Microsoft Teams allows you to sign in to multiple accounts and to access other organisations using Guest access. This page explains the difference between these options and how to switch between them.
Overview
You may need to use more than one Microsoft Teams account if you:
- Have a HYMS, NHS, or University account and a personal Microsoft account
- Collaborate with staff from external organisations
- Are invited to join a Team as a Guest
Each account or organisation is kept separate and must be selected manually.
Multiple Microsoft Teams accounts
What is a multiple account setup?
A multiple account setup means you sign in to more than one Microsoft account in Teams.
Each account:
- Has its own Teams, chats, and files
- Uses a separate email address
- Has its own settings and notifications
Accounts cannot be merged.
Switching between accounts (desktop)
- Open Microsoft Teams
- Select your profile picture (top right)
- Under Accounts and orgs, select the account you want
- Teams will reload using that account
Switching between accounts (mobile)
- Open the Teams app
- Tap your profile picture
- Select Accounts
- Choose the account you want to use
Adding another account
- Select your profile picture
- Choose Add account
- Sign in using the email address and password for the account
Teams will remember the account for future use.
The example below shows a user signed into Teams with their HYMS account, with the option to switch to their York or Hull Teams accounts to access additional resources and contact users within those organisations.
Guest access in Microsoft Teams
What is Guest access?
Guest access allows you to access another organisation’s Teams using your existing email address.
You do not receive a new account.
Instead, you are added as a Guest to that organisation.
How Guest access appears
Guest organisations appear separately in Teams and are marked with just the Organisastion name.
The example below shows a User signed into Teams with their Hull IT account and also showing how this account appears as a Guest in the Hull York Medical School organisation.
- Your Organisation
- External Organisation (Guest)
Switching to a Guest organisation
- Select your profile picture
- Under Accounts and orgs, choose the labelled organisation
- Teams will reload into the Guest organisation
You will only see Teams and files shared with you in that organisation.
Guest access limitations
Guest permissions are set by the host organisation.
Guests normally:
- Can chat and join meetings
- Can access shared files
Guests normally cannot:
- Create new Teams
- See the organisation’s staff directory
- Access internal systems or apps
If access is missing, contact the Team owner in the host organisation.
Common issues
I can’t see a Team I’ve been invited to
Check you are viewing the correct organisation, especially Guest organisations.
I’m seeing the wrong chats or files
You may be signed in to the wrong account or organisation.
Switch accounts using your profile menu.
Files are read‑only or unavailable
This is likely due to Guest access restrictions set by the host organisation.
More information
- Contact the HYMS IT if:
- You cannot access a Team you have been invited to
- You are unsure which account you should be using
- Microsoft Teams user guides