Can Microsoft Teams Call a Cell Phone??

Microsoft Teams is a popular collaboration platform that not only allows team messaging and video calls but also lets users call traditional cell phones and landlines. This feature is particularly helpful for reaching clients, partners, or friends who do not use Teams, all from the same app you use daily for work. To understand how Teams can call cell phones, it’s important to explore the technology and requirements involved.

In essence, Microsoft Teams uses a technology called Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to connect calls to cell phones and landlines. PSTN is the traditional phone network infrastructure that carries voice calls globally. When you dial a cell phone number from Teams, the platform routes the call through this network, converting digital signals into voice signals compatible with regular phones.

There are specific requirements to enable this functionality:

1. Microsoft Phone System License: Your organization must have an active Microsoft 365 or Office 365 subscription with the Microsoft Teams Phone System add-on. This license enables calling features within Teams.
2. Calling Plan or Direct Routing: You need either a Microsoft Calling Plan, which acts like a phone carrier partnership directly with Microsoft, or a Direct Routing setup, where your organization connects its existing telephony provider to Teams through a Session Border Controller (SBC).
3. Number Assignment: You must have assigned phone numbers. Microsoft can provide you with numbers via the Calling Plan or you can port your existing numbers into the system.
4. Network Configuration: Proper network setup is crucial. You’ll need to ensure that your firewall and network are configured to support voice traffic, including necessary ports and Quality of Service (QoS) settings.

Once these requirements are met, making a call to a cell phone is straightforward. Here’s how:

1. Open Microsoft Teams on your computer or mobile device.
2. Navigate to the Calls tab.
3. Enter the cell phone number you want to dial, including the country code if calling internationally.
4. Press the call button. Teams will route the call through the PSTN network using your chosen setup (Calling Plan or Direct Routing).

It’s important to note that call quality depends heavily on your internet connection and proper network configuration. Also, there might be additional charges based on your calling plan, especially for international calls.

If you face issues, verify your licensing, check your network settings, and ensure that the number is correctly formatted. Microsoft offers support and detailed guides to help troubleshoot common problems with calling cell phones from Teams.

In summary, calling cell phones via Microsoft Teams combines enterprise communication with traditional telephony, enabling seamless connectivity whether you’re working or making personal calls.

Setting Up Calls from Teams to Cell Phones

If you want to make calls from Microsoft Teams to cell phones, you need to configure your account properly. This feature allows you to reach friends, family, or colleagues who use regular mobile phones. Below, you’ll find simple steps to enable and set up this calling capability.

1. Check Your Teams Licensing

First, ensure your Microsoft Teams account has the right licensing. You need at least a Microsoft 365 Business Voice plan or a similar license that includes Phone System and Calling Plan features. If unsure, contact your IT administrator or check your account details in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

2. Assign a Phone Number

Before making calls, you need to have a phone number assigned to your Teams account. If you don’t have one:

• Sign in to the Microsoft Teams Admin Center.
• Navigate to Voice > Phone numbers.
• Click Assign number and choose a suitable area code or location.
• Select the user (your account) and assign the number.

If your organization hasn’t purchased a calling plan, you may need to buy one or use Direct Routing if your system supports it.

3. Configure Call Settings

Next, verify your call settings:

• Open Microsoft Teams app on your desktop or mobile.
• Click your profile picture and select Settings.
• Go to Calls.
• Ensure that your phone number appears correctly under My Phone Number.
• Adjust call forwarding, voicemail, and other preferences as needed.
4. Make a Call to a Cell Phone

Once setup is complete:

• Open Teams and go to the Calls tab.
• Enter the mobile phone number in international format, starting with + and country code, for example +1 for the US.
• Click the call button to start the call.

If you encounter issues, double-check licensing, number assignment, and your internet connection. Sometimes, restarting the Teams app or updating it can resolve connection problems. Remember, depending on your organization’s policies, some features might be limited or require additional permissions from your IT administrator.

With these steps, you can easily set up and make calls from Microsoft Teams to cell phones, expanding your communication options seamlessly.

Costs to Call Cell Phones Using Teams

Making calls from Microsoft Teams to cell phones can involve various costs, depending on your calling plan and billing options. Understanding these costs is important to avoid unexpected charges and choose the best plan for your needs. In this section, we will explore the common billing methods and compare the different options available when calling mobile numbers using Teams.

1. Pay-Per-Use Billing: With this option, you are charged for each call based on the duration and destination. If your organization does not have a calling plan, you will pay standard rates for calling cell phones. These rates can vary depending on the country or region. For example, calling US mobile numbers may cost around $.02 per minute, but international calls could be higher.
2. Calling Plans: Microsoft offers monthly calling plans that bundle a set number of minutes or unlimited calls to mobile phones. These plans can be more cost-effective if you make frequent calls. Plans vary by country, with prices typically ranging from $12 to $30 per user per month. Some plans include unlimited calling to certain regions, which can save money for international communication.
3. Direct Routing: For organizations with complex telephony needs, Direct Routing allows integration with existing phone systems. Costs here depend on your PSTN gateway provider, and billing might include setup fees, usage charges, and subscription costs. This option offers flexibility but requires more setup and management.

When choosing a billing option, consider how often you call cell phones and which regions you call most frequently. If your business makes many mobile calls, investing in an unlimited calling plan may be more economical. Conversely, if calls are infrequent, pay-per-use could save you money.

To avoid surprises, always check the current rates for your country and the regions you call most often. Microsoft’s official documentation provides detailed rate charts for different regions, helping you compare costs accurately. Additionally, some plans may include free or discounted calls to specific countries, so review these options during plan selection.

Keep in mind that some organizations also negotiate custom enterprise agreements with Microsoft or telecom providers. These customized plans can offer lower rates if your calling volume is high, so it might be worth exploring this option with your IT department or service provider.

In summary, calling cell phones using Teams involves choosing between pay-per-use billing, monthly calling plans, or more advanced routing options. Calculate your typical call duration and frequency to select the most cost-effective solution. Regularly review your usage and costs to ensure your chosen plan continues to meet your business needs efficiently.

Troubleshooting Calls to Cell Phones from Teams

If you’re having trouble making calls to cell phones from Microsoft Teams, it’s a common issue that can often be fixed with some simple troubleshooting steps. Calls from Teams to mobile numbers are an essential feature for many businesses and users. When problems occur, it can be frustrating, but with a systematic approach, you can usually identify and resolve the issue quickly.

1. Check your internet connection.
   Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Poor Wi-Fi or mobile data can cause call failures or dropped calls. Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if the issue persists.
2. Verify your Teams calling plan and settings.
   Make sure your organization’s Teams subscription includes calling plans that allow calls to cell phones. Go to your Teams Admin Center or contact your administrator to confirm your plan has the necessary features enabled.
3. Confirm phone number formats.
   When dialing a cell phone, always include the country code and area code—e.g., +1 for the US. Incorrectly formatted numbers may not connect.
4. Update Teams app and device software.
   Outdated apps or device firmware can cause call issues. Ensure you have the latest version of Microsoft Teams installed. Check for updates in your app store or settings.
5. Check for server or service outages.
   Sometimes, Microsoft experiences outages that affect calling features. Visit the Microsoft 365 Service Health Dashboard or check social media channels for updates. Wait until the service is restored before trying again.
6. Review call permissions and firewall settings.
   Ensure that your device or network firewall isn’t blocking Teams. Sometimes, security software blocks necessary ports or features. Adjust settings to allow Teams traffic.
7. Test with different numbers or devices.
   Try calling different cell phones or use another device to see if the issue is specific to a number or hardware. If one device works but another doesn’t, focus troubleshooting on the problematic device.
8. Contact your IT support or Microsoft support.
   If none of these steps work, reach out to your organization’s IT team or Microsoft support. They can check for account issues or provide advanced troubleshooting.

Common Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Calls not connecting	Incorrect number format or missing dialing codes	Ensure phone numbers include country and area codes properly
No audio during calls	Device or microphone permissions	Check app permissions and test microphone hardware
Call drops frequently	Unstable internet connection	Switch networks or improve Wi-Fi strength

By following these troubleshooting tips, most issues with calling cell phones from Teams can be resolved quickly. Always ensure your software is up to date and check your organization’s calling plan. If problems continue, support from your IT team or Microsoft is available to help resolve more complex issues.

Features and Limitations of Teams Calling Cell Phones

Microsoft Teams allows users to make calls directly to cell phones, providing a convenient way to stay connected beyond your organization’s network. When calling cell phones through Teams, you can enjoy features like making and receiving calls from anywhere, so long as you have an internet connection or service. This makes it easier for remote workers, field teams, or anyone who needs to reach out to clients or colleagues outside the organization.

One of the key features is the ability to dial any number, whether it is a mobile or landline, using the Teams app. You can also save frequently dialed numbers for quick access, and in some cases, use contact information stored in Outlook or other connected apps. When paired with a Teams phone system license, calls to cell phones are handled seamlessly, and call forwarding, voicemail, and call transfer features remain available.

However, while Teams offers many benefits, there are also some limitations users should be aware of. For example, calling mobile phones typically incurs additional charges, as these are billed based on your calling plan with Microsoft or your service provider. International calls may have higher rates or limited availability, depending on your country or region.

Another common restriction is that some features available for internal Teams calls may not work when calling cell phones. For example, options like screen sharing, video calling, or conference calls may be limited or not supported when dialing outside your organization’s network. Also, the call quality depends on your internet connection strength and the recipient’s network, which can sometimes lead to dropped calls or poor audio quality.

It is also important to note that not all countries or regions support calling cell phones via Teams, especially if your organization does not have the necessary licensing or if local regulations restrict VoIP calls. Users should check with their IT department or service provider to confirm availability before relying heavily on this feature.

To troubleshoot any problems with calling cell phones through Teams, consider common issues like verifying your calling plan, checking your internet connection, or ensuring the contact number is entered correctly. Make sure your Teams app is up to date, and review any call restrictions set by your organization’s policies. If you experience consistently poor call quality, try switching to a wired connection or move to an area with better network coverage.

In summary, Teams calling cell phones offers great flexibility and convenience. Still, it has limitations such as potential extra charges, restricted features when calling outside the organization, and dependency on good network connectivity. Understanding these features and restrictions helps you make the most of this capability and avoid surprises when making external calls.

FAQs About Calling Cell Phones from Teams

Many users wonder how to make calls to cell phones directly from Microsoft Teams. Whether you’re new to Teams or managing its calling features, understanding how to call cell phones can improve your communication experience. Here are some common questions and practical answers to help you get started and troubleshoot issues related to calling cell phones from Teams.

Can I call any cell phone number using Microsoft Teams?

Yes, you can call most cell phone numbers from Microsoft Teams if your organization has the appropriate calling plan. Teams integrates with your Office 365 account and requires a calling plan or a Direct Routing setup. Keep in mind that some regions or carriers may have restrictions or additional charges. To ensure seamless calling, check with your IT administrator if your account is enabled for outbound calls to mobile numbers.

How do I make a call to a cell phone from Teams?

1. Open the Microsoft Teams app on your computer or mobile device.
2. Navigate to the Calls tab or use the search bar to find a contact.
3. Enter the cell phone number manually if it isn’t saved as a contact. Include the country code, like +1 for the US.
4. Click or tap the phone icon to initiate the call.

If your organization has a dial pad feature, you can also dial numbers directly using the keypad within Teams. Make sure to include the full international format for accurate dialing.

What should I do if I cannot call a cell phone from Teams?

• Verify your calling plan: Check with your IT department to see if your account is enabled for outbound calls to mobile and landline numbers.
• Check the number format: Ensure you are dialing the correct country code and phone number format.
• Update Teams: Make sure you are using the latest version of Microsoft Teams, as updates often include bug fixes.
• Network issues: Confirm your device has a stable internet connection. Poor connectivity can prevent calls from going through.
• Permissions: On mobile devices, ensure Teams has the necessary permissions to access the microphone and make calls.

If these steps don’t resolve the problem, contact your IT support team for further assistance. They can verify your license and configuration settings.

Are there any costs associated with calling cell phones from Teams?

Typically, yes. Calling external mobile numbers usually incurs charges based on your organization’s calling plan or third-party billing agreements. Some organizations include unlimited calling to certain regions, while others charge per minute. Always review your plan details or consult with your administrator to understand potential costs before making calls to cell phones.

Can I receive calls from cell phones on Teams?

Absolutely. If your Teams account has phone system licenses and inbound calling enabled, you can receive calls from anyone dialing your Teams number, including cell phones. Ensure your Teams app is online and notifications are enabled to answer incoming calls promptly.

What features are available when calling cell phones from Teams?

• VoIP calls: Use high-quality voice over internet protocol calls to cell phones.
• Call forwarding: Redirect calls to other numbers or devices if you’re unavailable.
• Voicemail: Set up voicemail for missed calls from cell phones.
• Call recordings (if enabled): Record important calls for future reference.

Remember, features like video calling are generally limited to Teams-to-Teams calls. Calls to cell phones are primarily voice-only unless your organization has specific integrations.

Tips to Improve Call Quality on Teams to Cell Phones

If you often experience poor call quality when using Microsoft Teams to call cell phones, you’re not alone. Issues like dropped calls, echo, or choppy audio can be frustrating. Luckily, there are practical steps you can take to enhance your call experience and ensure smoother communication.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

   High-quality calls depend heavily on a stable internet connection. Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible, as it tends to be more reliable than Wi-Fi. If you’re on Wi-Fi, ensure your signal is strong and not congested. You can do a speed test using services like Speedtest.net to verify your upload and download speeds. For best results, aim for at least 5 Mbps upload and download speeds during calls.

2. Close Background Apps and Devices

   Other applications consuming bandwidth or processing power can interfere with call quality. Close any unnecessary programs on your computer or mobile device before initiating a Teams call. Also, disconnect other devices sharing your network, like smart home gadgets or streaming devices, which might be hogging bandwidth.

3. Optimize Your Audio Devices

   Using high-quality headphones or microphones can make a big difference. Built-in laptop microphones may pick up more background noise, reducing clarity. Test your headset or microphone with other apps to ensure they work well. Adjust microphone volume settings in Teams by going to your device settings and selecting the best audio input device.

4. Adjust Teams Settings

   Microsoft Teams has settings to improve call quality. In the app, navigate to Settings > Devices. From there, select the best audio device and enable “Noise Suppression” to minimize background noise. Turning on “High fidelity music mode” isn’t necessary for calls but can improve audio clarity if supported. Also, consider turning off “Use experimental features” in Teams to avoid glitches.

5. Limit Other Network Usage During Calls

   If multiple people in your household stream videos or download large files while you’re on a call, the bandwidth gets divided. Schedule high-bandwidth activities outside of your Teams call times, or ask household members to pause downloads during important calls. Consider setting your device to prioritize Teams traffic if your router supports Quality of Service (QoS) settings.

6. Update Teams and Device Drivers

   Keeping your Teams app and device drivers current ensures you have the latest bug fixes and performance improvements. Check for updates in Teams under Settings > About > Check for updates. Update your sound and network drivers through your operating system’s device manager or manufacturer website for optimal performance.

7. Test Before Important Calls

   Use Teams’ built-in testing features to check your microphone and speaker setup beforehand. Make a test call to a colleague or a test number and listen for quality. This can help you identify problems early and adjust your setup fast.

These tips are designed to help you enjoy clearer, more reliable calls when using Teams to call cell phones. Addressing common issues like bandwidth, device setup, and software updates significantly improves communication quality. Keep experimenting with these steps to find what works best for your environment.