With Skype gradually being phased out, Microsoft is suggesting its users transition to Teams instead. However, by the time Skype bids farewell in May, Teams will already be missing a key feature.
Effective April 2025, just a few weeks away, Microsoft Teams will no longer facilitate sending and receiving SMS text messages. Currently, this feature allows users to connect an Android device to Teams, displaying SMS messages in the Chats section under Recently.
Microsoft has documented these impending changes, indicating the halt of Android device linking to Teams. The message from Microsoft is quite clear: “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.”
While Microsoft hasn’t shared why this feature will be discontinued, it seems likely that users prefer Phone Link or similar platforms over connecting their SMS functions to Teams.
So, how can you send SMS text messages from a PC now?
Although Teams will soon stop supporting Android connections, there’s still a solution for sending and receiving text messages on a Windows PC — you can turn to Phone Link instead.
Previously known as Your Phone, Phone Link has been around for a while, offering the ability to sync text messages, photos, and other content between your phone and your PC. Depending on your device, the features may vary. Samsung Galaxy phones provide the best experience, but select OnePlus phones also offer robust integration. Although Android users have good options, iPhone users face limitations, though you can still make calls and respond to texts.
Back in 2022, our Managing Editor Jez Corden praised Phone Link, calling it the best new Windows feature of the decade.
For those who heavily rely on SMS messaging or calls, Phone Link is a fantastic option. However, if you’re a fan of other messaging ecosystems like WhatsApp or Telegram, you might not find it as useful.
