Overview
With Microsoft Teams calling enabled, you can use Teams to call 911. This page provides instructions for using location information to optimize 911 call routing when using Teams calling, and guidance about whether to use Teams calling, landlines, or cell phones when making emergency calls.
Should I use Teams to call 911?
If you need to make an emergency 911 call while working, please use a device that provides location information. The following guidance, which may change as the technology evolves:
- If possible, use a landline phone.
- If a landline phone is not available, your next best option is the cellular network on a mobile phone.
- When no landline or mobile phone is available, you may use Teams calling. We recommend using the Teams desktop or mobile application, not a web browser.
Note: For optimal routing of emergency calls, Teams requires information about your location (see below).
Providing Location Information to Teams
Microsoft Teams needs information about your location to route 911 calls directly to your local 911 dispatch center.
In case you do use Teams to call 911, we strongly encourage you to take the following steps to make sure your computer or mobile device knows your location at any given time, especially if you work remotely:
- Main Office Networks
- Network and Microsoft Teams administrators should work together to provide all network information with the network topology section in Microsoft Teams. This can provide policy driven locations to be hardcoded.
- To verify your location information and update it if necessary, please visit Enabling Location Settings for Microsoft Teams apps.
- If you’re unable to update the location information yourself, you should contact you IT Support services for further advice
- Mobile devices and remote working computers
- Please visit Enabling Location Settings for Microsoft Teams apps.
Note: If your location isn’t set either automatically or manually, your 911 calls will be routed to a national call center with your 911 call handling service provider. An agent will speak with you to determine your location and will then route your call to the correct emergency services answering point. This call will be charged.
Location Information FAQ
Why is my location information sent with 911 calls?
In some cases, someone who makes a 911 call might not be able to verbally give the 911 dispatcher their location because they’re either incapacitated or unsure of their current street address. Also, callers in a corporate location often don’t know the street address of the building they are in.
Can I see what Teams thinks my location is?
Yes. Please see the verification steps for your operating system at Enabling Location Settings for Microsoft Teams apps.
Does your organization use this location data for anything other than 911 calls?
Generally no, as this is information used for 911 calls and to diagnose issues with the Teams 911 service integration. It is advised to check further with your organizations IT support policies for any other location usage.
If I call 911 from outside of the corporate network, will my calls be sent to the correct 911 center?
If the location information in your Teams application is correct, or if you provide an accurate location when asked by the nationwide call center, then yes, your 911 calls will be routed to the correct emergency services answering point, whether in the corporate offices or remotely in another state.