How to Change Status in Microsoft Teams

While working from the office, anyone can check your physical cube and see if you are available. What about virtual workspace? Software solutions like Microsoft Teams and Slack allow you to set status so your colleagues know your availability. Here’s how you can change the status in Microsoft Teams.

Setting availability during business hours gives a clear idea for others to engage with you. The ability to change the status of Microsoft Teams is available on both desktop and mobile. We will consider them in the article. But first we’ll start with the Microsoft Teams Windows and Mac apps.

Microsoft Teams Desktop App

It’s pretty easy to change status in Microsoft Teams. Follow the steps below to learn how to change status in Microsoft Teams and what options are available as Teams status.

Stage 1: Open Microsoft Teams on Windows or Mac.

Step 2: Click on the Account menu in the upper right corner.

Stage 3: You will see your name along with your profile picture. See below and check your current status.

Step 4: Click on your current status and a context menu will open to change Teams status. Let’s check them in detail.

Available: Indicated as a green checkmark is the default Teams state when you sign in to the app. Eligible status means that the person is not in a meeting or on a call and the desktop app is currently active. When you switch to a mobile app or keep the device in sleep mode, the status changes to Away in Teams.

Busy: As soon as you occupy yourself with a call or meeting, Teams will show a red circle and change the status to Busy. You will receive notifications even if someone texts you.

Do not bother: Be careful when using Do not disturb status in Teams. For once, Microsoft never automatically changes state when in DND mode. Blocks all messages and notifications until you change the DND status in Teams.

Be right back: Return immediately, displayed as a yellow sign, indicates that you are temporarily away from your desk and should be ready to respond in a few minutes.

It appears far: Appearing away means you are not actively concentrating on the Teams app. Maybe the application is running in the background and you are busy doing other things on your computer. You will continue to receive messages.

This is helpful when you’re doing research or giving a presentation and you don’t want your coworkers to bother you during these hours.

Appears offline: If you are not signed in to the Teams app on desktop, the app will show Offline status. Indicates that you are not currently working. You will receive all Teams messages during this time.

Now that you know what each Teams status means, you can choose a related status based on your situation and preference.

Microsoft has added another neat function that automates your status in Teams software. Here’s how you can use it.

Stage 1: Open the Teams app on Windows or Mac, click on the Profile menu at the top.

Step 2: Click on your current status and select Duration.

Stage 3: Select the status and set the duration for the status.

Maybe you’re unavailable for a week. You can select Do not disturb and This week from then reset status Menu. Or maybe you’re out for an hour for lunch. Use the duration menu and automate the situation.

When the time runs out, Teams resets the status to Available.

Microsoft Teams Status Shortcut

You can also use quick keyboard shortcuts to set status in Microsoft Teams. Simply press Command + E (on Mac) or Ctrl + E (on Windows) and access the top search box. Now use the commands below to set status in Teams.

• /available: Changes your status to Available
• /busy: Sets your status to Busy
• /dnd: Enables do not disturb status
• /brb: Changes your status to Return immediately
• /away: Sets your status to Away
• /offline: Sets your status to appear Offline

Microsoft Teams Mobile App

If you’re on the go and forgot to change the status from the Teams desktop app, you can do so using the Teams mobile app.

Stage 1: Open Microsoft Teams on iPhone or Android.

Step 2: Tap the profile icon at the top.

Stage 3: Tap the status and select the new status from the drop-down menu.

Set a Right Situation

If you are Busy or Away from Home setup, it is always recommended to set a status accordingly. After all, you won’t want to be bombarded with tons of Teams messages while you’re busy doing other things.