Teams SMS for Business
SMS and MMS messaging inside Microsoft Teams allows businesses to communicate with customers using text messages without leaving their primary collaboration platform. Never Busy provides a Teams SMS connector that enables shared inboxes, personal number assignment, and compliance-ready messaging workflows.
How SMS in Teams Works
Messages appear in Teams
Inbound SMS and MMS messages from customers appear in a Teams channel or chat, depending on configuration.
Team members respond
Any authorized user can reply to messages. Replies are sent as SMS from the assigned business number.
Routing and assignment
Administrators configure which numbers map to which channels, and who has permission to send messages.
Compliance and retention
Messages are logged and retained according to your organization's policies, supporting audit and compliance requirements.
Shared Inbox vs. Personal Numbers
Shared Inbox
- • One number, multiple responders
- • All team members see conversation history
- • Ideal for support queues and general inquiries
- • Prevents dropped conversations during shift changes
Personal Numbers
- • One number per user
- • Private conversations by default
- • Ideal for sales reps and account managers
- • Maintains relationship continuity
Compliance Basics
Key Requirements
- Opt-in:Recipients must consent to receive messages before you send them.
- Opt-out:Recipients must be able to stop messages at any time (typically by replying STOP).
- 10DLC Registration:Business messaging requires registration with carriers through the 10DLC (10-digit long code) system.
- Content Rules:Certain content types are restricted or prohibited by carriers (e.g., cannabis, firearms, high-risk financial).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can multiple team members see the same SMS inbox?
Yes. Shared inboxes allow multiple users to view and respond to messages from a single phone number, with visibility into who sent each reply.
What about personal/direct numbers?
Users can also have individual phone numbers assigned for direct SMS communication. Messages stay private to that user unless shared inbox rules are configured.
Is MMS (picture messaging) supported?
Yes. Both SMS and MMS are supported, allowing users to send and receive images, documents, and media files within Teams.
What are the compliance requirements?
Business SMS is subject to carrier regulations including 10DLC registration, opt-in/opt-out requirements, and content restrictions. Never Busy provides compliant onboarding workflows.
Can I use existing phone numbers?
Yes. Number porting is available to bring existing business numbers into the Teams SMS platform.