Microsoft Teams: Configure Busy-on-Busy Settings

Summary

Learn how to configure how Microsoft Teams handles incoming calls when you're already on a call or in a meeting.

Body

Overview

This article explains how to configure the Busy-on-Busy setting in Microsoft Teams. This setting determines what happens when someone calls you while you're already on a Teams call or in a meeting.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • A Northwood Tech account.
  • Access to Microsoft Teams.
  • A supported web browser or the Microsoft Teams desktop application.
  • An internet connection.

What is Busy-on-Busy?

Busy-on-Busy controls how Microsoft Teams handles incoming calls when you're already on another call or in a meeting. Depending on your preference, you can allow additional calls to ring, play a busy signal to the caller, or automatically redirect calls to voicemail or another configured destination.

💡 Tip: Choose the option that best supports your workflow. For example, staff who frequently receive important calls may prefer to let new calls ring, while others may prefer to send callers directly to voicemail.

Instructions

Configure Busy-on-Busy Settings

Use the Teams settings menu to choose how incoming calls are handled while you're already on a call or in a meeting.

  1. Open Microsoft Teams.
  2. Click the ... next to your profile picture.
  3. Click Settings.
  4. Click Calls.
  5. Locate the When you're in a call and receive another call setting.
  6. Click the drop-down menu.
  7. Select one of the following options:
    • Let new calls ring me - Allows incoming calls to ring while you're already on a call. You can answer the new call or let it go to voicemail.
    • Play a busy signal - Plays a busy signal to the caller, letting them know you're currently unavailable.
    • Redirect as if call is unanswered - Redirects incoming calls using your existing If unanswered call handling settings, such as voicemail or another configured destination.
📝 Note: Additional call settings, including voicemail, ringtones, call forwarding, and unanswered call handling, are also available from the Calls settings page.
⭐ Best Practice: If you frequently participate in meetings or receive a high volume of calls, consider using Redirect as if call is unanswered to minimize interruptions while ensuring callers can still leave a voicemail.

Troubleshooting

My changes didn't take effect

  • Verify you selected the desired Busy-on-Busy option.
  • Wait a few minutes for the change to apply.
  • Sign out of Microsoft Teams and sign back in.

I don't see the Busy-on-Busy setting

  • Verify you're using the Microsoft Teams desktop application or supported web version.
  • Confirm your account is licensed for Microsoft Teams calling.
  • Install any available Microsoft Teams updates.

I'm still experiencing issues

  • Restart Microsoft Teams.
  • Install any available Windows and Microsoft Teams updates.
  • Submit a Service Desk ticket if the issue persists.

Details

Details

Article ID: 20114
Created
Mon 6/29/26 4:34 PM
Modified
Tue 7/14/26 4:41 PM

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