How to Send Replies in Microsoft Teams Using Bot Name Instead of Username via Graph API?

[purvasanap2001]

I'm working on an external application that sends replies to messages in Microsoft Teams using the Microsoft Graph API. Currently, the replies are sent using the username associated with the authenticated account. However, I want the replies to appear as if they're coming from the bot itself, using the application name registered in the Azure portal. The bot is also registered as a message extension app. Ideally, I want the responses to display the bot's name, rather than the username of the account making the API call. Here are the steps I'm currently following: The bot is authenticated and authorized using OAuth2 with the appropriate permissions. I use the /reply Or /message endpoint to send messages. I know we can use incoming webhook, but we can't use it.

What I'm looking for:

Any specific configurations needed in the Azure portal or Microsoft Graph API to achieve this. How to Send the message with the bot's name instead of the user's name.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[sayali-MSFT]

@purvasanap2001 - Thanks for reporting your issue. We will check this at our end and will get back to you.

[sayali-MSFT]

@purvasanap2001- To ensure that replies in Microsoft Teams appear as if they're coming from your bot (with the bot's name) rather than the authenticated user's username, you need to make use of the Microsoft Bot Framework instead of the Microsoft Graph API directly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this:

1. Register Your Bot You’ve mentioned that your bot is already registered in the Azure portal, but let’s ensure it’s properly configured:

Go to the Azure Portal: Navigate to the Azure portal. Find Your Bot Service: Go to “Azure Bot” in the portal. Confirm Bot Registration: Ensure that your bot is registered and has the necessary credentials (App ID and App Secret).

2. Configure the Microsoft Bot Framework To send messages from your bot, use the Bot Framework’s API. This API is specifically designed for sending messages as a bot, and it ensures that the message appears with the bot’s name.

Obtain the Bot Framework SDK: If you haven’t already, you should use the Bot Framework SDK for your preferred programming language. The SDK simplifies sending messages from your bot.

Authenticate the Bot:

Get the Bot Token: Use the App ID and App Secret from your bot registration to get a token from the Microsoft Identity platform. This token will be used to authenticate your bot. Endpoint: Use the Microsoft Identity Platform to obtain the token for your bot.

Send Messages Using the Bot Framework API:

Use the Direct Line API: If you’re using the Direct Line channel, you can use the Direct Line API to send messages. Send Message: Use the Bot Framework’s REST API to send messages. The bot’s name will automatically be used as the sender. Here’s an example of how to send a message using the Bot Framework REST API:

POST https://smba.trafficmanager.net/amer/v3/conversations/{conversationId}/activities
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_BOT_ACCESS_TOKEN
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "type": "message",
  "from": {
    "id": "bot",
    "name": "Your Bot's Name"
  },
  "text": "This is a reply from the bot."
}

3. Configure Messaging Extensions Since you mentioned that your bot is registered as a messaging extension app, ensure that:

Correct Scopes and Permissions: Verify that your bot has the necessary permissions to post messages in the teams or channels where you intend to use it.

Handle the Message Extension: Implement message extensions correctly so that they can interact with Teams and post messages as the bot.

4. Review Permissions and Consents Ensure that the bot has the appropriate permissions:

Bot Permissions: Check that your bot has been granted the correct permissions (like ChatMessage.Send, ChannelMessage.Send, etc.) in the Azure AD app registration.

Consents: Verify that these permissions have been consented to by the appropriate users or admins.

5. Testing and Debugging Use Bot Framework Emulator: Test your bot locally using the Bot Framework Emulator to ensure it replies correctly and displays the bot’s name.

[purvasanap2001]

@sayali-MSFT , Thanks for the guidance, I also need help In the below issue: Using delegate permission, I can send message using the authenticated user. But is there any way to send a message using anyone's identity?

Like, using the same token I can send a message as A and also as B.

I know there was a document for application permission and I tried it But it is for import use and not for sending messages.

[sayali-MSFT]

sending messages directly on behalf of different users is not supported by the Graph API using application permissions. Application permissions are generally used for managing teams, channels, and users but not for sending messages as a specific user.

If you need to send messages as different users, you will need to obtain an access token for each user individually, which requires them to authenticate and grant permissions. This approach involves:

User Consent Flow: Each user would need to authenticate and grant permissions through the OAuth 2.0 consent flow, after which your application can use their access tokens to send messages on their behalf.

OAuth Token Management: You would need to manage and securely store access tokens for each user. This is not typically feasible or secure in many scenarios, especially for applications that need to impersonate users programmatically.

Example of Sending Messages Using Delegated Permissions Here's how you might send a message using delegated permissions where you act on behalf of the authenticated user:

const axios = require('axios');

async function sendMessage(accessToken, teamId, channelId, messageContent) {
    const url = `https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/teams/${teamId}/channels/${channelId}/messages`;

    try {
        const response = await axios.post(url, {
            body: {
                content: messageContent
            }
        }, {
            headers: {
                Authorization: `Bearer ${accessToken}`,
                'Content-Type': 'application/json'
            }
        });

        console.log('Message sent:', response.data);
    } catch (error) {
        console.error('Error sending message:', error);
    }
}