One of the great benefits of Apple products is the way they seamlessly share information between devices. It’s always felt that Microsoft has been catching up in that regard, with Android as its only phone rival complicating things.
However, that started to change with the introduction of ‘Your Phone’ in 2018. This simple app allowed Windows 10 users to access and act on important information from their phone without leaving the desktop. Its initial functionality was limited, but it has become a powerful companion app that can prove valuable to many people.
Microsoft rebranded the app as “Phone Link” in 2022, giving it a redesign more in line with the Windows 11 aesthetic. Phone Link was long exclusive to Android phones, but now works with an iPhone as well .
But Phone Link works with both operating systems, as well as a wide variety of Android smartphones. However, some functionality remains exclusive to select Samsung handsets and the Surface Duo & Duo 2.
Here’s everything you need to know about Phone Link, including what the recent updates have to offer.
What is Phone Link on Windows?
Phone Link is available for Windows 11 and Windows 10 and is one of the apps that comes pre-installed when you buy a Windows laptop or PC. As the new name suggests, this provides an easy way to link your smartphone and Windows desktop. It’s not quite on the same level as between Apple devices, but still useful.
With the current version of Phone Link, you can remotely access many of your phone’s most popular features. Think of viewing and answering notifications, calling and texting. You can also manage quick settings, manage photos, and run Android apps, though the latter is now natively supported in Windows 11.
However, only a limited number of phones have a ‘Link to Windows’ feature built directly into the device’s settings. This is intended to make the process of moving content or using mobile apps on the desktop feel seamless. Recent Samsung flagships are supported, in addition to the company’s foldable devices and both generations of Surface Duo.
Does Phone Link work with iPhone?
Yes. For a long time, Phone Link was only available with Android phones.
But in May 2023, Microsoft added iOS device compatibility to the app. The iPhone is fully compatible with all core features, meaning it’s finally possible to use Apple’s handset with a Windows desktop.
Using Phone Link with an Android phone
Setting up Phone Link is relatively easy. Remember that the app is pre-installed some devices, making this process faster. But here’s the full method for any Android phone with access to the Google Play Store:
- Search your computer for ‘Phone Link’ and click on the relevant option
- In the introduction screen, click on ‘Android’
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- Paste aka.ms/yourpc on your Android phone into your browser and follow the instructions. You should be redirected to the Google Play Store
- Download the Link to Windows app if you haven’t already. When you’re done, tap “Open,” then “Pair your phone and PC”
- You should see a message saying “Is the QR code on your PC ready?”. Tap continue
- Accept all required permissions and then hold your phone against the QR code on your computer to scan it. If that doesn’t work, you may need to enter a PIN
- Tap Continue on your phone, then tap Continue on your desktop
That is it! Most features are now available, although you’ll need to pair via Bluetooth and give further permissions for call access.
Using Phone Link with an iPhone
The steps with an iPhone are slightly different:
- Search your computer for ‘Phone Link’ and click on the relevant option
- In the introduction screen, click on ‘iPhone’
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- Turn on Bluetooth if prompted
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- On your iPhone, open the camera app and hover over the QR code on the Windows device to scan it
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- Open the link when prompted, then click “Continue.” If prompted, turn on Bluetooth and tap “Pair”
- If the number you see on your iPhone is the same as on Windows, tap “Link” on the latter
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- Accept the permissions from the next screen on your Windows device
That is it! You should now see a screen similar to the one below.
Microsoft