Decline a Teams call with a message on mobile

Short Version
Teams on mobile is getting a Message option on the incoming call screen. Tap it to decline the call and send the caller a quick reply at the same time, either a predefined message or a custom one typed in the Teams chat. It works for Teams-to-Teams calls only, not phone calls. Due early to mid-December 2026.

Details
When a Teams call comes in on your Android or iOS device, you will see a new Message (1) option alongside the usual accept and decline buttons. It gives you a faster way to let the caller know where you stand, without answering the call or opening the chat separately afterwards.

  • Custom reply: select Custom (2) to decline the call and open the Teams chat with that person, so you can type your own message.
  • Predefined replies: choose from ready-made responses such as “Can I call you later?”, “I’m on my way.” or “Sorry, I can’t talk right now.” (3). Tapping one declines the call and sends the message to the caller in Teams chat straight away.
  • Carry on in chat: the reply appears in your Teams chat with the caller (4), so the conversation can continue there once the call has been declined.
  • Teams-to-Teams calls only: the option needs a Teams chat to send the message to, so it does not apply to phone (PSTN) calls, anonymous calls or calls from other platforms connected to Teams (interoperability calls).
  • Nothing else changes: the existing accept and decline options stay as they are.

The feature arrives automatically as it rolls out; there is nothing to switch on.

Availability
Due early to mid-December 2026.

Source, related links and references
Roadmap ID 577176.
Related: A redesigned header and dashboard for Teams on mobile.
See what else is new for Teams.

For Admins
No admin action is mentioned for this update. The feature becomes available automatically to eligible Teams mobile users as it rolls out. It only applies to Teams-to-Teams calls with an associated Teams chat, not PSTN, anonymous or interoperability calls. MC1540349.

Page originally published
9th November 2026.


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