Microsoft to Remove SMS Feature from Teams

In a surprising move, Microsoft has announced that starting April 2025, users will no longer be able to view or respond to SMS text messages directly from their Android devices within Microsoft Teams.

While this may come as a shock to many, the tech giant is steering users toward its dedicated Phone Link app, which promises similar SMS syncing features and more. If you're among those who have relied on Teams for SMS, brace yourself for a transition as you will need to switch to Phone Link instead.

A Step Back for Teams?

Despite Microsoft Teams being viewed as a powerhouse in the realm of collaboration tools, this change raises eyebrows, especially with the recent news of Skype's closure effective May 5. As Teams aims to capture a wider audience, one might expect enhancement and expansion of functionalities. However, this latest adjustment is indicative of the opposite, signaling a contraction in SMS capabilities that some users might not even have noticed until now.

What Does This Mean for Users?

The 'Link your phone' feature in Microsoft Teams has allowed users to sync their Android devices, enabling SMS and contact visibility directly in the Chats section. Users enjoyed the convenience of reading and responding to messages without needing to pick up their phones. This feature was particularly useful on Windows 11 PCs and Android devices running version 7.0 and above, requiring the Link to Windows app available on the Play Store. However, come April 2025, those who enrich their productivity through this unique integration will need to adapt to a new routine.

According to a Microsoft support announcement, users trying to access SMS functionalities in Teams will be met with an alert about the discontinuation, steering them toward the Phone Link app—a solution that Microsoft is clearly promoting as the way forward.

The Bright Side: What Phone Link Offers

For those who may be unaware, Phone Link (previously known as Your Phone) is a built-in application on all Windows 11 PCs that allows seamless interactions between your smartphone and computer. With Phone Link, you won’t just replicate the capabilities you once had in Teams; you can actually enhance your SMS experience.

Once connected, users can read and respond to texts directly in the Messages section of Phone Link, initiate conversations from their PC, and even make calls through their smartphones—adding a layer of convenience that can streamline daily communications. It's worth exploring these features if you haven't done so already.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been utilizing Microsoft Teams for your SMS communication, mark your calendars for April 2025 and start considering the switch to Phone Link. While it may feel like a loss, Microsoft appears to be consolidating its features into a more comprehensive app that aims to serve you better. Keep an eye out for updates and start familiarizing yourself with Phone Link before the change takes effect—your productivity may just depend on it!