How to Reply to a Specific Message in Teams (Quotes and Threads)

In a fast group chat, "yes" could be an answer to any of the last six questions. Replying to a specific message quotes it above your answer, so nobody has to guess.

1. Hover over the message you want to answer.
2. Click Reply (the curved arrow) in the little toolbar that appears. You can also click ⋯ More options > Reply.
3. The original message appears quoted above the message box.
4. Type your reply and press Enter.

The quote is clickable: anyone can click it to jump back to the original message.

On your phone: press and hold the message and tap Reply, or swipe right on it.

Channels work differently. Each post is the start of a conversation:

1. Click Reply underneath the post.
2. Type your message and press Enter.

Your reply stays attached to that post, so the channel doesn't become a tangle. In channels with the threads layout turned on, replies open in a side panel instead.

Don't start a new post when you mean to reply. It's the most common channel mistake and it splits the conversation.

If you only want to answer one line, copy it and use the Quote button in the Format toolbar. Paste the line inside the quote block, then type your reply underneath.

Add @ and their name to your reply. The quote shows what you're answering; the mention makes sure they're notified.

I can't find the Reply arrow. Make the Teams window wider, or click ⋯ More options on the message and choose Reply from the menu.

My reply posted as a new conversation in the channel. You typed in the Start a post box at the bottom instead of the Reply box under the message. Delete it and reply in the right place.

The quoted message is from a different chat. Replies only quote messages from the same chat. Copy the text instead.

Hover and click Reply to quote a message in a chat, and always use the Reply box under a post in a channel. Add an @mention and your answer lands with the right person, in the right context.