Microsoft Teams Placing Calls On Hold - 5 Fixes To Try (2024)

Are you stuck trying to figure out why Teams keeps placing your calls on hold?

Unfortunately, I’ve been there too. I know how annoying it can be to have this happen, especially when you’re in a meeting with your boss.

You wouldn’t believe how many people struggle with this issue daily. But, the good news is that with the help of this article, you’ll be able to fix it in no time.

If Microsoft Teams keeps placing your calls on hold, try changing your status and headphones, updating the app, and checking its servers. You can also reinstall Teams to solve the problem.

Read on to stop Teams from placing your calls on hold!

#1 Change Your Status

I’m sure you’ll agree with me that although Microsoft Teams is one of the best collaboration platforms out there, its performance issues can be super annoying.

Thousands of people have found that sometimes incoming calls put on hold their current meeting.

This issue can be super frustrating, but don’t worry. I’m here to help.

The easiest way to solve this issue is by changing your status to “Do not Disturb”. This way, if someone calls you while you’re in a meeting, they’ll be redirected to your voicemail and your calls won’t be placed on hold.

Follow these simple steps to change your status:

Desktop app:

1. Click on the three-dot icon at the top of your screen. Then, click on your status.
2. Select “Do not disturb” from the drop-down menu.
3. Join your meeting.

Mobile app:

1. Tap on your profile icon in the upper left corner of your screen.
2. Tap on your status.
3. Select “Do not disturb” from the drop-down menu.
4. Go to your calendar and join your meeting.

If you’re the IT administrator of your Teams, you can also enable the “Busy on Busy” feature to avoid this situation from happening again.

#2 Change Your Headphones

Hundreds of users found that their calls were placed on hold whenever their headphones were connected to their computer and phone at the same time.

If that’s the case, please turn off your phone’s Bluetooth. Follow this quick guide to do it:

iPhone:

1. Go to the Settings menu.
2. Tap on “Bluetooth”.
3. Turn off the switch next to “Bluetooth”.

Android:

1. Go to Settings and tap on “Connected devices”.
2. Select “Connection preferences”.
3. Tap on “Bluetooth”.
4. Turn off the switch next to “Use Bluetooth”.

Please note that this process may vary depending on your phone’s model.

But, if the issue persists after completing the steps above, chances are your headphones are automatically putting your call on hold.

You could talk to the manufacturer to solve the issue, but assuming that you’re in a hurry, I recommend borrowing headphones from a friend and trying them out.

Then, try joining your meeting again to see if the problem was fixed. If it was, then the answer is clear: your headphones were to blame.

#3 Update the App

If you’ve tried changing your status and headphones, but Teams keeps putting your calls on hold, there’s a very good chance the app isn’t running on its latest version.

You see, sometimes bugs and glitches can interfere with your calls. This is why Microsoft is constantly releasing new versions that fix these and improve your app’s performance.

Normally, Teams will automatically install any available updates while you work. But, sometimes this process can be interrupted due to unexpected circ*mstances.

If that’s the case, try manually updating the app.

I know, installing updates may sound like a tedious thing to do, but believe me, it may solve the issue in no time.

Follow this quick guide to update Microsoft Teams:

1. Click on the three-dots icon at the top of your screen.
2. Select “Check for Updates”.
3. Teams will install its latest version while you work.

iPhone:

1. Search for Microsoft Teams on the App Store.
2. Tap on “Update”.

Android:

1. Launch the Google Play Store and tap on your profile icon at the top of your screen.
2. Tap on “Manage apps & device” and go to the “Manage” tab.
3. Search for Microsoft Teams and tap on “Update”.

Tip: If you can’t add a background in Teams, try this fix.

#4 Check the Platform’s Severs

If you’re wondering what servers do, I got you.

Servers receive, store, and send data to their clients over a network. They are in charge of preventing system failures and providing a high-quality service.

However, sometimes human errors or software and hardware issues can affect the way they work.

If Microsoft’s servers go down, the platform won’t be able to display the page correctly, and you’ll experience multiple issues.

To check if Microsoft Teams is down, you’ll need to enter downdetector.com/status/teams/.

You’ll notice a graph. If it’s red or orange, there’s a very good chance Microsoft Teams is down.

#5 Reinstall Teams

If nothing has worked so far, it’s time for us to restart the app and its files from scratch.

By doing this, you’ll be able to get rid of the stubborn bug that was preventing you from enjoying your meetings.

Reinstalling Teams might seem like a difficult thing to do, but it’s really quick and simple.

Follow these quick steps to uninstall Teams:

Mac:

1. Launch Finder and click on the Applications folder.
2. Search for Teams and drag it to the trash bin icon.
3. Click on “Finder” and choose “Empty Trash”.

Windows PC:

1. Type “Control Panel” on the search bar and hit Enter.
2. Click on “Uninstall a program” under “Programs”.
3. Search for Microsoft Teams and double-click on it.

Android:

1. Open the Google Play Store and tap on your profile icon.
2. Select “Manage apps and devices”. Then, go to “Manage”.
3. Tap on Microsoft Teams and select “Uninstall”.

iPhone:

1. Go to the home screen.
2. Press and hold the Teams icon and tap on “Remove app”.
3. Tap on “Delete app” to confirm the process.

Once you’ve uninstalled Teams, please go to your device’s app store (Microsoft Store, App Store, Google Play Store) and download the app again.

Conclusion

That about covers it! I hope this article has helped give you some more confidence in solving the issue.

Remember that the best way to stop Microsoft Teams from placing your calls on hold is by changing your status to “Do not disturb” or checking your headphones. Moreover, updating or reinstalling the app should also do the trick.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article. If you ever experience a different problem while using Microsoft Teams or a different platform, don’t forget to check out our content, Here, on Tech Detective, we love solving all sorts of tech issues.

Good luck!