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Can I send SMS using Microsoft Teams?

Updated: Apr 28


A group of people use SMS for Microsoft Teams using Falkon SMS


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?


The Microsoft Teams SMS is finally here! While the fact that you can now do some basic texting within Teams is a nice little addition, if your business really uses text messages to connect with customers, manage things smoothly, or keep a larger team on the same page, you might find that basic Teams texting is just not enough.


On the other hand, Falkon SMS works right alongside Microsoft Teams and gives you tools to make the most out of texting for your business. We're talking about going beyond the basics to use features like automation, group texting, advanced reports, 10DLC compliance, and scheduling with the real potential of SMS.


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.



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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 most importantly, 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.

  • No Message Scheduling: Can't schedule messages to be sent at optimal times.

  • No Shared Inbox: Conversations aren't manageable across your team.


For most companies, this basic SMS capability doesn’t meet modern communication needs.




Why Businesses Prefer Falkon SMS for Microsoft 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: Capture attention with images, GIFs, audio, video, and more. 

  • Bulk messaging: Easily broadcast updates, promotions, and announcements.

  • Message scheduling: Plan and schedule recurring reminders for events or appointments.

  • Shared inbox: Enable multiple teammates to manage conversations from a single inbox.

  • Automated replies: Set up automated responses to customer queries based on specific keywords.

  • Secure chat and file transfer: Create secure chats or send important files securely via SMS.

  • CRM and app integrations: Integrate with your favorite business apps and CRMs.

  • Advanced reporting and analytics: Track delivery reports, message logs, and engagement metrics.

  • Use any number: Start texting via your existing Teams number or provision 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.








MS Teams SMS vs. Falkon SMS


Feature

Microsoft Teams Native

Falkon SMS Integration

Two-Way Messaging

✅ Limited

✅ Full Support

Bulk Messaging

❌ No

✅ Yes

MMS Support

❌ No

✅ Yes

Message Scheduling

❌ No

✅ Yes

Shared Inbox

❌ No

✅ Yes

CRM & App Integrations

❌ No

✅ Yes

Advanced Reports

❌ 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 Microsoft 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.




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.




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