How to set up Phone Link on Windows

💡 Need to know

• Check your operating system (OS). You need Windows® 10 or 11 OS, which usually has Phone Link pre-installed.
• Sign in with the same Microsoft® account on both devices. This ensures they can find each other.
• Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® for both devices. Depending on the pairing method, one or the other is necessary.
• Know your pairing method. Android™ pairs through the Link to Windows app, while iPhone® pairs directly through Bluetooth.

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Microsoft Phone Link is a great tool to have because, as long as you're on your PC, your phone never has to leave your pocket. All of your texts, calls, notifications, and even photos are available right there on Windows. When you can't get it set up correctly, however, it goes from handy to frustrating, and you're back to pulling out your phone to check a text.

At Asurion, we run into and resolve tech issues like these daily, from failed Windows updates to common USB connection problems. We’ll help you with your Phone Link setup, so you can smoothly receive texts, calls, and photos on your PC.

What is Microsoft Phone Link?

Phone Link is a built-in Windows app that pulls pieces of a connected phone over to your PC for easier access. Depending on your device, you'll be able to access text messages, calls, notifications, apps, and photos from your phone. Android gets the whole enchilada, while the iPhone covers only the essentials: calls, messages, and notifications.

Android phones need a special app, called Link to Windows, to connect to Phone Link. iPhones connect directly via Bluetooth instead.

What can you do with Phone Link?

Once you've got them talking to one another, your PC becomes an extension of your phone. Texts will show up on your desktop, and you can respond to them from there as well. You'll hear your calls ringing on your computer and be able to answer them without getting up. Android users also get to drag photos onto their computer, so they can use them instantly.

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How to set up Phone Link with an Android phone

Android needs a little help getting connected to Phone Link, but setup is easy once you've downloaded the Link to Windows app:

1. Open the Phone Link app on your PC and sign into your Microsoft account.
2. Install the Link to Windows app from Google Play™.
3. In Phone Link, select Androidas your phone type and choose the option to display a QR code.
4. In Link to Windows, scan the QR code to pair the two devices.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to sign in and grant the required permissions.
6. Wait a few moments for the two devices to sync.

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How to set up Phone Link with an iPhone

iPhone users only need to turn on Bluetooth and follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Phone Link app on your PC and sign into your Microsoft account.
2. In the Phone Linkapp, select iPhoneas your device type.
3. Follow the prompts to begin the pairing process and confirm the matching code on both screens.
4. On your iPhone, accept the pairing request when it shows up.
5. Grant the necessary permissions to unlock the full features.
6. Keep both devices nearby to maintain the Bluetooth connection.

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What to do if Phone Link isn't working

If you're having trouble with Phone Link not pairing or losing its sync, a few quick checks usually solve the problem:

• Make sure you turn on Bluetooth in Windows 11 and on your phone.
• Double-check that you've granted the necessary permissions on your phone.
• Update both the Phone Link app and your phone's operating system to the latest version.
• Restart Phone Link or restart both devices and try connecting again.
• If all else fails, unpair the two devices and start the connection process over.

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FAQ

What is Microsoft Phone Link?

Microsoft Phone Link is software that comes pre-installed on most Windows systems. It allows you to connect your Android or iPhone to your PC so you can access messages, calls, notifications, and photos from the phone.

Does Phone Link work with iPhone?

Yes, Phone Link works with the iPhone with no special app needed on the phone. All you need is the Phone Link app that comes preinstalled on a Windows PC and the knowledge of how to connect Bluetooth devices.

Does Phone Link work with Android?

Yes, Android uses a special app from the Google Play Store, called Link to Windows, to connect the two devices. This combination provides the widest range of features, with most Android phones able to sync messages, calls, notifications, and photos.

Why isn't Phone Link connecting to my phone?

The most common connection issues are caused by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi being disabled on one or both of the devices. Missing permissions and outdated software are also common culprits.