Put Calls on Hold, Transfer, and Mute in Microsoft Teams

How to mute, hold, and transfer active calls in Microsoft Teams using the desktop app, mobile app, or Teams desk phone — including both direct transfer and consult-first transfer.

Questions

• How do I mute myself during a Teams call?
• How do I put a Teams call on hold?
• How do I transfer a call in Microsoft Teams?
• How do I transfer a call without speaking to the person first?
• How do I consult with someone before transferring a call to them?
• How do I mute a call on the Teams mobile app?
• How do I transfer a call from a Teams desk phone?
• How do I take a Teams call off hold?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin College faculty and staff who have Teams Calling enabled. These call controls are available during any active Teams call.

• Desktop app: macOS (Sequoia 15.x, Tahoe 26.x) and Windows 11
• Mobile app: iOS and Android
• Desk phone: Teams-compatible Poly phone

Resolution

Mute a call

Desktop app: Click the microphone icon in the call controls bar at the top of the Teams window (to the left of the Leave button). Click it again to unmute.

Mobile app: Tap the microphone icon in the call controls at the bottom of the screen. Tap again to unmute.

Desk phone: Tap the microphone icon in the lower-right corner of the phone screen. The icon turns red while the call is muted.

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Put a call on hold

Desktop app:

1. Click the three-dot menu (…) in the call controls bar.
2. Select Hold.
3. Click Resume to take the call off hold.

Mobile app:

1. Tap the three-dot menu (…) next to the End Call button.
2. Tap Put call on hold.
3. Tap Resume to take the call off hold.

Desk phone:

1. Tap the three-dot menu (…) at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap Put call on hold.
3. Tap Resume to take the call off hold.

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Transfer a call

Teams supports two types of transfer: Direct transfer (connects immediately) and Consult then transfer (lets you speak with the recipient first before completing the transfer).

Desktop app — Direct transfer

1. Click the three-dot menu (…) in the call controls bar.
2. Click Transfer.
3. Search for the person by name or enter a phone number.
4. Click Transfer to connect the call directly.

Desktop app — Consult then transfer

1. Click the three-dot menu (…) in the call controls bar.
2. Click Consult then transfer.
3. Search for the person you want to consult with, or enter their number.
4. If the recipient is a Teams user, the default consult method opens a chat window. To use an audio call instead, click the dropdown arrow next to the chat option and select a call option.
5. Once you have finished consulting, click Transfer to complete the transfer.

Mobile app — Direct transfer

1. Tap the three-dot menu (…) at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap Transfer, then tap Transfer now.
3. Search for the person and tap their name to complete the transfer.

Mobile app — Consult then transfer

1. Tap the three-dot menu (…) at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap Transfer, then tap Consult first.
3. Search for the person to consult and tap their name.
4. A Teams chat opens — you can send a message or call them before transferring.
5. When ready, tap Transfer to complete the transfer.

Desk phone — Direct transfer

1. Tap the Transfer icon on the call screen.
2. Tap Transfer now.
3. Enter the extension or name of the recipient and complete the transfer.

Desk phone — Consult then transfer

1. Tap the Transfer icon on the call screen.
2. Tap Consult first.
3. Search for the recipient and connect with them.
4. When ready, tap the Transfer icon again to complete the transfer.

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.

Additional Resources

• Microsoft: Transfer a call in Teams