Body
Questions
- Can I use my Bowdoin phone number from a web browser without installing Teams?
- How do I access Teams Calling from a browser when I'm on a borrowed or shared computer?
- What browsers support Teams Calling?
- How do I make a call from teams.microsoft.com?
- Does the Teams web app have a dial pad?
- Do I need to allow microphone access to use Teams Calling in a browser?
- What calling features are not available in the Teams web app?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin College faculty and staff who want to use Teams Calling from a web browser — for example, when traveling, using a borrowed computer, or when the Teams desktop app is unavailable.
- Supported browsers: Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are fully supported for Teams Calling. Safari and Firefox have limited or unreliable calling support and are not recommended for phone calls.
- Requirement: Sign in with your Bowdoin Microsoft 365 account at teams.microsoft.com
- No installation needed: The web app works in any supported browser without installing software.
Resolution
Step 1 — Open Teams in a supported browser
- Open Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
- Go to https://teams.microsoft.com.
- Sign in with your Bowdoin email address and complete any Okta Verify authentication prompts.
- If prompted to open the Teams desktop app, click Use the web app instead to stay in the browser.
Step 2 — Allow microphone access
The first time you attempt to make or receive a call, your browser will ask for microphone permission. Allow it — Teams cannot transmit your audio without it.
If you missed the permission prompt or accidentally blocked it:
Chrome: Click the lock icon (or camera/microphone icon) to the left of the address bar → click Site settings → set Microphone to Allow.
Edge: Click the lock icon to the left of the address bar → click Permissions for this site → set Microphone to Allow.
After changing the permission, reload the Teams page.
Step 3 — Find the Calls section and dial
- In the left sidebar of the Teams web app, click the Calls icon (phone receiver). If it is not visible, click the More button (three dots) to find it.
- Use the dial pad to enter a number, or search for a Bowdoin colleague by name.
- Click Call to place the call.
Your Bowdoin number works the same way. Calls placed from the Teams web app show your Bowdoin phone number to the person you are calling — not the IP address or location of the browser. Incoming calls to your Bowdoin number will ring in the web app as long as you are signed in and the browser tab is open.
Known limitations of the web app
Most standard calling features work in Chrome and Edge. A few are unavailable or behave differently in the browser:
- Background blur and noise suppression may be limited or unavailable depending on your browser version.
- Call recording initiated by the user is not available in the web app.
- Some call transfer options may be limited — if you need to consult before transferring, use the desktop or mobile app for the most reliable experience.
- Incoming calls only ring while the browser tab is open and active. If you close or navigate away from the Teams tab, you will miss incoming calls. Consider keeping the tab pinned if you need to be reachable.
- Safari and Firefox are not recommended — calling is unsupported or unreliable in these browsers.
Need full calling features? For day-to-day use, the Teams desktop app or mobile app provides the most complete and reliable calling experience. The web app is best suited for occasional use on a borrowed or shared computer.
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.