it is 9.0 or later.

Read more: How to Switch Between Microsoft Teams and Skype, How To Export Messages, Files, and Contacts from Skype Before It Shutting Down

Because the Phone Link app is useful, it’s not too horrible. Among other things, you can see your photos and the battery level of your phone. Although using a different app might seem cumbersome, switching to Phone Link might be advantageous.

Microsoft Teams: How can I Use a PC to Send SMS Text Messages?

On a Windows PC, users will still be able to send and receive text messages, but Microsoft Teams will soon no longer be able to connect to an Android mobile. Instead, they’ll have to use Phone Link.

Previously known as Your Phone, Phone Link has been in business for many years. Syncing text messages, images, and other files between your phone and computer is made possible by this feature.

Which phone model you choose will determine which features are available to you. For optimal performance, a Samsung Galaxy phone is required.

Additionally, some OnePlus phones have deep Phone Link integration.

There are still several alternatives available for synchronizing content between your phone and PC on other Android devices. Although the features available to iPhone users are the most limited, Phone Link nevertheless allows users to make and receive calls as well as respond to SMS.

Managing Editor Jez Corden declared in 2022 that Phone Link was the greatest new Windows feature of the previous decade.

Phone Link is a great tool if you rely on phone calls and SMS messages.