Microsoft Teams has revolutionized the way we communicate and collaborate in the workplace. With its robust features and seamless integration with other Microsoft tools, it’s no wonder that Teams has become the go-to platform for remote meetings and team calls. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to make a Microsoft Teams call, exploring the different methods, features, and best practices to help you get the most out of this powerful tool.
Getting Started with Microsoft Teams
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of making a Teams call, let’s cover the basics. If you’re new to Microsoft Teams, here’s a quick rundown of what you need to get started:
- A Microsoft Teams account (either as part of your organization’s Microsoft 365 subscription or as a free user)
- The Microsoft Teams app installed on your device (desktop, laptop, mobile, or tablet)
- A stable internet connection
- A headset or speakers (optional but recommended for better audio quality)
Downloading and Installing Microsoft Teams
If you haven’t already, download and install the Microsoft Teams app on your device. You can find the app on the Microsoft website or in your device’s app store. Follow the installation prompts to get Teams up and running.
Signing In to Microsoft Teams
Once you’ve installed Teams, sign in with your Microsoft account credentials. If you’re part of an organization, you may need to use your work email address and password. If you’re a free user, you can sign in with your personal Microsoft account.
Making a Microsoft Teams Call
Now that you’re all set up, let’s explore the different ways to make a Microsoft Teams call.
Method 1: Calling a Contact
To call a contact in Microsoft Teams, follow these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Teams app and navigate to the “Calls” tab.
- Click on the “Contacts” tab and search for the person you want to call.
- Click on their name to open their contact card.
- Click the “Call” button to initiate the call.
Method 2: Calling a Group
To call a group in Microsoft Teams, follow these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Teams app and navigate to the “Calls” tab.
- Click on the “Groups” tab and select the group you want to call.
- Click the “Call” button to initiate the call.
Method 3: Scheduling a Meeting
To schedule a meeting in Microsoft Teams, follow these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Teams app and navigate to the “Meetings” tab.
- Click on the “New Meeting” button.
- Enter the meeting details, including the date, time, and attendees.
- Click the “Send” button to send the meeting invite.
Method 4: Using the Meet Now Feature
To use the Meet Now feature in Microsoft Teams, follow these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Teams app and navigate to the “Meetings” tab.
- Click on the “Meet Now” button.
- Choose the type of meeting you want to have (e.g., video, audio, or screen sharing).
- Click the “Start Meeting” button to initiate the meeting.
Microsoft Teams Call Features
Microsoft Teams offers a range of features to enhance your calling experience. Here are some of the most notable features:
Video Calling
Microsoft Teams allows you to make video calls with up to 250 participants. To enable video calling, simply click the “Video” button during a call.
Screen Sharing
Screen sharing is a powerful feature in Microsoft Teams that allows you to share your screen with others during a call. To share your screen, click the “Share” button and select the screen you want to share.
Recording Calls
Microsoft Teams allows you to record calls for later reference. To record a call, click the “Record” button during the call. The recording will be saved to your Microsoft Stream account.
Transcription
Microsoft Teams offers automatic transcription for calls, which can be helpful for note-taking or referencing later. To enable transcription, click the “Transcribe” button during the call.
Best Practices for Microsoft Teams Calls
To get the most out of Microsoft Teams calls, follow these best practices:
Use a Headset or Speakers
Using a headset or speakers can significantly improve audio quality during calls. Invest in a good quality headset or speakers to ensure clear and crisp audio.
Choose a Quiet Space
Background noise can be distracting and disrupt the call. Choose a quiet space for your calls to ensure minimal distractions.
Use Video Calling
Video calling can add a personal touch to your calls and help build relationships. Use video calling whenever possible to enhance your communication.
Test Your Audio and Video
Before making a call, test your audio and video to ensure everything is working properly. This can save you from embarrassing moments during the call.
Common Issues with Microsoft Teams Calls
Like any technology, Microsoft Teams calls can sometimes experience issues. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
Audio or Video Delays
Audio or video delays can be frustrating during calls. To resolve this issue, try restarting the call or checking your internet connection.
Connection Issues
Connection issues can cause calls to drop or fail to connect. To resolve this issue, try restarting the call or checking your internet connection.
Audio or Video Quality Issues
Poor audio or video quality can disrupt the call. To resolve this issue, try using a headset or speakers, or adjusting your camera settings.
Conclusion
Microsoft Teams calls offer a powerful way to communicate and collaborate with your team. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can master the art of making a Microsoft Teams call and take your communication to the next level. Remember to use the features and best practices outlined in this article to enhance your calling experience. Happy calling!
What are the system requirements for making a call on Microsoft Teams?
To make a call on Microsoft Teams, you’ll need a few basic system requirements. First, ensure you have a stable internet connection with a minimum upload and download speed of 1.5 Mbps for peer-to-peer calls and 2 Mbps for group calls. Additionally, you’ll need a compatible operating system, such as Windows 10 or macOS High Sierra (or later), and a supported web browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
It’s also essential to have a compatible audio device, such as a headset or speakers, and a webcam if you want to make video calls. Microsoft Teams is also available on mobile devices, so you can make calls on-the-go using the Teams app for Android or iOS. Make sure your device meets the minimum system requirements for the Teams app to function smoothly.
How do I make a call on Microsoft Teams using the desktop app?
To make a call on Microsoft Teams using the desktop app, start by opening the app and signing in with your Microsoft account. Once you’re logged in, navigate to the “Calls” tab on the left-hand side of the screen. From there, you can search for the person you want to call by typing their name in the search bar. If the person is online and available, you’ll see a “Call” button next to their name.
Click the “Call” button to initiate the call. You can choose to make a voice or video call, depending on your preference. If the person answers, you’ll be connected, and you can start talking. You can also use the dial pad to enter a phone number and make a call to someone outside of your organization. During the call, you can use the controls at the bottom of the screen to mute your microphone, turn off your camera, or end the call.
Can I make a call on Microsoft Teams using the web app?
Yes, you can make a call on Microsoft Teams using the web app. To do so, go to the Microsoft Teams website and sign in with your Microsoft account. Once you’re logged in, navigate to the “Calls” tab and search for the person you want to call. If the person is online and available, you’ll see a “Call” button next to their name.
Click the “Call” button to initiate the call. The web app will prompt you to allow access to your microphone and camera. Once you’ve granted permission, the call will connect, and you can start talking. Keep in mind that the web app may have some limitations compared to the desktop app, but it’s a convenient option if you don’t have the desktop app installed or prefer to use a web browser.
How do I answer a call on Microsoft Teams?
When someone calls you on Microsoft Teams, you’ll receive a notification on your screen. To answer the call, simply click the “Answer” button. If you’re using the desktop app, you can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + A (Windows) or Command + Shift + A (Mac) to answer the call.
Once you’ve answered the call, you’ll be connected to the caller, and you can start talking. You can use the controls at the bottom of the screen to mute your microphone, turn off your camera, or end the call. If you’re not available to answer the call, you can also choose to decline the call or send a message to the caller.
Can I make a group call on Microsoft Teams?
Yes, you can make a group call on Microsoft Teams. To do so, start by creating a new meeting or opening an existing one. Click the “Meetings” tab on the left-hand side of the screen and then click the “New meeting” button. Enter the names of the people you want to invite to the call and choose a time and date for the call.
Once you’ve created the meeting, you can start the call by clicking the “Join” button. The other participants will receive a notification to join the call, and once they’ve joined, you can start talking. You can also use the “Meet now” feature to start an impromptu group call. Simply click the “Meet now” button, and you can start talking to the other participants.
How do I transfer a call on Microsoft Teams?
To transfer a call on Microsoft Teams, start by clicking the “More actions” button (represented by three dots) at the bottom of the screen during the call. From the menu, select “Transfer.” You can then search for the person you want to transfer the call to and select their name.
Once you’ve selected the person, you can choose to transfer the call immediately or consult with the person before transferring the call. If you choose to consult, you’ll be connected to the person in a private conversation, and you can discuss the call before transferring it. Once you’ve transferred the call, you’ll be disconnected, and the other two parties will be connected.
How do I record a call on Microsoft Teams?
To record a call on Microsoft Teams, start by clicking the “More actions” button (represented by three dots) at the bottom of the screen during the call. From the menu, select “Start recording.” The call will then be recorded, and you’ll see a notification on the screen indicating that the call is being recorded.
Once you’ve finished the call, the recording will be saved to Microsoft Stream, where you can access it later. You can also share the recording with others or download it to your computer. Keep in mind that call recording may be subject to your organization’s policies and regulations, so be sure to check with your administrator before recording a call.