Make calls in the Microsoft Teams mobile app

  • 8 minutes

While working in the field, users can initiate Remote Assist in Microsoft Teams. This feature allows them to get support from a remote expert without needing to switch apps. After a technician initiates a Teams call, they can share their mobile camera view with a remote expert and have them annotate on their screen. Alternatively, Teams users can annotate in their own space and share with other collaborators.

When you use the Teams app on a mobile device, you can collaborate by using the Spatial Annotations toolbar in a call with anyone who's using HoloLens 2 or with another Teams user on a PC, Mac, or mobile device.

To make a call, you need to launch Teams and then go to the Calls tab. Your recent contacts display under History, select a contact to call them.

Call controls

While in a call, you can use call controls to specify whether your collaborator can see what you see or hear what you hear. Call controls are located in the lower part of the screen.

  • Video icon- Controls outgoing video.
  • Microphone icon- Controls outgoing audio.
  • Speaker icon- Controls incoming audio.

Image of the Call controls.

To access other actions, select the ellipses (...) icon. Other available actions include:

  • Switch the incoming video.
  • Share your screen, where your screen pops up as a video for the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Remote Assist HoloLens user.
  • Start video with blur (iOS only), which is useful if you have sensitive information behind you or want to protect the privacy of colleagues who are behind you.
  • Insert a file to share a file.

Send a text message

Another way to collaborate in the Teams app is through text message. Select the Text icon to open text chat and send text messages. After the call, all participants can access the messages (and OneDrive and Teams file links) through the Teams chat.

Share a OneDrive file

You can display OneDrive files in the Dynamics 365 Remote Assist HoloLens user's space or send OneDrive files in the Dynamics 365 Remote Assist mobile text chat. For example, you can add a PDF file of a diagram to help with the call.

Go to the call controls and select the ellipses [...] menu. Select Insert Files and select whether to insert file from OneDrive or from a Microsoft Teams team or channel. You can insert an image, still GIF, video, or PDF.

If you're collaborating with a Dynamics 365 Remote Assist HoloLens user, the system loads the file to OneDrive and appears as a new slate in the Dynamics 365 Remote Assist HoloLens user’s environment. The Dynamics 365 Remote Assist HoloLens user can save a file to their OneDrive by tapping the OneDrive icon in the upper right of the slate. Then, the system automatically saves the OneDrive file to a folder called "HoloLens Received Files." A link to the file is available in the Teams chat, even after the call ends.

If you're collaborating with a Dynamics 365 Remote Assist mobile user, the system uploads the file to OneDrive and sends it in the Dynamics 365 Remote Assist mobile user’s text chat. A link to the file is available in the Teams chat, even after the call ends.

Share a photo from a device

Occasionally, you might need to take a picture and send it to a subject matter expert so that they can review it. You can share a photo by going to call controls and selecting the ellipses […] menu. Select Insert Files and then select the photo that you want to share. Then, you can take a photo or select a photo from your mobile device’s photo gallery.

Image of the shared photo.

If you're collaborating with a Dynamics 365 Remote Assist HoloLens user, the system uploads photo to OneDrive and it appears as a new slate in the Dynamics 365 Remote Assist HoloLens user’s environment. The Dynamics 365 Remote Assist HoloLens user can save a file to their OneDrive by tapping the OneDrive icon in the upper right of the slate. Then, the system automatically saves the OneDrive file to a folder on HoloLens called "HoloLens Received Files." A link to the file is available in the Teams chat, even after the call ends.

If you're collaborating with a Dynamics 365 Remote Assist mobile user, the system uploads the photo to OneDrive and it appears in the Dynamics 365 Remote Assist mobile user’s text chat. A link to the file is available in the Teams chat, even after the call ends.

For more information and step-by-step guidance, see Collaborate with any user through Microsoft Teams mobile.

Use spatial annotations through Microsoft Teams mobile

Another way that you can enhance your collaboration experience is through spatial annotations. Spatial annotations can enhance your communication and collaboration, especially when you're working with remote teams. You can use spatial annotations to:

  • Communicate detailed and complex instructions visually- Enhance communication by using Remote Assist to engage remote collaborators through annotations.
  • Bring critical information into view- Remote collaborators can offer precise guidance for different parts, including hard-to-reach parts. Use drawings and arrows to refer to specific parts of a machine or asset.
  • Solve problems in real time- Technicians can share their real-time view with experts in remote locations to get the help that they need, reducing travel time and cost.
  • Share your knowledge and training- Use annotations, photos, and videos to capture and share with the rest of your organization.

Use annotations

While you're in a Teams mobile call, select Spatial Annotations. The Spatial Annotations toolbar allows you to place arrows or draw in your space for other callers to see or annotate in another user's space.

Image of the Annotations toolbar.

The toolbar includes multiple buttons to help you annotate during the call:

  • Add ink (draw)
  • Add Arrow
  • Change the arrow or ink color
  • Undo most recent annotation you added
  • Delete all annotations

For more information, see Use spatial annotation through Microsoft Teams Mobile.