Microsoft has removed the plus sign (+) used to add a tab in Teams channels

In a twist that has left Teams users quite frustrated, Microsoft has swapped out the familiar “+” icon for adding tabs in Teams channels with a mysterious new symbol. This change, part of the latest Teams update, has sparked a wave of confusion across organizations.

According to users, gone are the days when adding a tab was a simple click on the “+” sign. Now, you are greeted with a new icon located at the top right section of the Teams channel following the recent update. This change hasn’t gone unnoticed, and users have been vocal about their struggles in adjusting to the new layout.

Think of it as an app launcher that promises more functionality with an extra click. It is located conspicuously at the top right, and it seems it’s the new gateway to adding tabs. Once you click on it, you can select your desired app and pin it as a tab.

While the exact reason behind this update remains under wraps, it seems Microsoft aims to streamline the interface. However, this “streamlining” has added an extra step, much to the dismay of Teams’ power users. The new icon is located in the top right corner of your Teams channel, as seen below.

Notably, if you’re the owner of the Team, this functionality can reportedly be controlled by the team settings. Simply toggle it under Settings > Member permissions > Allow members to create, update and remove tabs. Additionally, the functionality might be disabled by your IT team via policy, so check with them.

Curiously, the official support page still instructs users to add a tab by going to the channel and selecting Add a tab (+). This guidance only adds to the confusion, leaving Teams users puzzled about the disappearance of the “+” icon.

This update has been met with mixed feelings. From mild confusion to outright frustration, Teams users have expressed their concerns about the missing “+” icon that makes it hard to add tabs to channels. While some have managed to find their way around the new icon, others are still navigating through the change.

Acknowledging the issue, a Microsoft Community Agent has assured users that the team is investigating the root cause and potential solutions. In the meantime, they recommend using the new icon for adding tabs.

While change can be daunting, embracing the new icon might just be the start of a more streamlined experience in Teams. So, next time you find yourself hunting for the “+” icon, remember to look up and click on the new app launcher icon. It’s a small change that’s making big waves, but with a little patience, we’ll all get the hang of it.