Chat and Share Files in Teams

Microsoft Teams allows users to communicate with individuals, groups, and Teams through chat and channel conversations. Users can also share files directly within Teams conversations, channels, and OneDrive for collaboration.

Get Started:

Start a New Conversation in a Team Channel

1. Open Microsoft Teams.

2. Select Teams from the left-hand navigation menu.

3. Select the Team and channel where you want to post your message.

4. Select New conversation.

5. Enter your message in the conversation box.

6. Select Send.

Start a Chat with a Person or Group

1. In Microsoft Teams, select Chat.

2. Select New chat.

3. In the To: field, enter the name of the person or group you want to contact.

4. Enter your message in the chat window.

5. Select Send.

Reply to a Conversation

Channel conversations in Teams are organized into threaded discussions to help organize replies and discussions.

1. Locate the conversation thread you want to reply to.

2. Select Reply below the message.

3. Enter your response.

4. Select Send.

Share a File in a Chat or Channel

1. In a chat or channel conversation, select Actions and apps or the Attach file icon below the message box.

2. Choose one of the following file locations:

   • Recent

   • Browse Teams and Channels

   • OneDrive

   • Upload from my computer

3. If uploading a file from your computer:

   • Select the file.

   • Select Open.

4. Enter an optional message to accompany the file.

5. Select Send.

Tip: You can also drag a file directly from your computer into a chat or channel message.

Share a File from OneDrive

Files stored in OneDrive can be shared directly through Microsoft Teams.

1. In Microsoft Teams, select OneDrive.

2. Select My files.

3. Hover over the file you want to share and select Share.

Choose one of the following options:

• Select Copy link to generate a shareable link you can paste into a chat or email.

• Select Sharing settings to manage permissions for the file.

• Enter the name, group, or email address of the person you want to share with.

4. Select a permission level:

   • Can edit

   • Can review

   • Can view

   • Can’t download

5. Optionally enter a message.

6. Select Apply to save permission changes.

7. Select Send.

Find Shared Files in Channels and Chats

Each Teams channel and chat includes a Shared tab where you can locate files and links shared in conversations.

Find Files in a Channel

1. Open the channel.

2. Select the Shared tab.

You can search:

• In Posts to find files and links shared in conversations.

• Recent to view recently accessed files and links.

• Files to search only for files.

• Links to search only for links.

• In library to search the SharePoint document library connected to the channel.

Find Files in a Chat

1. Open the chat conversation.

2. Select the Shared tab.

You can:

• Select Recent to view recently accessed files and links.

• Select Files to search only for files.

• Select Links to search only for links.

Share a File from OneDrive (iPhone, iPad, and Android)

1. Open the Microsoft Teams mobile app.

2. Tap Files.

3. Locate the file you want to share.

4. Tap More options next to the file.

5. Tap Share.

You can then:

• Share the file in a chat

• Share the file in a channel

• Generate a sharing link

• Manage sharing permissions

Share a File in a Chat (Mobile)

1. Open the Microsoft Teams mobile app.

2. Tap the Chats tab.

3. Open the chat where you want to share the file.

4. Tap Attach or the Plus (+) button below the message box.

5. Select the file from your device or cloud storage.

6. Add an optional message.

7. Tap Send.

Share a File in a Channel (Mobile)

1. Open the Microsoft Teams mobile app.

2. Tap the Channels tab.

3. Open the channel where you want to share the file.

4. Tap Attach or the Plus (+) button below the message box.

5. Select the file from your device or cloud storage.

6. Add an optional message.

7. Tap Send.

Additional Information

• Files shared in a channel are stored in the Team’s SharePoint document library.

• Files shared in private chats are typically stored in Microsoft OneDrive.

• Shared files inherit sharing permissions based on how and where the file is shared.

• Files uploaded through Teams can also be accessed later through the Teams mobile app.