on 10-07-2024 08:59 PM
[Windows 11/10] “Phone Link” application
Microsoft's Phone Link app allows you to synchronize your Windows computer with your Android or iOS smartphone. It reduces the need to switch between your smartphone and computer by enabling functions like making and answering calls, responding to text messages, and viewing and dismissing notifications directly on your Windows computer. This article will cover the requirements and setup of the Phone Link app. For more detailed information, please refer to Microsoft's official documentation at https://www.microsoft.com/windows/sync-across-your-devices.
If you encounter any issues while using the app, consult the Phone Link app troubleshooting guide.
Please proceed to the relevant instructions based on your smartphone's operating system:
System requirements
The Phone Link experience starts on your Windows PC and the Phone Link app. From your PC, you can connect to select Android, Samsung, and select HONOR devices with the Link to Windows app that's either preinstalled on your device or that you can download from the Google Play or Samsung Galaxy Store.
This link between your Android device and PC gives you instant access to everything you love. Read and reply to text messages with ease, view recent photos from your Android device, use your favorite mobile apps, make and receive calls, and manage your Android device’s notifications right on your PC.
The Phone Link app requires the following to work:
We recommend always having the latest version of Windows installed to make sure you get the best experience with the Phone Link app.
Note: The Phone Link app doesn't currently support multiple Android profiles or work/school accounts.
How to link your devices starting from Phone Link
Make sure to have both your PC and Android device nearby, turned on, and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
If you start from your PC:
If you're adding another Android device:
Linking your phone during PC setup or pairing in Phone Link starting with your Microsoft account
During PC setup:
When linking your phone during PC setup, the Microsoft account you used while setting up your PC will be used for signing into your linked phone during the pairing process.
The Microsoft account you used while setting up your PC will be transferred to your linked phone during the pairing process.
During pairing in Phone Link:
When linking in Phone Link the Microsoft account you select will be used for signing into your linked phone during the pairing process.
The Microsoft account you select will be transferred to your linked phone during the pairing process.
During both:
When you complete the pairing of your phone to your Microsoft account, you will be able to access your phone when you are using Microsoft products and services.
Your Microsoft account credentials will be transferred to your phone for seamless access to your contents when you give permission to link your phone to your PC.
Use your favorite apps, respond to texts, make calls, view photos, and more in the Phone Link app. After approving permissions to allow access to your phone, you can use your favorite apps, respond to texts, make calls, view photos, and more on your Windows PC. If you allow syncing contacts from your phone with your Microsoft account, you can enjoy seamless access to your phone-synced contact data on other Microsoft apps and services.
Learn more about privacy under Microsoft Privacy Statement.
Note: You can unlink your devices anytime completing the steps listed on Unlink a device.
How to setup Instant Hotspot?
Now you can connect to your phone’s mobile hotspot by adding it to your PC’s Wi-Fi menu. Instant Hotspot provides you with a convenient way of repeatedly connecting to your phone’s hotspot without having to provide a password every time.
Note: Mobile data charges may apply.
What are the requirements for using this feature?
PC requirements:
Phone requirements:
How to enable this feature?
From your PC:
From your Android device:
Q & A
Q1: Why do I need to grant permissions during linking my devices?
A1: Android 13 introduces a runtime notification permission. This permission is needed for data transfer and notification sending between your devices.
Q2: Why can't I approve notifications on Phone Link?
A2: The Android 13 requirement is to approve your notifications on your Android device. You can do it during the pairing process or go to System Settings > Apps > Link to Windows > Notifications on your Android devices and toggle on the permissions.
Q3: Why do I need to give notifications permission?
Q4: Notification permission allows data transfer and notification sending between your devices, which lays the foundation for cross-device features. By giving permissions, you can use your Android device on your PC with phone photo management, notification management and App usage (where it is supported).
Q4: Why don't I see the Instant Hotspot feature available on the Phone Link app?
A4: Ensure that you have the latest updates of Phone Link and Link to Windows applications. Make sure your PC is updated to Windows 11, build 22621 or later.
System requirements
Microsoft Phone Link makes syncing your Windows PC to your iPhone® simple. To start, open Phone Link on your Windows 11 PC. Follow the instructions for pairing and permissions.
You can also download Link to Windows from the App Store on your iPhone®, but it is not required.
This link between your iPhone® and PC gives you instant access to many things you love. Read and reply to text messages with ease, make and receive calls, and manage your iPhone® notifications right on your PC.
Requirements
The Phone Link app requires the following to work:
If you choose to download Link to Windows, make sure you have the latest app version 1.23031.2 or later installed for an optimal pairing experience.
To ensure the best possible experience with Phone Link , we recommend having the latest version of Windows 11. See if updates are available here
Notes:
How to link your devices
First things first: make sure your PC and iPhone® are nearby and both have Bluetooth turned on.
If you start from your PC:
After successfully pairing your device via Bluetooth, you will need to enable these three settings on your iPhone® in order to access all available features. Some features require multiple permissions in order to be fully functional.
Sync Contacts settings will give access to your Messages, Contacts, and Call History.
How to unlink your devices
Follow these steps to unpair your iPhone® from your Windows PC.
On your phone
Under Bluetooth, select the Information icon next to your PC’s name in the “My Devices” list, and select Forget this Device.
On your PC
Open Phone Link and open Settings. Under the My Devices tab, select the device you want to unlink with the Remove option.
Your devices should now be unpaired.
How to enable features in app
You can pick which features you want enabled in Phone Link.
To do this, go to Settings and select the Features tab. It’s there you’ll find toggles for which features you grant permissions to.
Removing permissions will also disable the feature in the app.
How do I use and scan the QR code
Make sure your PC and iPhone® are nearby and have Bluetooth turned on both.
A unique QR code is generated whenever you want to pair a new iPhone® device to your PC. Just use the camera on your iPhone® to scan it.
To pair additional devices, you can find the Link new device option under Settings > My Devices > Link new device.
I scanned the QR code but the pairing failed, what can I do?
First, ensure Bluetooth is turned on both your Windows PC and your iPhone®. Also, make sure your PC and iPhone® are “discoverable” to each other.
If pairing is still incomplete, you may have to reset Phone Link on your PC and Link to Windows to get them in a fresh state.
If issues persist:
Open the Phone Link app and open Settings. Under Feedback & Community is a form you can use to describe your issues. Provide as much detail as you can.
You can also find this by searching “Feedback Hub” in your taskbar search field.
The preceding content originates from Microsoft's Phone Link app requirements and setup.