Change the macOS default telephone calling app from FaceTime to Teams

Issue/Question

  1. When I click a telephone number link on my Mac, FaceTime opens instead of Teams.
  2. Face keeps opening when I click a phone number on my Mac.

Environment

By default, macOS uses FaceTime for making and receiving telephone calls. This setting can cause FaceTime to open when clicking a telephone number link online or in an email. To change this setting so that Microsoft Teams becomes the default application for telephone calls, follow the instructions provided below.

Resolution

To set Microsoft Teams as the default calling app instead of FaceTime on your macOS, perform the following steps:

  1. Open FaceTime Application: Navigate to Macintosh HD.

    • Go to the Applications folder.
    • Open the FaceTime app.

  2. Access Preferences:

    • Once FaceTime is open, click on FaceTime in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
    • Select Preferences from the dropdown menu.

  3. Change Default Calling App:

    • In the Preferences window, click on the Settings tab.
    • Look towards the bottom for a drop-down menu next to "Default calls:".
    • Select Microsoft Teams from the dropdown list.

  4. Save and Exit:

  • Close the Preferences window.
  • Exit the FaceTime app.
  1. Confirm Change: Microsoft Teams is now set as the default application for handling telephone calls on your macOS.
    • Test the change by clicking on a telephone number link to ensure it opens in Microsoft Teams.

If you need further assistance, please contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk

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