Microsoft Teams has revolutionized workplace communication, and one of its most powerful features is the ability to chat directly with integrated apps. Whether you’re automating tasks, retrieving data, or enhancing collaboration, knowing how to effectively chat with apps in Teams can save time and boost productivity. This guide covers the essential apps you can chat with, how to choose the right ones for your needs, and answers to common questions—perfect for Teams users, IT admins, and business professionals seeking to maximize their Teams experience.
1. Using the Who Bot for Quick Contact Information
The Who Bot in Microsoft Teams allows users to quickly find contact details and organizational information about colleagues. Simply typing @Who followed by a person’s name in a chat or channel prompts the bot to fetch data such as their role, location, and contact info from your organization’s directory. It’s especially useful for new team members or when collaborating across departments, as it reduces the time spent searching through directories or organizational charts.
2. Integrating Polly for Instant Polls and Surveys
Polly is a popular app that enables you to create quick polls and surveys directly within Teams chats. You can invoke Polly by typing /polly and then crafting your question, making it easy to gather team opinions without switching platforms. It supports multiple question types, including multiple choice, rating, and open-ended responses, and results are displayed in real-time, enabling immediate decision-making or feedback collection.
3. Chatting with the WhoAmI App for Personal Profile Details
The WhoAmI app allows users to retrieve their own profile information or that of others with simple commands. For example, typing /whoami or /whois @username will return details like job title, department, and contact info. This is particularly handy during onboarding, troubleshooting, or when verifying details without navigating through complex menus in the Teams interface.
4. Using the Excel or Power BI Apps for Data Queries
Microsoft’s Excel and Power BI apps in Teams enable users to query, update, or analyze data via chat commands. For instance, typing /excel or /powerbi can connect you to specific spreadsheets or dashboards, allowing for quick insights without leaving the chat window. These integrations streamline data-driven discussions, making real-time business intelligence accessible during meetings or casual chats.
5. Chatting with the Who Bot for Organizational Insights
The Who Bot isn’t just for contact info; it can also provide organizational insights such as reporting structures, team memberships, and recent activity. For example, typing @Who team members of a specific department helps in understanding team compositions. This is especially useful in large organizations where navigating hierarchy quickly can be challenging.
6. Using the T-Bot for Help and Guidance
T-Bot is an AI-powered assistant designed to help users navigate and utilize Microsoft Teams features. By typing questions like “How do I create a new channel?” or “Show me how to schedule a meeting,” the bot responds with step-by-step guidance. It acts as a built-in helpdesk, reducing dependency on external support and empowering users to troubleshoot common issues independently.
7. Chatting with the Planner Bot for Task Management
The Planner Bot enables quick creation, assignment, and status updates on tasks within Teams chats. You can type /planner followed by commands like “Create task for project X” or “Update task status,” which integrates directly with your Planner boards. This facilitates seamless task management during conversations and keeps everyone aligned on project progress.
8. Using the Forms App for Instant Feedback Collection
The Microsoft Forms app in Teams allows users to create and send surveys or quizzes directly within a chat. Typing /forms or selecting the Forms icon prompts you to craft a new form, then share it instantly. Responses are collected within Teams, enabling immediate analysis and quick decision-making in a collaborative environment.
9. Chat with the Who App for Cross-Platform Compatibility
The Who app extends the capabilities of the original Who Bot by integrating with other Microsoft 365 services and third-party apps. It can provide insights from SharePoint, Outlook, or Dynamics 365, enhancing the depth of information accessible via chat commands. This makes it a versatile tool for users needing comprehensive data retrieval across Microsoft’s ecosystem.
10. Exploring Custom Bots Built with Power Virtual Agents
Organizations can develop custom chatbots using Microsoft’s Power Virtual Agents and deploy them within Teams. These bots can handle specialized tasks such as onboarding, FAQ answering, or order processing tailored to your business needs. Interacting with these bots via chat provides a personalized, efficient experience that can be scaled across departments.
How to Choose
When selecting apps to chat with in Microsoft Teams, consider your primary use cases—whether for communication, data access, task management, or support. Evaluate the app’s integration depth with your existing Microsoft 365 environment, its ease of use, and security features. Prioritize apps with active development and support, as well as user reviews that highlight reliability and effectiveness. Ultimately, the best app for you aligns with your workflow and enhances your productivity without adding complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I chat with multiple apps at once?
Yes, you can interact with multiple apps in a single conversation by invoking each app’s commands separately. Many apps support slash commands like /polly or /forms, which you can combine in your workflow.
Are these app chats secure?
Most Microsoft Teams apps adhere to enterprise-grade security standards, including data encryption and compliance with organizational policies. Always verify app permissions and data handling policies before integrating new tools.
Do I need admin permissions to add these apps?
Adding some apps requires admin approval, especially in managed enterprise environments. Users may need to request installation from their IT administrator or app owner.
Can I build my own chatbots for Teams?
Yes, using Microsoft Power Virtual Agents or Bot Framework, organizations can create custom chatbots tailored to their specific needs, which can be integrated into Teams for seamless interaction.
Is it possible to automate workflows with chat apps?
Absolutely. Many apps support automation features, and combined with Power Automate, you can create complex workflows triggered directly from chat interactions.
Final Thoughts
Chatting with apps in Microsoft Teams transforms the platform from a simple communication tool into a powerful hub for productivity and automation. By leveraging the right apps—such as Polly for quick surveys, Planner for task management, or custom bots for tailored workflows—you can streamline daily tasks and foster more efficient collaboration. The key is to identify your team’s specific needs and choose apps that integrate smoothly into your existing workflows, ensuring a seamless and secure experience that boosts overall productivity.
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