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Transfer a Call in Microsoft Teams shouldn’t be stressful. Whether it’s the front desk sending a call through to accounts, or you handing a client over to a colleague, Microsoft Teams makes it a quick job once you know where to look.

Updated that paragraph to capture the real-world habit — taking the caller’s number and promising a callback (maybe) instead of transferring the live call:

The trouble is, many people never learn how. So they fall back on the manual approach: jotting down the caller’s number and promising someone will call them back, maybe. Meanwhile, Teams can move the live call straight across in a couple of clicks, without the caller ever being dropped or having to explain themselves twice.

This guide walks you through transferring a call in Teams on both your computer and your phone, plus how to have a quick word with someone before you send the call their way.

If your team runs its phones through Microsoft Teams Phone as part of Microsoft 365, these are the steps your staff will use every day.

Transfer vs Consult: what’s the difference?

Teams gives you two ways to move a call. Choosing the right one saves your caller from being bounced to a voicemail they weren’t expecting.

1. How to transfer a call on the Teams desktop app

Three clicks and the call is on its way.

  1. While you’re on the call, click Transfer in the call controls.
  2. Start typing the name of the person you want, then select them from the list.
  3. Click Transfer to put the call through.

Need to send it somewhere specific? Click the small arrow next to Transfer to send the call to the person’s voicemail or mobile instead. You can also turn on Ring back if there’s no answer, which returns the call to you if they don’t pick up.

Transfer a Call in Microsoft Teams

2. How to consult before you transfer (desktop)

Sometimes you’ll want to make sure a colleague is free before you hand the caller over. That’s what Consult is for. The caller waits on hold while you check in.

  1. While you’re on the call, click Consult in the call controls.
  2. Choose the person, then click Start a call or Open chat.
  3. Have your quick word, then complete the transfer.

3. How to transfer a call on the Teams mobile app

On the go? The steps are much the same on your phone.

  1. During the call, tap More actions (the … button), then Transfer.
  2. Tap Transfer now.
  3. Type the person’s name and tap them to send the call.

4. How to consult then transfer on mobile

Prefer to check in with someone before passing the caller over? Use Consult then transfer.

  1. Tap More actions (…), then Transfer.
  2. Tap Consult then transfer.
  3. Type the name and select the person.
  4. Call or chat to check they’re free.
  5. Tap Transfer when you’re ready.

A few things worth knowing

  • Anyone with an Enterprise Voice or Business Voice licence can transfer calls. You don’t need to be set up as a delegate.
  • “Consult then transfer” works in the Teams desktop and mobile apps, but not in Teams on the web (in a browser). If you rely on it, stick to the desktop or mobile app.
  • If a transfer fails or the call keeps ringing back to you, it’s usually a licensing or call-routing setting, not something you’ve done wrong.

Prefer the official reference? You can also read Microsoft’s official guide, but the steps below are written in plain English with the bits that actually trip people up.

Common questions about transfer a Call in Microsoft Teams

Can I transfer a Teams call to a mobile number?

Yes. When you start a transfer, click the small arrow next to Transfer and choose the person’s mobile (if they’ve added it to their account). You can also send the call straight to their work voicemail.

Why can’t I see “Consult then transfer”?

It isn’t available in Teams on the web. Use the Teams desktop app or the mobile app and the option will appear in your call controls.

Do I need to be a delegate to transfer calls?

No. Anyone with an Enterprise Voice or Business Voice licence can transfer calls, without being set up as a delegate for someone else’s line.

The bottom line

Transferring a call in Teams is genuinely simple once you know the difference between a straight Transfer and a Consult then transfer. One moves the call instantly; the other lets you check in first so nobody gets caught off guard.

The real difference to your customers isn’t the clicks, it’s whether the call reaches the right person smoothly. That comes down to having Teams set up and licensed correctly in the first place.

Need a hand getting Teams set up for calls?

At Databox Solutions, we help Australian businesses run Microsoft Teams for calls, chat and collaboration, set up properly and backed by local support.

Our team can help with:

  • Microsoft Teams Phone setup and call flows
  • Microsoft 365 setup and migration
  • Number porting from your existing provider
  • Auto attendants, ring groups and after-hours routing
  • Voicemail, call queues and shared lines
  • Staff training so your team is confident from day one
  • Ongoing Australian-based support

Whether you’re moving to Teams for the first time or tidying up an existing setup, we’ll make sure your calls reach the right people, every time.

Contact Databox Solutions today to talk through the right phone and Teams setup for your business.