If you’ve ever wanted to seamlessly check notifications, reply to messages, or even drag photos from your phone without grabbing it every five minutes, Microsoft’s Phone Link app is your best friend. The setup takes just a few minutes, and once done, your phone and PC will feel like one connected system. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Requirements
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC with the Phone Link app installed
- An Android phone running Android 7.0 (Nougat) or later
- A stable Wi-Fi connection with both devices connected to the same network
- The Link to Windows app is installed on your Android phone (available on Google Play)
Step 1: Open Phone Link on Your Windows PC
Begin by opening the Phone Link app. Simply click the Windows search bar in the taskbar, type “Phone Link,” and launch it. This app acts as the bridge between your computer and your Android device, so it’s the very first step to syncing everything together.
Step 2: Select Android as Your Device Type
Once the app is open, you’ll be asked what kind of phone you want to connect. Choose Android from the options. This ensures the setup process is tailored for Android phones, giving you access to features like message syncing, photo sharing, and even making calls.
Step 3: Install the Link to Windows App on Your Phone
On your Android device, head to the Google Play Store and download the app called Link to Windows. This app works hand-in-hand with Phone Link on your PC, creating a secure channel that lets your phone and computer communicate in real time.
Step 4: Scan the QR Code to Connect
Back on your PC, the Phone Link app will show a QR code. Open the Link to Windows app on your phone, tap “Link your phone and PC,” and use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code. This quick scan instantly pairs the two devices, saving you from messy manual setups.
Step 5: Grant Permissions on Your Phone
Your Android phone will now ask for a series of permissions — things like allowing access to notifications, contacts, and media. Go ahead and grant these permissions. This is what enables Phone Link to mirror notifications, sync your photos, and let you reply to texts directly from your PC.
Step 6: Explore and Start Using Phone Link
Once connected, you’ll see your phone’s notifications, messages, and gallery appear right inside the Phone Link app on Windows. You can drag and drop photos, reply to messages without touching your phone, and even make calls all from your computer. It’s like your Android just moved in with your PC.
