How to Start or Join a Microsoft Teams Meeting
Applies to
Microsoft Teams for Windows, macOS, web, iPhone, Android, work, school, and personal accounts
Last updated
6 July 2026
Problem
You want to start or join a Microsoft Teams meeting, but you are not sure where to click, which account to use, or how to check your camera and microphone before entering. Some users also struggle when meeting links open in the wrong browser or when Teams asks whether to use the app or web version.
Joining correctly helps avoid delays, audio problems, and account access issues.
Solution
Use the meeting link, Teams calendar, Outlook invite, or Teams chat to join the meeting. Before entering, check your audio, microphone, and camera settings on the pre join screen so you are ready when the meeting starts.
Step by step instructions
Join a meeting from a Teams calendar invite
Open Microsoft Teams.
Select Calendar from the left side menu.
Find the meeting you want to join.
Select the meeting.
Choose Join.
Before entering, review your microphone, speaker, and camera settings.
Select Join now when ready.
Join a meeting from Outlook
Open Outlook and go to your calendar.
Select the meeting invite.
Click the Microsoft Teams meeting link inside the invite.
If Teams asks how you want to join, choose the Teams desktop app if installed.
If you do not have the app, choose to continue in your browser.
You can also access Teams on the web at:
Join a meeting from a link
Click the Teams meeting link sent to you by email, chat, or calendar invite.
Your browser may open first and ask whether to launch the Teams app.
Choose the desktop app for the full meeting experience.
If you cannot use the app, continue in the browser.
Make sure you sign in with the account that was invited to the meeting.
Join a meeting on mobile
Open the Microsoft Teams app on your iPhone or Android device.
Tap Calendar.
Select the meeting.
Tap Join.
Check whether your microphone and camera are on or off before entering.
Tap Join now.
Start an instant meeting
Open Microsoft Teams.
Go to Calendar.
Select Meet now.
Enter a meeting name if prompted.
Choose whether to start the meeting immediately.
Invite people by entering their names or email addresses.
This is useful for quick calls that do not need to be scheduled in advance.
Start a meeting from a chat
Open a chat with the person or group you want to call.
Select the video call or audio call button.
Teams will start a meeting with that chat.
This is best for quick discussions with people you already message regularly.
Check audio and video before joining
On the pre join screen, check the following:
- Your microphone is on or muted as needed
- Your camera is on or off as needed
- The correct speaker or headset is selected
- The correct microphone is selected
- The correct camera is selected
- Background effects are applied if needed
This prevents common meeting problems after joining.
Use the web version if the app does not work
If the Teams app will not open, use the browser version.
Go to:
Sign in with the correct account.
Open your calendar or meeting link and join from there.
Teams web is also useful when you are using a temporary computer.
Wait in the lobby if required
Some meetings place participants in a lobby before entry.
If you see a lobby message, wait for the organiser or presenter to admit you.
You may be placed in the lobby if:
- You are outside the organisation
- You are joining as a guest
- The organiser restricted meeting access
- You used a different account from the invite
- The meeting settings require manual admission
Leave the meeting properly
When finished, select Leave.
If you are the organiser, you may also have an option to end the meeting for everyone.
Use Leave if others should continue the meeting without you.
Optional methods or tools
- Use https://teams.microsoft.com if the desktop app will not open
- Join from Outlook if the meeting does not appear in the Teams calendar
- Use the mobile app if you are away from your computer
- Use Meet now for quick unscheduled meetings
- Ask the organiser to resend the meeting link if the invite is missing
Best practices or tips
- Join a few minutes early for important meetings
- Use the same account that received the invitation
- Check microphone, speaker, and camera before joining
- Use a headset for clearer audio
- Keep Teams updated to avoid meeting join problems
Starting or joining a Microsoft Teams meeting is easiest when you use the Teams calendar, Outlook invite, or official meeting link. The key is to sign in with the correct account and check your audio and video settings before entering the meeting.
For users who cannot open the desktop app, https://teams.microsoft.com provides a reliable browser option for joining meetings. By testing your device settings early and understanding the lobby process, you can avoid common delays and join Teams meetings smoothly.
