---
title: "Chat and Share Files in Teams"
canonical: "https://servicedesk.shu.edu/space/PUBLICKBA/2099609631/Chat%20and%20Share%20Files%20in%20Teams"
format: markdown
---
Microsoft Teams allows users to communicate with individuals, groups, and Teams through chat and channel conversations. Users can also share files directly within Teams conversations, channels, and OneDrive for collaboration.

## Get Started:

> Macro (toc)

---

### Start a New Conversation in a Team Channel

1. Open Microsoft Teams.
2. Select **Teams** from the left-hand navigation menu.
3. Select the Team and channel where you want to post your message.
4. Select **New conversation**.
5. Enter your message in the conversation box.
6. Select **Send**.

---

### Start a Chat with a Person or Group

1. In Microsoft Teams, select **Chat**.
2. Select **New chat**.
3. In the **To:** field, enter the name of the person or group you want to contact.
4. Enter your message in the chat window.
5. Select **Send**.

---

### Reply to a Conversation

Channel conversations in Teams are organized into threaded discussions to help organize replies and discussions.

1. Locate the conversation thread you want to reply to.
2. Select **Reply** below the message.
3. Enter your response.
4. Select **Send**.

---

### Share a File in a Chat or Channel

1. In a chat or channel conversation, select **Actions and apps** or the **Attach file** icon below the message box.
2. Choose one of the following file locations:
  - Recent
  - Browse Teams and Channels
  - OneDrive
  - Upload from my computer
3. If uploading a file from your computer:
  - Select the file.
  - Select **Open**.
4. Enter an optional message to accompany the file.
5. Select **Send**.

> Tip: You can also drag a file directly from your computer into a chat or channel message.

---

### Share a File from OneDrive

Files stored in OneDrive can be shared directly through Microsoft Teams.

1. In Microsoft Teams, select **OneDrive**.
2. Select **My files**.
3. Hover over the file you want to share and select **Share**.

Choose one of the following options:

- Select **Copy link** to generate a shareable link you can paste into a chat or email.
- Select **Sharing settings** to manage permissions for the file.
- Enter the name, group, or email address of the person you want to share with.

4. Select a permission level:
  - Can edit
  - Can review
  - Can view
  - Can’t download
5. Optionally enter a message.
6. Select **Apply** to save permission changes.
7. Select **Send**.

---

### Find Shared Files in Channels and Chats

Each Teams channel and chat includes a **Shared** tab where you can locate files and links shared in conversations.

#### Find Files in a Channel

1. Open the channel.
2. Select the **Shared** tab.

You can search:

- **In Posts** to find files and links shared in conversations.
- **Recent** to view recently accessed files and links.
- **Files** to search only for files.
- **Links** to search only for links.
- **In library** to search the SharePoint document library connected to the channel.

#### Find Files in a Chat

1. Open the chat conversation.
2. Select the **Shared** tab.

You can:

- Select **Recent** to view recently accessed files and links.
- Select **Files** to search only for files.
- Select **Links** to search only for links.

---

### Share a File from OneDrive (iPhone, iPad, and Android)

1. Open the Microsoft Teams mobile app.
2. Tap **Files**.
3. Locate the file you want to share.
4. Tap **More options** next to the file.
5. Tap **Share**.

You can then:

- Share the file in a chat
- Share the file in a channel
- Generate a sharing link
- Manage sharing permissions

---

### Share a File in a Chat (Mobile)

1. Open the Microsoft Teams mobile app.
2. Tap the **Chats** tab.
3. Open the chat where you want to share the file.
4. Tap **Attach** or the **Plus (+)** button below the message box.
5. Select the file from your device or cloud storage.
6. Add an optional message.
7. Tap **Send**.

---

### Share a File in a Channel (Mobile)

1. Open the Microsoft Teams mobile app.
2. Tap the **Channels** tab.
3. Open the channel where you want to share the file.
4. Tap **Attach** or the **Plus (+)** button below the message box.
5. Select the file from your device or cloud storage.
6. Add an optional message.
7. Tap **Send**.

---

## Additional Information

- Files shared in a channel are stored in the Team’s SharePoint document library.
- Files shared in private chats are typically stored in Microsoft OneDrive.
- Shared files inherit sharing permissions based on how and where the file is shared.
- Files uploaded through Teams can also be accessed later through the Teams mobile app.