Change idle time in Microsoft Teams

Open Microsoft Teams

First, you’ll want to open the app. The app is available on computers and mobile devices, so all you need to do is look for the app in the application or program menu on the device you’re using. If you don’t have the app yet, simply head to the Microsoft Teams download page on our website.

Downloads on our website are 100% safe and screened for viruses. You’ll be presented with an additional app download, if you don’t require this app, simply skip it and continue to the Microsoft Teams download.

Click on your profile

Once the Microsoft Teams app has opened on your computer, click on your display photo to open up your profile. If you haven’t set a display photo yet, you’re looking for the little person icon at the top right-hand side of the screen, directly next to the Minimize button.

You can access your profile on your mobile device by tapping on the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) found at the top-left corner of your screen.

Select your status

Once in your Microsoft Teams profile, select your current status.

• Available: You’re online and ready to receive and respond to messages and requests.
• Busy: You’re online but busy with something such as a call or meeting. You’ll still be able to receive messages and notifications.
• Do Not Disturb: You’re online but cannot be disturbed. This status will turn off all notifications to avoid any disruptions.
• Be Right Back: You’re away from your computer and will return shortly.
• Away: You’re not available. This status will appear automatically on the mobile app if you close the app or move it to the background.
• Offline: Appears when you log out or turn off your device.

Click on duration

Now, we’re going to set the duration for which your status will appear as you selected in the previous step. Next to your status, click on the arrow below the “Clear Status Message After” option to set the duration of your current status. You should now see a drop-down list of available options. These options allow you to set your current status for 30 minutes, a few hours, the whole day, or a custom time.

Setting the duration can be very helpful in situations where you know how long you’ll need. For example, if you know you’ll be presenting a class for two hours, you can set the “Do Not Disturb” status for those two hours and avoid any premature interruptions.

You can also add a custom message that will appear to anyone trying to contact you when you aren’t available. Between this option and the color-changing indicators, no one has any reason to try and reach out to you on Microsoft Teams when you’re not in a position to answer calls.

Click on “Done”

This is the last and easiest step of all. Once you’ve set your status and duration to whichever options are most applicable in your current situation, all you need to do is click Done, and you’ll be – for lack of a better word – done!