As a Microsoft Teams user, I understand the value of a smooth communication experience. A common need is the ability to make calls to external numbers directly from Teams. In this article, I will provide a detailed walkthrough on how to make external calls using Microsoft Teams, including my own suggestions and advice.
Step 1: Ensure Your Account is Set Up for External Calling
Before you can start making external calls, your organization needs to have the necessary licenses and configurations set up. Reach out to your Teams administrator to confirm that your account has been enabled for external calling. They will provide you with the necessary permissions and settings to proceed.
Step 2: Set Up Calling Plans
Microsoft Teams offers two main options for making external calls: Calling Plans and Direct Routing. Calling Plans are provided directly by Microsoft and offer a convenient way to set up calling for your organization without the need for complex infrastructure. To set up a Calling Plan:
- Sign in to the Microsoft Teams admin center with your admin account.
- In the left navigation, go to Voice > Phone numbers.
- Click on the “+ Add” button to purchase a new phone number or assign an existing one to a user.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
Note that Calling Plans are available in select countries and regions. If Calling Plans are not available in your location, you can explore the option of Direct Routing, which involves connecting your own telephony infrastructure to Teams.
Step 3: Make a Call to an External Number
Once your account is set up for external calling and you have a Calling Plan in place, you can start making calls to external numbers right from Teams.
- Open Microsoft Teams on your desktop or mobile device.
- In the Calls tab, click on the Dial pad icon to open the dial pad.
- Enter the external phone number you want to call, including the country code if necessary.
- Click on the Call button to initiate the call.
Alternatively, you can also make a call from a chat or contact card. Simply click on the phone icon next to the person’s name or in the chat window to initiate the call.
During the call, you can take advantage of various features available in Microsoft Teams, such as transferring the call, putting it on hold, or recording it for future reference.
Conclusion
Calling external numbers from Microsoft Teams is a convenient and efficient way to communicate with people outside your organization. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily set up your account for external calling and start making calls right from Teams. Remember to check with your Teams administrator to ensure your account has the necessary permissions and settings.
With Microsoft Teams, the power of collaboration extends beyond internal communication, enabling you to connect with external contacts seamlessly. Embrace the possibilities and enhance your communication experience with Teams!