Microsoft removes Android SMS integration from Teams, but you can use Phone Link instead

Microsoft has announced that it will remove the Android SMS integration feature from Microsoft Teams on Windows 11, effective April 2025. This decision marks the end of a lesser-known feature that allows you to send and receive SMS messages directly from a linked Android phone within the Teams application.

The Android SMS integration, known as the Link your phone feature, enabled you to sync your Android SMS messages to the Chats section under Recent in Microsoft Teams. This functionality allowed you to view and respond to SMS messages without needing to access the Android device. The feature operated independently of the Phone Link app, providing a seamless experience for managing SMS communications within Teams.

As spotted by Windows Latest, Teams is also displaying an alert when you try to view the synced Android SMS or respond to one of the SMS via a connected phone. The alert states a warning that the SMS integration in Teams will be removed in April 2025.

Users are encouraged to transition to the Phone Link app, which offers similar SMS syncing capabilities. The Phone Link app allows users to link their smartphones to their Windows PCs, enabling them to view and respond to text messages, start new conversations, and even make calls from their smartphones via their PCs.

The removal of the Android SMS integration feature is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to streamline its services and encourage the use of dedicated applications like Phone Link. While the Link your phone feature provided a convenient way to manage SMS messages within Teams, the transition to Phone Link is expected to offer a more comprehensive and integrated experience for users.