Classic Teams still opens on your Android phone instead of the new Teams app. You tap a meeting link or a chat notification, and the old interface appears. This happens because the Android operating system keeps the classic app as the default handler for Teams links and intents. This article explains why the classic app takes over and gives you clear steps to force Android to use the new Teams app for all Teams actions.
You will learn how to clear the default app settings, uninstall the classic Teams app, and check that the new Teams app is set as the default for all Teams-related links. The instructions work on Android 11 and newer versions. The process takes about five minutes and does not require any technical skills.
Key Takeaways: Stop Classic Teams From Opening on Android
- Settings > Apps > Default apps > Opening links: Shows which app handles Teams links and lets you switch to new Teams.
- Clear defaults for classic Teams: Removes the old app’s ability to open Teams links without asking.
- Uninstall classic Teams: Permanently removes the old app so Android can never launch it again.
Why Classic Teams Keeps Launching on Android
Android uses a system called intent resolution to decide which app opens a link or a file. When you tap a Teams meeting link, Android looks at all installed apps that can handle that link type. If the classic Teams app is installed, Android often lists it as the default handler, especially if you opened a Teams link once before and chose “Always” or “Just once” with the classic app.
The new Teams app for Android is a separate app with a different package name. Android does not automatically transfer the default handler status from the classic app to the new app. Until you change the default, every Teams link or notification will open the classic app, even if the new Teams app is installed and signed in.
What Happens When Classic Teams Is the Default Handler
When the classic Teams app is the default, Android skips the prompt that asks which app to use. It opens the classic app directly. This behavior happens for meeting links in emails, calendar events, chat messages, and browser taps. The new Teams app never gets a chance to handle the link.
Steps to Stop Classic Teams From Launching on Android
Follow these steps in order. The first step changes the default handler. The second step clears the classic app’s saved preferences. The third step removes the classic app entirely if you no longer need it.
- Open Android Settings and find the default apps menu
On your Android phone, open the Settings app. Scroll down and tap Apps, then tap Default apps. The exact label may be “Default apps” or “Default applications” depending on your phone manufacturer. If you do not see this option, search for “default apps” in the Settings search bar at the top of the screen. - Open the link handling list for Teams links
Inside Default apps, tap Opening links or Link handling. You will see a list of all apps that can open links. Scroll through the list and find the classic Teams app. The app name is usually “Microsoft Teams” with the old colorful logo. Tap it to open its link handling settings. - Clear the default links for classic Teams
In the classic Teams link handling settings, you will see a list of supported link types. Look for a button or toggle labeled “Clear defaults” or “Open supported links”. Tap Clear defaults to remove any saved default status. If you see a toggle for “Open supported links”, turn it off. This action stops the classic app from automatically opening Teams links. - Set the new Teams app as the default handler
Go back to the Opening links list. Find the new Teams app. Its name is “Microsoft Teams” with a modern flat logo. Tap it and enable the toggle for “Open supported links”. Android will now use the new Teams app for all Teams links. If you do not see the new Teams app in the list, it may not be installed. Install it from the Google Play Store first, then repeat this step. - Uninstall the classic Teams app if you no longer need it
If you do not use the classic Teams app for any other purpose, uninstall it. Go to Settings > Apps, find classic Teams, and tap Uninstall. Removing the app guarantees that Android can never launch it again. If you still need the classic app for a specific work account, keep it installed but make sure you completed steps 1 through 4. - Test the change by opening a Teams link
Open a Teams meeting link from your email or calendar. Android should now show the new Teams app or open it directly. If Android still opens the classic app, repeat steps 2 and 3 and make sure the new Teams app is set as the default. You can also force-stop the classic app by going to Settings > Apps > classic Teams > Force stop.
If Classic Teams Still Launches After the Main Fix
Android Still Opens Classic Teams for Meeting Links in Outlook
Outlook for Android has its own link handling settings. Open Outlook, tap your profile picture, then tap Settings. Look for “Default app” or “Open links in”. Change it to the new Teams app. This setting overrides the Android default in some cases.
Classic Teams Opens From a Calendar Notification
Calendar notifications on Android use the default calendar app, not the Teams app directly. Open your calendar app, tap the meeting, and look for the “Join with Teams” button. If that button opens classic Teams, check the default handler for the calendar app itself. Go to Settings > Apps > your calendar app > Defaults and clear any saved defaults.
The New Teams App Is Not Installed on Your Phone
If the new Teams app is not installed, Android has no choice but to use classic Teams. Install the new Teams app from the Google Play Store. Search for “Microsoft Teams” and look for the app with the modern logo. Install it, sign in, and then repeat the default handler steps above.
Classic Teams vs New Teams on Android: Key Differences
| Item | Classic Teams | New Teams |
|---|---|---|
| App name in Settings | Microsoft Teams (old logo) | Microsoft Teams (new logo) |
| Default handler status | Often set as default after first use | Not automatically set |
| Link handling | Opens all Teams links automatically | Requires manual default setting |
| Performance | Slower, more battery usage | Faster, lower battery usage |
| Update status | No longer receives new features | Receives all new features |
After you finish these steps, Android will use the new Teams app for all Teams links and notifications. Test the change by tapping a meeting link from a chat message or email. If you uninstalled classic Teams, you will no longer see the old interface. For a more complete setup, open the new Teams app and go to Settings > Notifications to adjust which alerts open the app directly.