MC1183611 – (Updated) Consult and merge into a meeting or group call via Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF)

Product:

Teams

Platform:

Mac, Online, US Instances, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

518218

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Teams will enable consulting and merging PSTN callers into meetings via DTMF navigation through IVR or auto-attendants. Rolling out March–April 2026, this feature requires no admin action, offers a new dialpad interface, and is enabled by default to enhance meeting collaboration.

Details:
Updated January 13, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
To improve collaboration and streamline meeting workflows, Microsoft Teams is introducing the ability to consult and merge Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) callers into active meetings-even when those callers are behind auto-attendants or Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems that require Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) navigation. This enhancement allows users to reach subject matter experts via dial-in and seamlessly bring them into the broader conversation.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 518218.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: Rolling out early March (previously early February), expected to complete by mid-March 2026 (previously mid-February).
General Availability: Rolling out late March (previously mid-February), expected to complete by early April 2026 (previously end of February).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2025-11-07

updated:
2026-01-14

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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linked item details

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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or frustration due to the new dialpad interface for DTMF navigation, especially if they are not familiar with it, leading to potential delays in merging PSTN callers into meetings.
   - roles: Meeting Organizers, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=518218

Increased Support Requests
The introduction of the new feature without prior training or documentation updates may lead to an increase in support requests from users who encounter issues or have questions about the new functionality.
   - roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=518218

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft Teams is introducing a new feature that makes it easier to bring external callers into meetings, even if they are behind automated phone systems. Imagine you're trying to reach a colleague who is an expert on a particular topic, but they're not on the video call. Previously, if they were stuck navigating through an automated phone menu, it could be tricky to bring them into the meeting quickly.

This new feature works like a bridge. Picture yourself at a party where you want to introduce a friend who is outside, but there's a complicated doorbell system. This feature is like giving you a remote control to open the door for them, allowing them to join the party without any hassle.

With this update, users can use a dialpad within Teams to navigate these automated systems, known as Interactive Voice Response (IVR) or auto-attendants, using Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) tones. Once you reach the person you need, you can merge them into the meeting without needing to change any settings or get help from IT administrators. This feature is set to roll out between March and April 2026 and will be available by default, meaning you don't have to do anything special to start using it.

For those managing meetings or handling IT policies, there's no need to worry about making adjustments. However, if your organization has specific training materials or helpdesk documentation, it might be a good idea to update them to include this new capability. This change is designed to enhance collaboration and make it easier to connect with the right people at the right time, ensuring that meetings are as productive as possible.