Can I send SMS using Microsoft Teams?
- ChaitanyaB
- Sep 1, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
In today’s remote work environment, seamless communication tools are essential. Microsoft Teams is a popular platform for internal collaboration, but can it handle SMS messaging?
Microsoft Teams has become a cornerstone of remote work, providing a unified platform for team collaboration. As businesses seek to streamline all forms of communication, the ability to send and receive SMS through Microsoft Teams is increasingly valuable.
Let’s dive into how texting in Microsoft Teams functions, why it’s beneficial for your business, compare it with traditional SMS texting, and explain how you can enable a better SMS experience through third-party integrations like Falkon SMS.
Table of contents
Can Microsoft Teams Send SMS?
Yes, Microsoft Teams can send SMS, but only in a very limited way. Microsoft recently introduced SMS functionality, but it's only available for users with Microsoft Calling Plan numbers. It does not support Direct Routing or Operator Connect numbers, and lacks key business texting features.
To unlock a full-featured SMS experience in Microsoft Teams, businesses turn to third-party integrations like Falkon SMS.
Limitations of Native SMS in Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams now offers built-in SMS functionality. You can send SMS messages directly from Teams, but there are several drawbacks:
Limited to Calling Plans - Only works if you have a Microsoft Calling Plan number.
No MMS Support - You can't send or receive images, videos, or files.
No Automation - No support for scheduled messages or auto-replies.
No CRM Integrations - Doesn’t integrate with your business tools.
Recipient Friction - Recipients may be asked to join Teams to respond.
For most companies, this basic SMS capability doesn’t meet modern communication needs.
Why Falkon SMS Is a Better Option for MS Teams Texting
Falkon SMS enables two-way SMS and MMS communication directly inside Microsoft Teams. No matter what type of number you use. With a native-like Teams SMS integration, Falkon SMS offers:
MMS support (images, files, videos)
Automated replies and scheduled messages
CRM and business app integrations
Bulk and broadcast texting
Use of existing Teams number or provision of a new one
Zero friction for recipients (no app install required)
How to Enable SMS for Microsoft Teams Number with Falkon SMS
1) Text-Enable Any Business Number
With Falkon SMS, text-enabling a number for Microsoft Teams is straightforward, whether it’s a business landline, toll-free number, or VoIP number. Falkon SMS can set up text messaging for any of these numbers quickly and easily.
Just book a meeting, register with Falkon SMS, complete a simple Letter of Authorization (only if the number is from another provider), and start texting. It’s that simple!
This streamlined setup centralizes communication, improves workflow, and allows you to maintain a unified platform without needing multiple channels.
2) Text-Enable a Microsoft Teams Calling Plan Number
For businesses using a Microsoft Teams Calling Plan, Falkon SMS enables SMS by porting the number to Falkon VoIP Direct Routing. Other VoIP numbers don’t require porting. Here’s the porting process:
Fill out the VoIP Onboarding or Porting Form: Start by submitting this form to initiate the porting process.
Sync Numbers: You can choose one of two options to sync your numbers:
Provide Global Admin Access to Falkon: Either share existing credentials or create a dummy user with Global Admin access and provide these credentials to Falkon.
Run PowerShell Commands with Your IT Team: Your team can execute the necessary PowerShell commands to complete the sync.
Get Registered with Falkon SMS: Complete the Falkon SMS registration.
Start Texting: Once registered, your Teams number can handle both voice and SMS communication.
This setup allows seamless SMS integration within Microsoft Teams, eliminating the need for separate communication lines.
Watch this video to learn How to Port Your MS Teams Number to Falkon VoIP Direct Routing
MS Teams SMS Feature Comparison
Feature | Microsoft Teams Native | Falkon SMS Integration |
Two-Way Messaging | ✅ Limited | ✅ Full Support |
MMS Support (Images, Videos, Files) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Automation & Scheduled Messages | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
CRM & Business Integrations | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Bulk Messaging | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Works with Direct Routing / VoIP? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Key Takeaway: While Microsoft Teams now offers SMS, it lacks the premium features businesses need. Falkon SMS provides a complete solution for business texting within Teams.
Business Use Cases for Microsoft Teams Texting
MS Teams SMS can be a game-changer across industries. Here’s how businesses are using it:
Send updates & alerts to customers
Field service scheduling
Appointment reminders for healthcare providers
Client updates for law firms
Customer support via text
Remote employee communication
Training and onboarding
Sales follow-ups and promotions.
and many more...
Benefits of Text-Enabling Your Teams Number
Though MS Teams is preferred for business communications, it has yet to gain popularity as a personal communication platform. So, you cannot expect everyone to have MS Teams on their phone or PC!
Integrating SMS with Microsoft Teams offers several advantages:
01. Streamlined Communication
By incorporating SMS, you streamline your communication channels within Microsoft Teams. This consolidation ensures that important messages reach your team efficiently, fostering quicker decision-making and response times.
02. Improved Workflow
The integration enhances workflow efficiency by providing a seamless platform for both chat and SMS. This unified environment reduces the need to switch between different applications, promoting a more organized and productive work process.
03. Team Collaboration
Integrating SMS into Teams makes Microsoft Teams one of the best team collaboration tools. Team members can communicate in real-time, share updates, and coordinate tasks effortlessly, leading to improved project management and overall team performance.
04. Reduced Software Clutter
Integrating SMS directly into Microsoft Teams eliminates the need for additional communication tools, reducing software clutter. This consolidation not only simplifies the user experience but also minimizes the learning curve for team members.
05. High Accessibility and Open Rates
SMS integration ensures high accessibility, as text messages are commonly checked promptly. This leads to increased open rates for important messages, ensuring that critical information is more likely to be seen and acted upon in a timely manner.
The benefits of text-enabling MS Teams are numerous, and the ones mentioned above are just to name a few.
Also read: Why should you text-enable MS Teams number
Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your Microsoft Teams toolkit with SMS capabilities. Contact Falkon SMS today to get started!
FAQs About SMS in Microsoft Teams
1. Can you text from Microsoft Teams?
Yes, Microsoft Teams now has basic SMS functionality, but it is limited. Falkon SMS offers a more advanced and seamless texting solution that allows you to send SMS directly from Microsoft Teams environment.
2. Can I use my Teams number to send MMS or images?
No, Microsoft Teams does not support MMS. However, Falkon SMS's MS Teams Integration allows you to send pictures, videos, and files.
3. Is there a way to text from Teams using Direct Routing or Operator Connect?
Yes. Falkon SMS enables texting for those numbers without needing a Calling Plan.
4. Is there an additional cost for using SMS features in Microsoft Teams?
Yes, Microsoft Teams SMS may come with additional charges. Falkon SMS offers cost-effective plans with premium texting features.
5. Can I enable SMS for any Microsoft Teams number?
No, Microsoft’s SMS feature only works with Teams Calling Plan numbers. If you use Direct Routing or Operator Connect, you’ll need a third-party solution like Falkon SMS to enable texting.
Final Thoughts: Get the Best SMS Experience in Microsoft Teams
While Microsoft Teams has introduced SMS functionality, it remains a basic solution that lacks essential business texting features. If you need a robust, seamless SMS experience, Falkon SMS is the best option.
Book a Demo Now and start texting from your Microsoft Teams number with Falkon SMS.