Getting Teams & Joining a Meeting
You've got two ways to use Teams. Both work fine.
Option 1: Your Web Browser — Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari (Easiest)
Just go to teams.microsoft.com in any major browser — Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. No download, no install. You're already there.
This is perfect if you only use Teams once in a while — like for a doctor's appointment here and there.
Option 2: The Desktop or Mobile App (Recommended)
Go to teams.microsoft.com and click "Download Teams." Install it like any other program.
This is better if you're going to use Teams regularly. It runs smoother, loads faster, and you won't have to remember any website.
Skits' Tip
If you're going to use Teams more than once, just install the app. It runs smoother and you won't have to remember any website. But if your doctor says "click this link for your appointment tomorrow" — the browser is perfectly fine. Don't stress about it.
Download from the Right Place!
Always download Teams from teams.microsoft.com or your device's official app store. Don't click random download links from search results or emails.
Want to get better at spotting fake downloads and scam emails? Check out our
Stay Safe Online microcourse.
Joining a Meeting
There are three ways to join a Teams meeting. All three get you to the same place.
Way 1: Click a Link from an Email
Someone emailed you a meeting invite? Just click the link. Your browser or the Teams app opens, and you're on your way in.
Way 2: Click a Link from a Text Message
Got a meeting link by text? Same thing — click or tap it. A link is a link, whether it comes by email, text, WhatsApp, or carrier pigeon.
Way 3: Enter a Meeting ID and Passcode
Sometimes you don't have a clickable link. Maybe someone read you the meeting info over the phone, or it's printed on a flyer. No problem.
- Open the Teams app (or go to teams.microsoft.com)
- Click "Join with a code" or go to Calendar and look for the join-with-ID option
- Type in the Meeting ID (the number from the invite)
- Type in the Passcode
- Click "Join Meeting"
Where Do I Find the Meeting ID and Passcode?
They're at the bottom of every Teams meeting invitation — below the clickable link. They're labeled "Meeting ID" and "Passcode." If someone is giving them to you over the phone, just ask them to read those two things slowly.
Once You're In (All Three Ways)
No matter how you joined, the next steps are the same:
- Choose "Continue on this browser" or "Open Teams app"
- Type your name if you don't have an account
- Check your microphone and camera on the preview screen
- Click "Join now"
- Wait in the lobby if needed — the host will let you in
Don't panic if you end up in a waiting room! That's normal. The host just has to click a button to let you in. Sit tight.
Optional: Want to See It in Action? (2 minutes)
I made a quick walkthrough video showing you exactly how to join a Teams call. It's totally optional — you can skip it and come back later, or watch it now. Your call.
🎬 Jerry's Teams walkthrough video coming soon
A personal, step-by-step screen recording showing you exactly how to join a Teams call.
Meeting Controls — What All Those Buttons Do
Okay, you're in the meeting. Now what? See that toolbar at the top (or bottom) of your screen? Here's what all those buttons do.
This is roughly what the Teams toolbar looks like. Yours might look a little different — that's okay.
The Quick Rundown:
- Mute (Microphone) — Your best friend. Seriously. Click it to mute yourself when you're not talking. You know that person in every meeting with the dog barking or the TV blaring? Don't be that person.
- Camera — Turns your video on and off. If you're having a bad hair day, nobody's judging. But for doctor appointments, they usually want to see you.
- Chat — Opens a text chat panel. Great for dropping a link or saying "I can't hear you!" without interrupting everyone.
- Reactions / Raise Hand — Lets you raise a virtual hand so the host knows you want to speak, or send a thumbs up, clap, or heart without saying a word. This button may also be labeled just "Raise Hand" depending on your version of Teams.
- Share — Shows your screen to everyone else. Handy when you need to show someone what's on your computer.
- Leave (the red one) — Ends the call for YOU. Click this when you're done. Always use this — don't just close the window.
Quiz 2: Put It in Order
You just got an email with a Teams meeting link. Put these steps in the right order. Click each one in the order you'd do it — first click gets a "1," second gets a "2," and so on.
Type your name (if you don't have an account)
Click the meeting link in your email
Click "Join now"
Choose "Continue on this browser" or "Open Teams app"
Wait in the lobby if needed — the host will let you in
Check your microphone and camera on the preview screen