Microsoft Teams Set to Discontinue This Messaging Feature

With Skype gradually fading out, Microsoft has shifted its focus toward Teams. However, by the time Skype officially loses support in May, there’s a catch—Teams will soon lose a feature.

Come April 2025, which really isn’t far off, Microsoft Teams will stop supporting the sending and receiving of SMS text messages. As it stands, this function allows you to link an Android device to Teams, making text messages visible in the Chats section under Recent.

Microsoft has confirmed this change through documentation. “Important: Starting April 2025, sending and receiving SMS messages from your Android device will no longer be supported in Teams. To continue using this feature on Windows, please use Phone Link. Learn more here,” the document explains.

Microsoft hasn’t exactly spilled the beans on why this feature is being axed, but my hunch is that users favor other methods like Phone Link over pairing Teams with SMS.

### Sending SMS Texts from a PC

Now, despite Teams dropping its Android link, you can still manage your texts via a Windows PC using Phone Link instead.

If you’ve been keeping up with Microsoft’s offerings, you’ll know Phone Link isn’t all that new. Previously branded as Your Phone, this feature enables the synchronization of text messages, photos, and more between your mobile and computer.

Your experience with Phone Link can vary by the type of phone you own. For example, if you have a Samsung Galaxy, you’ll likely enjoy the best integration. Several OnePlus models are also well-integrated with Phone Link. Other Android models still offer decent syncing capabilities. However, iPhone users get fewer options, though basic functions like making calls and replying to texts are still covered.

Back in 2022, our Managing Editor Jez Corden praised Phone Link as the best Windows feature introduced in the last decade.

If you’re someone who heavily relies on SMS and phone calls, you might find Phone Link to be a solid companion. On the other hand, if your go-tos are platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram, you might not see as much value in it.