From the Team admin center, under [Guest Access], go to [Messaging] and then [Chat].

Taylor Megan 0 Reputation points
2026-08-17T05:27:35.9933333+00:00

I have a question about guest access to the Teams admin center.

Under the [Messaging] section, you will find the [Chat] settings. Is my understanding correct that this setting allows guest accounts within an organization to use chat, but prevents them from starting private chats or searching for other users within the organization?

Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Teams for business | Chats | Other
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  1. Dora-T 195 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-17T06:09:35.81+00:00

    Hi Taylor Megan

    Based on the description of the Chat setting:

    User's image

    From my understanding:

    -Chat = On: Guests can use Teams chat and search for people in your organization, including to start or join private chats.

    -Chat = Off: Guests can still use chat in channels and private meetings and access existing one-to-one chats, but they can't search for people to start or join private chats.

    I hope this helps. Please feel free to correct me if I misunderstood your question.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-17T05:27:46.7033333+00:00

    Partly correct.

    The Guest access > Messaging > Chat setting controls whether guests can use chat in Teams at all. If it is On, guests can use chat. If it is Off, guests can't use chat.

    The context supports that guests can participate in private chat when guest chat is allowed. It does not state that turning Chat on prevents guests from starting private chats or searching for other users.

    What is supported:

    • In the Teams admin center, Users > Guest access, the Chat toggle gives guests the ability to use chat in Teams.
    • Guests can participate in a private chat.
    • Teams admins control which guest features are available.

    So the supported conclusion is:

    • Chat = On: guests can use chat, including private chat participation.
    • Chat = Off: guests can't use chat.
    • The provided context does not confirm that this setting specifically blocks guests from starting private chats or searching for users.
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