Make and Receive Calls in Microsoft Teams

Questions

• How do I make a phone call in Microsoft Teams?
• How do I call someone from the Teams app on my computer?
• How do I call a Bowdoin extension from Teams?
• How do I call an outside number from Teams?
• How do I make a call from the Teams app on my phone?
• How do I make a call from a Teams desk phone?
• How do I make an international call in Teams?
• Do I need to dial a 9 before an outside number in Teams?
• How do I answer an incoming call in Teams?
• How do I search for a Bowdoin colleague and call them in Teams?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin College faculty and staff who have Teams Calling enabled on their account. Calls can be made and received on any device where you are signed in to Microsoft Teams.

• Desktop app: macOS (Sequoia 15.x, Tahoe 26.x) and Windows 11
• Mobile app: iOS and Android
• Desk phone: Teams-compatible Poly phone
• Dialing: No "9" is needed before outside numbers. Dial 4-digit extensions for on-campus calls, or the full 10-digit number for outside calls.

Resolution

Teams desktop app (Mac or Windows)

Method 1 — Dial a number

1. Click the Calls icon in the left sidebar of the Teams app. (If you don't see it, click the three dots — More — to find it.)
2. Use the dial pad in the lower-left corner to enter a number:
   • Dial the 4-digit extension for an on-campus number.
   • Dial the full 10-digit number for an outside call. No "9" required.
   • Dial 011 + country code + number for international calls.
3. Click the Call button.

Method 2 — Search for a person

1. Type the person's name in the Search bar at the top of the Teams window.
2. Click their name in the results.
3. In the upper-right area of the chat panel, click the phone icon to place an audio call.

Teams mobile app (iOS or Android)

Method 1 — Dial a number

1. Tap More (or the three-dot icon) in the bottom navigation bar, then tap Calls.
2. Tap the dial pad icon (phone + icon) in the upper-right corner.
3. Enter the number and tap Call:
   • Dial the 4-digit extension for on-campus numbers.
   • Dial the full 10-digit number for outside calls. No "9" required.

Method 2 — Search for a person

1. Tap More, then tap Calls.
2. Tap the dial pad icon in the upper-right corner, then tap the People tab.
3. Search by name in the Bowdoin directory.
4. Tap the phone icon to the right of their name for an audio call, or the camera icon for video.

Teams desk phone (Poly)

Method 1 — Dial a number

1. Tap the Calls button on the home screen.
2. Use the keypad to enter the number:
   • Dial the 4-digit extension for on-campus numbers.
   • Dial the full 10-digit number for outside calls. No "9" required.
   • Dial 011 + country code + number for international calls.
3. Tap Call.

Method 2 — Search for a person

1. Tap Calls, then tap the directory search icon (phone receiver with a + sign).
2. Search by name in the Bowdoin directory.
3. Tap the phone icon to make an audio call, or the camera icon for video.

International calls

International calls can be made from the Teams desktop app and desk phone. Dial 011 followed by the country code and number.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

• Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
• Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
• In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
• Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.