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How to Link Your Phone to Windows (Phone Link)

Applies toWindows 11, Windows 10, Android, iOS (limited)
4 min fix Updated 8 Aug 2026

By , 10+ years in IT support and helpdesk How these guides are checked

Quick Answer

Open the Start menu, type Phone Link, and press Enter. Select whether you have an Android or iPhone, and use your phone's camera to scan the QR code on your computer screen to pair the devices.

Checked against Microsoft Learn - Windows release health and Microsoft Learn - end of support and retirement between 5 Aug 2026 and 12 Sep 2026. Nothing published in that period has been linked to this guide.

Summary ​

Phone Link (formerly Your Phone) connects your Android or iOS device to your Windows PC, letting you view phone notifications, send and receive text messages, make calls, and access photos directly from your computer. This article shows how to set up and use Phone Link.

Before You Start ​

  • Windows 10 (version 1809+) or Windows 11.
  • An Android phone (Android 7.0+) or iPhone (iOS 14+ with limited features).
  • Both devices on the same Wi-Fi network (for initial setup).
  • No admin rights required.

Instructions ​

1. Set Up Phone Link on Your PC ​

Connect your phone to your computer.

  1. On your PC, open the Phone Link app (search for "Phone Link" in the Start menu).
  2. Select your phone type: Android or iPhone.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions:
    • Android: Open the Link to Windows app on your phone (or scan the QR code with your camera). Sign in with the same Microsoft account on both devices. Grant the requested permissions (notifications, calls, messages, photos).
    • iPhone: Open the camera app and scan the QR code shown on your PC. Follow the pairing instructions using Bluetooth.
  4. Once paired, your phone's content appears in the Phone Link app on your PC.

2. View and Respond to Phone Notifications ​

See your phone alerts on your computer screen.

  1. Open Phone Link on your PC.
  2. Click the Notifications tab.
  3. Phone notifications appear in real time — including messages, app alerts, and calls.
  4. Click a notification to open it and respond directly from your PC.
  5. Dismiss notifications from your PC and they are also cleared on your phone.

3. Send and Receive Text Messages (Android) ​

Manage SMS/MMS from your desktop.

  1. In the Phone Link app, click the Messages tab.
  2. Your recent text conversations are listed.
  3. Click a conversation to view the thread.
  4. Type a reply in the message box and press Enter to send.
  5. To start a new conversation, click the New message icon and enter a phone number or contact name.

4. Access Phone Photos (Android) ​

View and copy recent photos without a cable.

  1. In the Phone Link app, click the Photos tab.
  2. Your most recent phone photos appear (up to 2,000 recent images).
  3. Click a photo to view it full size.
  4. Right-click to Copy, Save as, Share, or Delete the photo.
  5. Drag and drop a photo from Phone Link directly into a document, email, or chat.

5. Make and Receive Phone Calls (Android) ​

Use your PC as a speakerphone for your phone calls.

  1. In the Phone Link app, click the Calls tab.
  2. Your recent call history is displayed.
  3. Use the dial pad to make a new call, or click a contact name to call them.
  4. Audio routes through your PC speakers and microphone (Bluetooth connection required).
  5. Incoming calls show a notification on your PC — click Accept or Decline.

Note: A linked Android phone can also act as the PC's webcam. Once the pairing above is in place, turn on Use as connected camera under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices > Manage devices, and Teams, Zoom and Google Meet list the phone alongside the built-in camera: How to Use Your Phone as a Webcam covers the requirements and where each app hides its camera picker.

Troubleshooting ​

INFO

iPhone support via Phone Link is currently limited to notifications and iMessage. Full messaging, calls, and photo access require an Android device.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Phone Link cannot find your deviceDevices are on different networksEnsure both your PC and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Notifications are not showing on PCNotification permissions not grantedOn your phone, go to Settings > Link to Windows and enable notification access.
Text messages are not syncingSMS permissions revokedOn your phone, go to Settings > Apps > Link to Windows > Permissions and enable SMS.

Last updated:

Frequently asked questions

Can I make phone calls from my computer?
Yes. If your computer has a microphone and speakers (or a headset) and Bluetooth is enabled, you can dial and answer phone calls directly through the Phone Link app.
Why does Phone Link drain my phone's battery?
Phone Link maintains a constant background connection to sync messages and photos. If battery drain is an issue, you can turn off 'Sync over mobile data' in the app settings on your phone.