Microsoft Teams: Badging updates to help users find messages that count

Microsoft Teams will update badge counts starting mid-April 2026 to show unread, unmuted chats, personal mentions, followed threads, and tag mentions with clearer visual indicators. The feature is enabled by default, requires no admin action, and aims to simplify message notifications for all desktop and mobile users.

[Introduction]

We’re updating how Microsoft Teams calculates and displays badge counts to make it easier for users to find and clear messages that contribute to their unread count. A badge count is the number displayed on the Teams app and navigation that shows how many unread messages or notifications require user attention. This update introduces clearer visual indicators and simplifies the chat and channels list.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 559612.

[When this will happen:]

• Targeted Release (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in mid-April 2026 and is expected to complete by early May 2026.
• General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in early May 2026 and is expected to complete by mid-May 2026.

[How this affects your organization:]

Who is affected:

• All users of Microsoft Teams on desktop and mobile.

What will happen:

• Users may notice a change in their overall Teams badge count.
• Users may notice a change in chat badge counts (and Teams badge counts when using split-app mode).
• The new badge count is calculated as the sum of:
  • Unread, unmuted chats
  • Unread personal mentions
  • Unread followed threads
  • Unread tag mentions
• Unread, unmuted chats in the chat list will display a purple dot to indicate they contribute to the badge count.
• In Quick views, Mentions, Followed threads, and Tag mentions will display a purple number showing how many unread items contribute to the badge count.
• Mention charms and Important charms will be removed from the chat and channels list to simplify the experience.
• The feature is enabled by default and does not require admin configuration.

[What you can do to prepare:]

• No admin action is required.
• Consider informing users about how badge counts are calculated to reduce confusion or helpdesk inquiries.
• For followed threads, users can adjust their preferences by going to Settings > Chats and channels and updating Automatically follow threads in channels.
• Update internal training or helpdesk documentation if you reference Teams badge behavior.

[Compliance considerations:]

No compliance considerations identified; review as appropriate for your organization.