First announced last year, SMS on Microsoft Teams is finally here… for a lucky few. 

Microsoft Teams now has built-in SMS messaging functionality, making it easier for users to connect with people outside the platform. Users can now send and receive text messages without needing third-party apps. However, there are a few significant limitations to be aware of.

Who Can Use Teams SMS?

This new SMS feature is only available to Microsoft Teams Calling Plan users in the U.S. and Canada. To use it, you’ll need:

  • A Microsoft Teams license
  • A Teams Phone license
  • A Microsoft Teams Calling Plan

If you’re outside these regions, you won’t be able to access this built-in SMS functionality—at least for now.

How to Enable SMS in Teams

Admins can activate SMS messaging for users through the Teams admin center:

  • Go to Voice > Phone numbers > Numbers
  • Select the user’s phone number
  • Click Enable SMS

Once enabled, users can start texting directly from Microsoft Teams.

What’s Missing?

While SMS support is a welcome addition, there are a few restrictions:

  • No MMS support – You can’t send pictures, videos, or other media files.
  • Character limits – Messages over 160 characters get split into multiple texts.
  • Carrier fees apply – Some mobile carriers may charge extra for SMS.
  • Default 49 numbers – If you need more than 49 Calling Plan numbers, you must collaborate with the Telephone Number Services at Microsoft to enable this.

Need More Features? Try These Alternatives

Despite the feature being a welcome addition for Teams users, its limitations—such as the lack of MMS support, regional restrictions, and character limits—may not be the ideal solution for all users. Third-party integrations could provide more robust alternatives if you need a more comprehensive messaging experience or are outside the U.S. and Canada.

Here are two alternative options that can enable SMS functionality in Microsoft Teams:

YakChat – SMS & MMS with Advanced Features

YakChat is a powerful integration designed to bring SMS and MMS capabilities to Microsoft Teams. It lets users send and receive text messages, images, and multimedia files directly from their Teams workspace.

Key Features:

  • Complete SMS and MMS support – Send text and multimedia messages without limitations.
  • Message archiving – Record your SMS conversations for compliance and reference.
  • Real-time language translation – Automatically translate incoming and outgoing messages to communicate seamlessly across different languages.
  • Multiple number support – Manage multiple phone numbers from one Teams interface.

Clerk Chat –SMS Integration with File Sharing

Clerk Chat is another option for Microsoft Teams. It enhances communications beyond SMS too, making it more of a complete solution.

Key Features:

  • SMS and MMS support – Send text messages and share multimedia files, including documents and images.
  • Contact syncing – Sync contacts with Teams to make communication more streamlined.
  • Unified messaging – Manage text messages alongside Teams chats, ensuring everything stays in one place.
  • Customizable permissions – Set user roles and permissions to control who can send and receive messages.
  • Multi-channel support – Engage with customers via SMS while keeping all communication centralized in Teams.

Final Considerations

Microsoft Teams’ SMS integration is a handy feature for many who switch between SMS and Teams Chat. It would be beneficial when teams are in multiple locations without access to the Teams client. Competitors like Slack and Zoom will undoubtedly be uncomfortable that Microsoft has caught up with its similar native SMS solutions (and major differentiator until now).

Want to learn more about Microsoft Teams? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Teams here.

Microsoft will undoubtedly address the current limitations over time as the service is adopted. However, extending the geographic coverage may take time as there are compliance considerations and local carriers to deal with in every market it supports. These deals can take time to negotiate. Those who require advanced messaging features or global support should consider third-party solutions for a more complete experience.

Got more questions? Check out Microsoft’s official update here.



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