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
Is It Possible to Send SMS Using Microsoft Teams?
Many users wonder, "Can I send SMS using Microsoft Teams?" The answer is YES, but with limitations.
Using Microsoft Teams' Basic SMS Functionality
Microsoft Teams now offers built-in SMS functionality in countries, including the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. You can send SMS messages directly from Teams, but there are several drawbacks:
Only Available for Teams Calling Plan Numbers – SMS is supported only for numbers on Microsoft Calling Plans. It does not work with Direct Routing or Operator Connect numbers.
Basic Texting Only – Microsoft Teams does not support MMS (pictures, videos, or other media).
Recipient Experience is Not Seamless – SMS recipients may be prompted to join Microsoft Teams to continue the conversation.
Lacks Advanced Features – Automation, bulk messaging, CRM integrations, and scheduled messages are not available.
While this feature is a step forward, it’s not a robust business texting solution.
Using Third-Party Integrations like Falkon SMS
Microsoft Teams’ built-in SMS function is very limited, making third-party text marketing solutions essential for businesses that need:
MMS Support (send images, videos, and documents).
Automated Replies & Scheduled Messages.
CRM & Business Software Integrations.
Reliable Two-Way SMS without requiring the recipient to join Teams.
Falkon SMS provides all these features and more, allowing businesses to send and receive SMS directly from Teams without limitations.
This integration allows you to send and receive SMS/MMS messages directly from the Teams interface, even if the recipient does not have the Teams app installed. This approach is similar to sending SMS from Outlook.
With Falkon SMS, you can use your existing Microsoft Teams business phone number for SMS, eliminating the need for separate personal and business text lines. Alternatively, Falkon SMS can provide a new business number if needed.
How Can I Enable SMS for an MS 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 MS Teams Numbers on Microsoft Calling Plans
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
Microsoft Teams SMS vs. Falkon SMS Teams Integration vs. Traditional SMS
Feature | Microsoft Teams SMS | With Falkon SMS Integration | Traditional SMS |
✅ Yes (Limited) | ✅ Yes (Full) | ✅ Yes | |
MMS Support (Images, Videos, Files) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | |
CRM & Business Integrations | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Bulk Texting | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
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.
List of Ways Businesses Can Use Microsoft Teams Text Messaging
Microsoft Teams text messaging offers several applications for businesses:
Internal Communication: Enhance team communication and collaboration.
Project Management: Use chat threads for project updates and task assignments.
Remote Work Collaboration: Facilitate communication among remote teams.
Meetings and Calls: Schedule and manage meetings, and share updates.
Announcements and Updates: Send company-wide announcements and reminders.
Customer Support: Provide support and handle customer inquiries via SMS.
Integration with Apps: Connect with other business applications for streamlined workflows.
Training and Onboarding: Conduct training sessions and onboarding programs.
Task Management: Manage tasks and deadlines within chat threads.
Feedback and Suggestions: Collect feedback from employees and customers.
Benefits of Text-Enabling Your MS Teams Number
Though MS teams are preferred for business communications, it is 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!
FAQ: Microsoft Teams Texting
1. Can I send SMS messages directly 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.
2. Can I send multimedia messages (MMS) using Microsoft Teams?
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 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.
4. 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.