With Skype gradually being phased out, Microsoft is directing its users to transition to Teams. However, there’s a twist—by the time Skype becomes obsolete in May, Teams will be missing a crucial feature.
Come April 2025, which is creeping up just weeks away, Microsoft Teams will no longer support SMS text messaging. Currently, this feature allows Android users to connect their devices to Microsoft Teams, with messages popping up in the Chats under the Recent section.
In a recent note from Microsoft, they announced the discontinuation of support for this feature on Teams. It reads, “Important: Starting April 2025, sending and receiving SMS messages from your Android device will no longer be supported in Teams. To continue using this feature on Windows, please use Phone Link. Learn more here.”
Microsoft hasn’t clearly explained why they’re pulling the plug on this service. My hunch? Folks probably found Phone Link or other solutions more appealing than coupling Teams with SMS.
### How to Send SMS Texts from Your PC
Even though Teams is losing its connection to Android, Windows PC users can still send and receive SMS messages via Phone Link.
If you’re not familiar, this isn’t entirely new; Phone Link has been part of the Windows ecosystem for a while, initially branded as Your Phone. It allows for syncing texts, photos, and other data seamlessly between your phone and PC.
The features you get with Phone Link can vary based on your phone. For instance, Samsung Galaxy users get the best of it. Some OnePlus models also sync well. On the Android side, there’s still plenty of room for integration between your devices. Unfortunately, iPhone users will encounter more restrictions; however, Phone Link still offers support for making and receiving calls and responding to texts.
Back in 2022, Jez Corden, our Managing Editor, hailed Phone Link as the best Windows feature of the last decade. For those who heavily depend on SMS and phone calls, it’s a handy tool. Conversely, if platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram are your go-to choices, Phone Link might not seem as indispensable.
