SMS Connector App vs Unified Connector App

This guide shows how end users can send and receive SMS and MMS messages within Microsoft Teams, using two connector options: the SMS Connector App and the new Unified Connector App. This guide outlines how message presentation differs between the two apps

IMPORTANT UPDATE
To simplify deployment and ongoing management, we are consolidating four separate connector applications into a single Unified Connector App.
This approach reduces complexity for both enterprise administrators and end users by eliminating the need to install, configure, and manage multiple Microsoft Teams applications. With the Unified Connector App, organizations benefit from a single installation that supports PBX, SMS, Call, and Chat services, resulting in a more streamlined setup experience, fewer configuration points, and a more consistent user interface.
Additional benefits of this consolidation include simplified updates and version control, improved reliability through shared services, reduced administrative overhead, and a clearer support and troubleshooting model.

Recommendation
The CallApp and Chat services are now available exclusively through the Unified Connector App.
New enterprise deployments are therefore strongly encouraged to use the Unified Connector App for PBX and SMS, rather than relying on standalone connector apps.
The end of life date for PBX and SMS Connector Apps will be announced soon.

Connector Apps Overview

Microsoft Teams supports two connector apps for SMS and MMS messaging: the legacy SMS Connector App and the new Unified Connector App. Both provide access to full SMS application interface as an embedded tab, but they differ in presenting the SMS from within the Microsoft Teams client.

SMS Connector App (Legacy)

Operates through Teams and Channels
- Each hosted phone number is linked to a Team
- Each channel is linked to the other SMS party.
Includes the SMS full interface as an embedded tab within the app for direct access to SMS conversations aside from teams and channels.

Unified Connector App (New)

Operates through Chats
- Displays SMS and MMS messages as Chats in the Microsoft Teams chat interface.
- Provides a streamlined, private messaging experience aligned with typical Teams chat interactions.
Includes the same SMS full interface as an embedded tab within the app for direct access to SMS conversations aside from Teams chat.

Feature Summary

Feature	SMS Connector App	Unified Connector App
MS Teams area where the SMS conversations reside	Teams and Channels	Chat
SMS Composer Dialog	✅	no equivalent
SMS tab embedded in the app	✅	✅
Secure SMS	✅	✅
Outlook Contact Integration	✅	✅
Group Texting	✅	✅
SMS Group	✅	✅

Accessing Messages from Channel and Composer (uses the SMS Connector App)

With the legacy SMS Connector App, the messages are represented in a channel (representing the other party) under a team (representing the hosted SMS number.)

The team name : a raw SMS number, an SMS group name, or, if available, an Outlook Contact name.

The channel name : a raw SMS number or, if available, an Outlook Contact name.

Accessing a Message from Chat (uses the Unified Connector App)

The new Unified Connector App brings together all integration connectors—including SMS—into a single, streamlined experience.

The SMS/MMS messages are presented just like a regular chat. The chat name follows the format source(destination).

Search for the chat thread tied to your SMS number or associated Outlook contact’s name. Send your message and view incoming texts just like a normal chat. Send MMS just like a normal chat with file attachment.