How to Start a group chat in Microsoft Teams
Desktop
In the chat list, select New chat at the top to start a one-on-one or group chat.
Start a one-on-one chat
Select New chat and enter the name of the person. Then type your message in the box at the bottom. You can open formatting options by selecting Format beneath the message box.
Press Enter or select Send when you’re ready to begin chatting.
The profile card of someone can also be used to start a one-on-one chat. Use the search function or choose the picture in a channel to open it.
Start a chat with yourself
Default positions for your name in your chat list are pinned to the top. The Teams space allows you to send yourself messages, files, and more.
Select New chat and enter your name into the To field if you unpinned the chat and want to find it again. Messages should be composed just like one-on-one conversations.
Start and name a group chat
Creating a group chat is similar to starting a one-on-one conversation.
- From your chat list, select New chat.
- Type a name for the chat in the Group name field after clicking the down arrow to the far right of the To field.
- To field, type the names of the recipients.
Start a new chat and select the down arrow
Type a name for the group chat and add people
The conversation has begun. The group chat is accessible to everyone who has access to it.
The number of people you can include in a group chat is 250.
Add people to the conversation
Adding people (or viewing and adding participants in group chat) in the top right corner of Teams allows you to loop more people into the conversation. Choose how much of the chat history to include and type the names of the people you wish to chat with.
Unlike other chat programs, Teams retains the entire chat history. You will still be able to view someone’s chat responses if they leave the group.
See who’s in a group chat
Select View and add participants to see who’s in a group chat.
Are you interested in learning more? Learn more about chats and group chats in First things to know.
Mobile
By tapping Chat > New chat, you can start a one-on-one conversation or a group chat.
Start a one-on-one chat
In the box at the bottom of the chat, type your message after you’ve clicked on New chat and entered a person’s name. Formatting options can be accessed by clicking:
- Select More options for messaging.
- Select Format.
Tap Send to start a chat once you’ve composed your message.
Start a chat with yourself
By default, your name will appear at the top of your chat list.
Within Teams, you can send yourself messages and files. You can find the chat again if you unpin it and tap New chat.
Start and name a group chat
Creating a group chat is similar to starting a one-on-one conversation.
- Add your friends in the To field by tapping New chat and typing their names.
- Write your message and send it.
- At the top of your screen, tap the names of the participants.
- Click on the name of the group chat.
- Then tap Save to save the group name.
It is possible for anyone to send a message in the group chat if they have access to it.
Add people to the conversation
In order to include more people in the discussion:
- On your screen, tap the names of the participants to add them.
- Select how much of the chat history you want to include, then type the names of the people you’d like to chat with.
Unlike other chat programs, Teams retains the entire chat history. You will still be able to view someone’s chat responses if they leave the group.
See who’s in a group chat
At the top of your screen, tap the names of the participants to see who’s in the group chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a team chat?
- Chat can be accessed on the left side of Teams, where you can select the meeting in the chat list. …
- Go to the Meeting Calendar section on the left side of Teams, select Chat with participants from the right-click menu.
What is the difference between a group chat and a team in Microsoft Teams?
What is a group chat in Teams?
How do I add people to team chat?
How do you create a team group?
- Select Join or create a team. …
- Select Create team to create a new team.
- Give the team a name and add a short description if you like.
- Your team is Private by default, so you will need to invite the people or groups you want to join. …
- Add members.