MC1068900 – Microsoft Teams for iOS/Android: Walkie Talkie app will move to the three-dot menu if users separate chats and channels (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft Viva, Microsoft Viva Engage, Teams

Platform:

Android, iOS, Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
The Walkie Talkie app in Microsoft Teams for iOS/Android will move to the three-dot menu if users separate chats and channels. Admins can create a custom app policy to keep it on the app bar. This change will roll out in May 2025. Users can combine chats and channels to retain the app on the app bar.

Details:
Updated May 14, 2025: We have updated the timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Note: If you are not using frontline worker functionality, you can safely ignore this message.
Before this rollout: The Walkie Talkie app is pinned by default on the app bar at the bottom of the screen in Microsoft Teams for iOS/Android. After this rollout, the Walkie Talkie app will move to the three-dot More menu in Teams for iOS/Android if users choose to separate their chats and channels (chats and channels are combined by default in the new chats and channels experience). To keep the Walkie Talkie app in the app bar, admins can either create a custom app policy or users can choose to combine chats and channels.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out early May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025 (previously mid-May).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-05-07

updated:
2025-05-15

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may find it difficult to access the Walkie Talkie app as it will be moved to the three-dot menu, leading to potential delays in communication, especially for frontline workers who rely on quick access to this feature.
   - roles: Frontline Workers, Team Leaders
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/teams-custom-app-policies-and-settings, https://support.microsoft.com/office/the-new-chat-and-channels-experience-in-microsoft-teams-c6f38016-d59c-4226-b0f3-caef4e60f91e " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://support.microsoft.com/office/the-new-chat-and-channels-experience-in-microsoft-teams-c6f38016-d59c-4226-b0f3-caef4e60f91e

Increased Support Requests
The change may lead to an increase in support requests from users who are confused about the new location of the Walkie Talkie app, impacting IT support teams' workload.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Agents
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftteamsblog/introducing-the-new-microsoft-teams-chat-and-channels-experience/4275674" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftteamsblog/introducing-the-new-microsoft-teams-chat-and-channels-experience/4275674, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/teams-custom-app-policies-and-settings " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/teams-custom-app-policies-and-settings

Potential Communication Delays
If users do not combine chats and channels, they may experience delays in communication as the Walkie Talkie app will not be readily accessible, affecting team coordination.
   - roles: Project Managers, Frontline Workers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/the-new-chat-and-channels-experience-in-microsoft-teams-c6f38016-d59c-4226-b0f3-caef4e60f91e, https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftteamsblog/introducing-the-new-microsoft-teams-chat-and-channels-experience/4275674" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftteamsblog/introducing-the-new-microsoft-teams-chat-and-channels-experience/4275674

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

In May 2025, Microsoft Teams for iOS and Android will see a change in how the Walkie Talkie app is accessed. Imagine you have a toolbox where you keep your most-used tools on top for easy access. Currently, the Walkie Talkie app is like one of those tools, sitting right on the app bar at the bottom of your Teams screen, ready to use. However, with the upcoming update, if you decide to organize your chats and channels separately, the Walkie Talkie app will be moved to a drawer, or in this case, the three-dot More menu.

For those who want to keep the Walkie Talkie app on the app bar, similar to keeping your favorite tool within easy reach, there are a couple of options. Administrators can create a custom app policy to ensure it stays on the app bar for all users. Alternatively, users can choose to keep their chats and channels combined, which will also keep the Walkie Talkie app on the app bar.

This change is part of a broader update to the Teams experience, where the default setting will combine chats and channels. If users prefer to have separate spaces for chats and channels, they will see a different arrangement on their app bar, with the Walkie Talkie app tucked away in the More menu.

The rollout will happen automatically, so no immediate action is required from administrators before the change. However, reviewing your current setup and informing your team about this update could help minimize any confusion. This way, everyone knows where to find their "tools" in the new setup, ensuring a smooth transition.