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

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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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

In May 2025, Microsoft Teams for iOS and Android will move the Walkie Talkie app to the More menu if users separate chats and channels, but administrators can keep it on the app bar with a custom policy or by keeping chats and channels combined.

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**

Custom App Policy Implementation
By creating a custom app policy, organizations can ensure that the Walkie Talkie app remains easily accessible in the app bar for frontline workers, enhancing communication efficiency. This can prevent disruptions in workflow that may occur if users have to navigate to the three-dot menu.
   - next-steps: Assess current app policies and create a custom app policy in the Teams admin center to pin the Walkie Talkie app on the app bar for frontline workers.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Frontline Managers, 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

User Training and Communication
Informing users about the changes and providing training on how to combine chats and channels will enhance user experience and reduce confusion. This proactive approach can help maintain productivity and minimize frustration among users.
   - next-steps: Develop a communication plan to notify users of the upcoming changes and schedule training sessions to guide them on how to manage their app layout effectively.
   - roles: HR Managers, Training Coordinators, IT Support
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftteamsblog/introducing-the-new-microsoft-teams-chat-and-channels-experience/4275674

Feedback Mechanism for Continuous Improvement
Establishing a feedback mechanism for users to report their experiences with the new app layout can help IT teams identify areas for further improvement and address user concerns promptly, leading to a better overall user experience.
   - next-steps: Create a feedback form or use existing channels to gather user input on the new app experience and analyze the data to make informed adjustments to IT policies and training.
   - roles: IT Administrators, User Experience Designers, Product Managers
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftteamsblog/introducing-the-new-microsoft-teams-chat-and-channels-experience/4275674

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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