If you regularly move between your phone and Windows PC, Microsoft Phone Link can make that transition much easier. Instead of constantly picking up your phone to check a message, answer a call, or look at notifications, you can handle many of those tasks directly from your computer.
Phone Link supports both Android phones and iPhones, although the available features are different between the two platforms. Android generally offers broader integration, including access to recent photos and, on supported devices, mobile apps and phone-screen features. iPhone users can use Phone Link for features such as messages, calls, notifications, contacts, and recent activity.
For the best experience, keep your Windows PC and phone updated, make sure your phone is nearby, and use the same Microsoft account where required. Android generally uses the Link to Windows mobile app and Wi-Fi, while iPhone pairing relies heavily on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
Windows Phone Link
Phone Link is Microsoft’s Windows application for connecting a compatible mobile device to a Windows PC. The connection allows your computer to communicate with your phone so you can work with supported phone functions without constantly switching devices.
For Android, Microsoft currently recommends Android 10 or later for the Phone Link experience, along with a Windows 10 PC meeting the applicable update requirements or a Windows 11 PC. Your Android phone and PC should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. iPhone support requires a compatible Windows PC with Bluetooth Low Energy and a compatible iOS version.
The exact features you see can depend on your phone model, operating system, permissions, and the version of Phone Link.
That means one Android phone may offer features that aren’t available on another Android model, while iPhone integration has a different set of capabilities.
Connect Your Phone to Your PC With Windows Phone Link (Android or iPhone)
- To connect an Android phone, open Phone Link on your Windows PC, choose Android, sign in with your Microsoft account, and pair the phone using the displayed QR code.
- To connect an iPhone, open Phone Link, choose iPhone, and follow the QR code and Bluetooth pairing instructions shown on your PC.
- To do this successfully, keep your phone and PC nearby, enable the required Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections, and grant the requested permissions.
- After pairing, configure messages, notifications, contacts, calls, and other available features according to your phone type.
- Once setup is complete, open Phone Link on your PC whenever you want to access the supported phone features.
Let’s explore in detail!
Step 1: Check Your PC and Phone Before Connecting
Before you start pairing anything, check that both devices meet the basic requirements. On your Windows PC, open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install available updates. Using a current version of Windows can help avoid compatibility and pairing problems.
Next, make sure your phone is turned on and nearby. For Android, connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. For iPhone, make sure Bluetooth is turned on because Phone Link uses Bluetooth to establish the connection and support functions such as calls.
If you are using Android, look for the Link to Windows app on your phone. Depending on your phone model, it may already be available, or you may need to install it. Microsoft supports Link to Windows on selected Android devices.
Step 2: Open Phone Link on Your Windows PC
Now start the connection from your computer. Open Start > Phone Link. If you cannot find the application, type Phone Link into the Windows search box and open it from the results.
When Phone Link opens, it will ask you to select the type of phone you want to connect. Choose Android if you have an Android phone or choose iPhone if you use an iPhone.
You may also be asked to sign in with a Microsoft account. Use the account you want associated with your Phone Link connection. For Android, the same Microsoft account is used during the Link to Windows setup on your phone.
Step 3: Connect Your Phone
1: Connect an Android Phone Using the QR Code
If you’re connecting an Android phone, select Android in Phone Link and follow the instructions displayed on your PC. Phone Link will typically provide a QR code that you can scan using your phone.
On your Android phone, open Link to Windows. Sign in using the same Microsoft account used on your PC. Select the option to link your phone and PC, then allow camera access when requested so the app can scan the QR code.
After scanning, your PC and phone will begin the pairing process. You may see additional permission requests on your Android phone. These permissions are important because they allow Phone Link to display supported information such as messages, notifications, contacts, and photos on your PC.
If the QR-code method doesn’t work, Phone Link also provides a manual pairing option in applicable setups. Follow the code-matching instructions shown on both devices rather than trying to create a Bluetooth connection separately.
2: Pair an iPhone With Phone Link
For an iPhone, return to Phone Link on your Windows PC and select iPhone. Follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
Phone Link uses Bluetooth Low Energy for iPhone connectivity, so Bluetooth needs to be available and enabled on the PC. Your iPhone should also have Bluetooth enabled.
Phone Link will display a QR code. Use your iPhone’s camera to scan it and begin the pairing process. Your PC and iPhone will then guide you through the Bluetooth connection.
During this process, pay close attention to permission requests. Depending on the features you want to use, you may need to allow access to notifications, messages, contacts, and call history. Microsoft specifically notes that iPhone permissions can be managed through Settings > Bluetooth, then selecting the information button beside the connected PC.
Step 4: Allow the Required Phone Permissions
After you pair your devices, don’t rush through the permission screens. These settings determine what Phone Link can actually do.
For Android, you may need to approve access to notifications, messages, contacts, and other phone information. If you deny a permission, the corresponding Phone Link feature may not work correctly.
For iPhone, permissions are especially important because the integration works differently from Android. To manage permissions, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find the connected Windows PC, and open its device settings. From there, enable the relevant options for notifications and contact syncing.
This is also a good time to check the privacy implications. For example, allowing message access means notifications and messages that appear on your phone may also become visible through Phone Link on your PC. Microsoft notes that sensitive information contained in SMS messages can therefore be visible in Phone Link.
Step 5: Set Up Messages and Notifications
Once the connection is active, open Phone Link > Messages on your PC. If you’ve granted the necessary permissions, you should be able to view and interact with supported messages from your computer.
You can also open Phone Link > Notifications to manage phone notifications on Windows. This can be useful when you’re working and don’t want to repeatedly check your phone.
If messages aren’t appearing, check the permissions on your phone first. On Android, you can also review Phone Link > Settings > Features > Messages and make sure the relevant messaging options are enabled.
Step 6: Set Up Calls on Your PC
Phone Link can also let you make and receive phone calls from your Windows PC when the required Bluetooth connection and permissions are available.
Open Phone Link > Calls and select Get Started if calling hasn’t already been configured. Follow the instructions shown on your PC and phone. You may be asked to confirm a PIN or approve permissions.
For both Android and iPhone, calling depends on the appropriate Bluetooth connection. If your computer doesn’t have compatible Bluetooth hardware, the calling feature won’t work through Phone Link.
Step 7: Explore Photos, Apps, and Other Features
Android users may have access to additional Phone Link capabilities depending on their device. These can include recent photos, notifications, mobile apps, phone-screen functionality, and file sharing.
Open Phone Link and look through the available sections to see which features your particular Android phone supports. Some advanced Android functions require specific phone models and software versions, so don’t be concerned if your interface doesn’t show every feature mentioned elsewhere.
iPhone integration is more limited in some areas. You can still use supported features such as messages, calls, notifications, contacts, and recent activity, but you should not expect the same level of Android app integration.
Faqs
Can I connect an Android phone to a Windows PC without a cable?
Yes. Phone Link is designed to connect compatible Android phones wirelessly. Your Android phone and PC should generally be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and the Link to Windows app handles the mobile side of the connection.
Can I connect an iPhone to a Windows PC with Phone Link?
Yes. Phone Link supports iPhone, with the connection relying on Bluetooth Low Energy and the required permissions. The features available on iPhone are different from those available on Android.
Do I need a Microsoft account?
For the standard Android Phone Link setup, you’ll use a Microsoft account on your PC and Link to Windows. The exact setup experience can vary depending on your device and existing Microsoft account connection.
Can I make phone calls from my PC?
Yes. Phone Link supports making and receiving calls from a compatible Android or iPhone when the required Bluetooth connection and permissions are available.
Why isn’t my phone appearing in Phone Link?
Start by checking Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, permissions, software updates, and account information. For Android, verify that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. For iPhone, make sure Bluetooth is enabled, and the PC has Bluetooth Low Energy support.
Can I use Android apps on my PC through Phone Link?
Some supported Android devices provide app access through Phone Link, but availability depends on the phone model and software configuration. If the Apps section isn’t available, your device may not support that particular feature.
Does Phone Link transfer everything from my phone?
No. Phone Link doesn’t create a complete copy of your phone. Instead, it provides access to supported phone features and content based on your device, operating system, permissions, and Phone Link capabilities.