How to Add Reactions in Teams (2026)
Reactions in Microsoft Teams let you respond without typing — a quick Like or Heart on a message, or a live applause during a meeting. There are two kinds: message reactions and in-meeting live reactions. Here’s both.
React to a Message
In a chat or channel:
- Hover over the message.
- Click the reaction icon (the smiley face) that appears.
- Pick a reaction — Like, Heart, Laugh, Surprised, Sad, or Angry.
To see more emoji, click the + (or More reactions) to open the full picker. Your reaction appears under the message with a count; click your reaction again to remove it.
On mobile, press and hold the message, then choose a reaction.
Send a Live Reaction in a Meeting
During a meeting, live reactions float on screen for everyone:
- On the meeting toolbar, click React (the emoji icon).
- Choose Like, Heart, Applause, Laugh, or Surprised.
The emoji animates across the meeting window so the speaker can see the response without anyone unmuting. Raise hand lives in this same menu when you want to be called on.
Troubleshooting
I don’t see the reaction icon on a message
Hover directly over the message so its toolbar appears. On mobile, press and hold the message instead. Very old or system messages may not support reactions.
My live reactions aren’t showing in the meeting
The organizer can disable reactions in Meeting options (Allow reactions). If they’re off, ask the organizer to turn them back on.
Can I use any emoji as a reaction?
Click the + / More reactions to expand beyond the default set and search the full emoji list for messages.
How do I remove a reaction I added?
Click your reaction again (the one already showing under the message) to take it off.
Reactions look different on web vs. desktop
The set is the same, but the picker layout varies slightly between the desktop app, web, and mobile. The smiley/React icon does the same thing everywhere.
Quick Reference
| Goal | What to do |
|---|---|
| React to a message | Hover message > smiley > pick emoji |
| More emoji | Click + / More reactions |
| Remove your reaction | Click your reaction again |
| Live reaction in a meeting | Toolbar > React > pick emoji |
| React on mobile | Press and hold the message |
Related Teams guides: How to pin a message in Teams · How to edit a message in Teams · How to raise your hand in Teams · The best AI note takers for Zoom, Teams & Meet
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