What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Microsoft Teams lets you call someone immediately from a chat, a contact card, the Calls app, or the mobile app. You do not need to schedule a meeting for a normal Teams-to-Teams audio or video call.
The method you should use depends on whether you are calling another Teams user or dialing a regular telephone number.
Call someone from an existing Teams chat
This is usually the quickest option for calling a colleague or a group you are already chatting with.
- Open Chat in Teams.
- Select the one-to-one or group chat you want to call.
- In the upper-right corner, select Audio call for a voice call or Video call to use your camera.
The call begins immediately. Teams adds a call entry to the chat history, but this does not create a scheduled Teams meeting.
#1 Best Overall
- Digital Stereo Sound: Fine-tuned drivers provide enhanced digital audio for music, calls, meetings and more
- Rotating Noise Canceling Mic: Minimizes unwanted background noise for clear conversations; the rotating boom arm can be tucked out of the way when you’re not using it
- Handy In-line Controls: Simple in-line controls on the headset cable let you adjust the volume or mute calls without disruption
- Plug-and-Play USB Computer Headset: Simply plug the USB-A connector into your computer and you’re ready to talk or listen without the need to install software
- Padded Comfort: Comfortable headphones with adjustable headband features swivel-mounted, leatherette ear cushions for hours of comfort and is easy to clean
To start a new chat and call without sending a message first:
- Select New message at the top of the chat list.
- Enter one or more people in the To field.
- Select Audio call or Video call.
You can also open a person’s profile card by selecting their picture in a channel or search result, then choose the available call option.
Use the /call command
If you know the person’s name, the Teams command is a fast alternative:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- Select the Search field or text box at the top of Teams.
- Type
/call. - Type the person’s name and select the correct result.
Teams starts the call after you select the contact. In organizations with telephone calling enabled, you can also use /call with a phone number.
Rank #2
- How it Fits: On-ear compact design may feel snug initially—adjust properly and wear 30-60 minutes daily for the first week. Optimal comfort achieved after 1-2 weeks as ear cups conform to your ears. Take 10-minute breaks during extended use.
- Wired computer headset with foldable design; ideal for calls, meetings, online learning, and more. Compact headset measures 6.1" W x 7.2" H with 2.8" ear cups and 4.4" boom mic. Ideal fit for small to medium head sizes
- Flexible, adjustable boom mic can be positioned at any angle; unidirectional mic reduces the background noise to ensure crisp, bright conversations (Provided that your conversation is under the correct direction of the microphone)
- 32mm speaker drivers offer an immersive listening experience with clear sound quality
- One-touch mute/unmute with intuitive in-line control box; Using microphone, slide the button upward to unmute and enabled audio settings in your device. For USB connection, ensure the 3.5mm jack (4-pin) is fully inserted into the USB adapter. For direct 3.5mm connection, first remove the USB adapter from your device
Call from the desktop Calls app
Use the Calls app when you want to dial a telephone number, search for a person, make a group call, or return a previous call.
Call a person or phone number
- Select Calls on the left side of Teams.
- Enter a phone number using the dial pad or keyboard. You can also type a person’s name.
- Select the person from the results, if applicable.
- Select Call.
If you cannot see a dial pad, your organization may not have enabled a Teams calling plan. You can still make Teams-to-Teams calls if that feature is available in your account, but dialing an internal or external telephone number requires the appropriate organizational calling capability.
Make a group call from the dial pad
- Open Calls.
- Enter a name or number and select the person from the dropdown.
- Add more names or telephone numbers.
- Select Call.
Call someone back
- Go to Calls > History.
- Select More actions next to the call.
- Select Call back.
The same More actions > Call back option is available for voicemail entries. If your account has more than one assigned phone number, use the call dropdown beside the history entry to choose the line for the callback.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsCall someone from Teams on a phone
Call from a mobile chat
- Open the Teams mobile app and open the chat.
- Tap Video call or Audio call at the top of the chat.
The other person can answer from Teams on a phone or computer.
Rank #3
- Digital Stereo Sound: Fine-tuned drivers provide enhanced digital audio for calls, meetings, music, and more
- Rotating Noise-Canceling Mic: Minimizes unwanted background noise for clear conversations; the rotating boom arm can be tucked out of the way when not in use
- Handy Inline Controls: Simple inline controls on the headset cable let you adjust the volume or mute calls without disruption
- USB-C Plug-and-Play: Simply plug the USB-C cable into your computer, including MacBook Neo laptops, and you're ready to talk or listen without installing software.
- Padded Comfort: Comfortable USB C headphones with adjustable headband feature swivel-mounted, leatherette ear cushions for hours of comfort
Dial a telephone number
- Tap Calls.
- Tap Call.
- Enter the telephone number.
- Place the call.
If Teams has permission to access your phone contacts, you can instead select Calls > Contacts, choose a person, and call them.
Answer an incoming Teams call
On the desktop app, an incoming call provides these controls:
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| Accept with audio | Answers without turning on your camera. |
| Accept with video | Answers with video enabled. |
| Decline call | Rejects the incoming call. |
On mobile, tap Answer in the incoming-call notification.
What you need to call a phone number
Teams-to-Teams calls and telephone-number calls are different services. Calling a normal mobile, landline, or external business number requires your organization to provide and enable the appropriate Teams phone capability, such as a calling plan.
Rank #4
- ✅【Outstanding Noise cancelling Microphone】 The headphones with unidirectional boom 270°microphone that only picks up your voice and block out unwanted background noises. Also, you can wear it on the left or right ear as you like.
- ✅【All-Day Comfort for All Head Shape】 Eaglend always designed for all-day comfort using, there will be no restraint pressure, with the adjustable headbend fit adult and kids easily.The soft protein memory foam earpads is made of high-level breathable materials，ROHS certified materials prevent your ears from heat and sweat.
- ✅【Enhanced sound performance & 40mm audio driver】:Corded phone headset with built-in audio sound card, Eaglend sound lab tested thousands of times for your daily conversation/music/movie/gaming, bringing you extra clear and bass for pleasant experience.
- ✅【USB/3.5mm Connection】 The headphone is designed for multiple use, 3.5mm audio cable with USB In-line audio volume control (cord length 5+4 feet)，with mic mute &indicators /speaker mute.Compatible with PC/Tablet/Mac/iOS/laptop /Android phone and other devices."
- ✅【Global warranty &multi-purpose】24 months warranty by eaglend. Great ideal for online courses, Skype chat, call center, Webinars Presentations, Office, Business, Rosetta Stone, Dragon Speaking, Conference Calls and more.
If Calls is present but the dial pad is missing, this is usually an account or administrator setting rather than a problem with your computer. Ask your Microsoft 365 or Teams administrator whether phone calling is enabled for your account and region.
An administrator can assign up to 10 phone numbers to one account. When multiple lines are available, Teams displays them in the Calls view. You can select a number tab or use the dropdown beside Call as myself under the dial pad before placing a call.
Limits and common problems
| Problem | Likely explanation or fix |
|---|---|
| The chat call buttons are disabled | A group chat with more than 20 people cannot start a chat video call. Microsoft documents a 20-person limit for video calls started from a chat. |
| The dial-pad contact dropdown does not appear | When text is entered through a laptop touchscreen, Teams may not show the contact dropdown. Use the physical keyboard to search by name. |
| You cannot call an external number | Your organization may not have purchased or enabled the required calling plan, or calling may not be supported in your region. |
| Teams asks for local-network access on an iPhone or iPad | On iOS 14 or later, Teams may request this permission when you first join a call. It is used for Teams’ peer-to-peer calling architecture. |
| A call will not connect without internet access | Teams requires an internet connection and cannot place a 911 emergency call while offline. |
| Calling is unavailable in a browser | Calling support can vary by browser and organization. For screen-reader calling in a browser, Microsoft recommends Microsoft Edge. |
Useful calling shortcuts
Microsoft documents these shortcuts for users working with screen readers:
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Start an audio call from a focused contact | Ctrl + Shift + C | Command + Shift + C |
| Start a video call from a focused contact | Ctrl + Shift + U | Command + Shift + U |
| Answer an audio call | Ctrl + Shift + S | Command + Shift + S |
| Answer a video call | Ctrl + Shift + A | Command + Shift + A |
| Decline a call | Ctrl + Shift + D | Command + Shift + D |
| Open Calls | Ctrl + 5 | Command + 5 |
To call a person through the search field with a screen reader, press Ctrl + E on Windows or Command + E on Mac, then type /call.
Best Value
- Noise-Canceling headphones with microphone: Our headset with mic features a unidirectional, rotatable microphone that picks up only your voice, effectively blocking out background noise. Whether you're in a bustling office or a noisy home environment, your voice will come through clear and loud from this headset with microphone noise cancelling.
- All-Day Comfort: Designed for those who work from home, this headset offers all-day comfort. The adjustable headband fits various head shapes, eliminating any sense of constriction. The earpads, made of soft protein memory foam and high-grade breathable materials, prevent overheating and sweating, ensuring you stay comfortable even during long work sessions.
- Enhanced Stereo Sound Quality: With a built-in 40mm audio driver unit, our headset delivers enhanced sound quality. Whether you're on a daily call, listening to music, watching a movie, or gaming on your laptop or PC, expect clear audio and rich bass for an immersive experience.
- Convenient Connectivity: As a wired USB headset, it connects via a USB-A port for easy plug-and-play functionality. The inline controls include volume adjustment, microphone mute with an indicator light, and speaker mute, making operation straightforward. The 6.56-foot (2-meter) extension cord gives you plenty of room to move around while you work.
- Long-lasting and Stylish Design: The headsets' exterior and earpads are crafted from Long-lasting, comfortable materials like soft PU leather and breathable fabric. This not only ensures a long lifespan but also provides a luxurious feel. The design is sleek and modern, making it suitable for both professional and casual settings.
Sources
- Microsoft: Start a call from a chat in Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft: Use the dial pad to make a call in Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft: Answer a call in Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft: Make and answer calls with a screen reader
FAQ
Do I need to schedule a Teams meeting to call someone?
No. Open an existing chat and select Audio call or Video call. Teams starts an immediate one-to-one or group call without creating a scheduled meeting.
Can I call a regular phone number from Teams?
Yes, but your organization must have the required Teams phone capability enabled, such as a calling plan. Open Calls, enter the number, and select Call. If the dial pad is missing, ask your Teams administrator whether phone calling is enabled.
Why can’t I see the Calls app or dial pad?
The Teams layout and available features depend on your account and organization. A missing dial pad commonly means telephone calling has not been purchased or enabled. Teams-to-Teams calling may still be available.
How many people can join a call started from a Teams chat?
Microsoft documents up to 20 people for a video call started from a chat. If a group chat has more than 20 people, its calling buttons are disabled.
Can I call someone from Teams on an iPhone or Android phone?
Yes. Open a mobile chat and tap Audio call or Video call. To dial a phone number, use Calls > Call, provided your organization has enabled telephone calling.
The Bottom Line
For most calls, open the person’s chat and select Audio call or Video call. Use /call when you want a quick search-based shortcut, and use Calls when dialing a phone number or returning a call. A missing dial pad usually indicates that telephone calling is not enabled for your Teams account—not that you need to schedule a meeting.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
