Microsoft Teams: Chat panel opens by default in Gallery view on Teams Rooms on Android

Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android will open the meeting chat panel by default in Gallery view starting late June 2026. This makes chat immediately visible to in-room participants, with a simplified one-tap toggle. Admins can configure this setting; no action is required but reviewing configurations is recommended.

[What and Why]

We’re updating Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android to open the meeting chat panel by default when using Gallery view. This change makes the meeting chat immediately visible to in-room participants during meetings. Admins can configure this behavior, and users can close the chat panel in one tap during meetings.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 561604.

[Rollout Schedule]

• General Availability (Worldwide): Late June 2026 through late June 2026
• GCC: Late June 2026 through late June 2026
• GCC High: Late June 2026 through late June 2026

[Impact on Your Organization]

Who is affected

Organizations using Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android devices

Platforms/Services

• Microsoft Teams
• Teams Rooms on Android devices (meeting room systems)

What will happen

• The meeting chat panel will open by default in Gallery view.
• In-room participants will see the ongoing meeting chat upon joining.
• Users can close the chat panel at any time using the chat button in the meeting controls.
• The chat toggle experience is simplified to a single tap in the meeting toolbar.
• This feature is enabled by default but can be configured by admins.

[Action Required / Recommendations]

No action is required.

However, you may want to:

• Review your configuration if you prefer chat not to open automatically.
• Adjust the setting using one of the following options:
  • On the device:
    • Settings > Teams Admin Settings > Meetings > Open chat panel by default in Gallery view
  • In Teams admin center:
    • Teams devices > Teams Rooms on Android > Configuration profile > Meetings > Open chat panel by default in Gallery view
• Notify room users and helpdesk staff about this updated default behavior.
• Update internal documentation if you provide guidance for meeting room usage.

[Compliance considerations]

No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.