Upcoming Changes To Microsoft Teams' Messaging Feature

As Microsoft transitions away from Skype, it is urging users to embrace Microsoft Teams. However, noteworthy changes are ahead: Beginning in April 2025, Teams will cease to support SMS text messaging functionalities.

Currently, the app allows users to connect their Android phones to Microsoft Teams, enabling them to send and receive SMS messages. Once set up, these messages appear in the Chats section under Recent.

According to a Microsoft support document, the support for SMS messaging will officially end in April 2025. It states, Important: Starting April 2025, sending and receiving SMS messages from your Android device will no longer be supported in Teams. To continue using this feature on Windows, please use Phone Link. Learn more here.

The reasoning behind this removal has not been officially explained by Microsoft. However, it seems that many users have preferred alternatives like Phone Link for text messaging instead of integrating SMS functionality directly through Teams.

How can I send SMS text messages from a PC?

Microsoft’s Phone Link app allows you to send and receive text messages while on a Windows PC. (Image credit: Windows Central)

Despite the removal of SMS functionality in Teams, users can still send and receive text messages on their Windows PCs through the Phone Link app. This feature, which was previously known as Your Phone, allows users to synchronize SMS, photos, and various content between their smartphone and computer.

The availability of features in Phone Link often depends on the type of phone being used. For Samsung Galaxy users, the integration is quite robust, while certain models from OnePlus also provide a good experience. Other Android devices offer decent options for syncing, but users with iPhones may face more limitations. Still, iPhone users can manage calls and texts using Phone Link.

Phone Link has made a positive impression on users since its introduction, with past comments emphasizing it as one of the most valuable Windows features in recent years. If SMS messaging and calls are important for you, Phone Link is an excellent option. For those who prefer messaging through platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram, Phone Link may not be as beneficial.