Creating a group in Teams takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you're on desktop, web, or mobile

A group in Teams is a workspace where you and others can chat, share files, and work together on projects. You can create one from the Teams app on your computer, phone, or through a web browser. The group starts private by default — only people you add can see it — and you control who joins and what they can do.

The steps differ slightly depending on which device you're using, but the outcome is the same. Once you create the group, you'll have a space ready to add members and start collaborating right away.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a group by opening Teams, selecting the "+" icon next to "Teams" in the left sidebar, and choosing "Create a team."
  • You decide whether the group is private (only invited members see it) or public (anyone in your organization can find and join it).
  • After creating the group, you add members by typing their names or email addresses into the members field.
  • You can add channels to your group later to organize conversations by topic or project.

Creating a group on desktop or web

Open Microsoft Teams on your computer or go to teams.microsoft.com in your browser. Look at the left sidebar where you see "Teams" listed. Next to that word, you'll see a "+" icon. Click it.

A menu appears with two options: "Create a team" and "Join or create a team." Click "Create a team." A window opens asking you to name your group and decide whether it's private or public. Type a name that describes what the group is for — for example, "Marketing Campaign 2024" or "Book Club." Then choose Private if only people you invite should see it, or Public if anyone in your organization can find it and join. Click "Next."

The next screen asks you to add members. Type the names or email addresses of people you want in the group. As you type, Teams suggests matching names from your organization. Click each person's name to add them. You can add people now or skip this step and add them later — either way works. Click "Create" when you're done.

Creating a group on your phone

Open the Teams app on your phone. At the bottom of the screen, tap the "Teams" icon (it looks like a group of people). At the top right, you'll see a "+" icon. Tap it.

A menu appears. Tap "Create a team." Type a name for your group. Then choose whether it's private or public by tapping the option that matches what you want. Tap "Next."

On the next screen, tap "Add members" and type the names or email addresses of people you want to include. Tap each name as it appears. When you're finished adding people, tap "Create."

Understanding private versus public groups

A private group is hidden from people outside it. Only members you add can see the group name, the conversations inside it, or the files shared there. Use a private group for sensitive projects, small teams, or anything you want to keep within a specific set of people.

A public group shows up in a searchable list that anyone in your organization can browse. Anyone can join without asking permission. Use a public group for company-wide initiatives, open communities, or topics where you want broad participation. You can change a group from private to public later if you change your mind, though the reverse is not always possible depending on your organization's settings.

Adding members after you create the group

You don't have to add everyone when you first create the group. To add members later, open the group and look for the group name at the top. Click or tap the group name, then look for "Members" or a people icon. Click "Add members" and type the names or email addresses of the people you want to include. Click their names as they appear, then click "Add."

Members you add can see all past conversations and files in the group unless your organization has set restrictions. If you remove someone from the group, they lose access to it immediately, though they may still see messages they received before removal depending on your organization's settings.

Setting up channels within your group

Once your group exists, you can create channels inside it to organize conversations by topic. For example, a marketing group might have channels for "Social Media," "Email Campaigns," and "Design Feedback." Channels keep related conversations in one place and make it easier for members to find what they're looking for.

To create a channel, open your group and look for the "..." (three dots) next to the group name at the top. Click it and select "Add channel." Type a name for the channel and choose whether it's standard (everyone in the group can see it) or private (only certain members can see it). Click "Create." You can create as many channels as you need, and members can join channels they're interested in.

Troubleshooting common issues

If the "+" icon next to Teams doesn't appear, you may not have permission to create groups in your organization. Contact your IT department or manager to ask whether group creation is turned on for your account.

If you can't find someone to add as a member, they may not be in your organization's directory, or their email address may be spelled differently than you expect. Try searching for their first name alone, or ask them directly for the email address associated with their Teams account. If a person's name appears but you can't click it, they may have restrictions on their account that prevent them from joining groups.

If you create a group but it doesn't appear in your Teams list right away, wait a few seconds and refresh the page or close and reopen the app. Sometimes Teams takes a moment to sync the new group across devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a group from private to public after I create it?

Yes. Open the group, click the group name at the top, and look for settings or group information. Find the privacy setting and change it from private to public. The reverse — changing public to private — may not be available depending on your organization's policies.

What's the difference between a group and a channel?

A group is the main workspace that contains channels. Channels are subdivisions within a group organized by topic or project. You create a group first, then add channels inside it to keep conversations organized.

Do I have to add members when I create the group?

No. You can create a group with no members and add people later. You can also create a group, add some members now, and add more members whenever you need to.

What happens if I delete a group?

Deleting a group removes it from everyone's Teams list and makes all conversations and files in that group inaccessible. Most organizations keep deleted groups recoverable for a limited time (usually 30 days), so contact your IT department immediately if you delete a group by mistake.

Can people outside my organization join a group I create?

Not through the standard group creation process. If you need to work with people outside your organization, your IT department may have set up guest access, which allows you to invite external people to specific groups. Ask your manager or IT department whether this option is available.