How to use the Phone Link app on Windows 11 for calls and texts

What happened

Windows 11 includes a tool called Phone Link that allows users to manage phone calls, texts, and notifications directly from a desktop or laptop [1]. The app’s functionality varies depending on the type of smartphone connected:

• Android users: This group can view and copy the last 2,000 photos from their camera roll [1]. They can also use Android-exclusive features like putting the phone into Do Not Disturb mode, muting the device during sound playback, and using Now Playing music controls [1].
• iPhone users: Functionality is more limited and is restricted to making calls, texting, and viewing or dismissing notifications [1].

To use the service, the phone must be nearby to ensure a clean signal [1]. While Android devices can pair over Wi-Fi or cellular data, Bluetooth is required on both the phone and the PC to make calls [1].

What to do next

To set up the service, users should follow these steps:

Preparation

• Open the Microsoft Store app, go to the Downloads tab, and select Check for updates [1].
• Update Phone Link to the latest release if necessary [1].
• Check Windows Update in Settings to ensure the operating system is patched [1].

Pairing an iPhone

• Search for Phone Link in the Start menu and select iPhone [1].
• Scan the displayed QR code with the iPhone [1].
• Install the Link to Windows iOS app on the iPhone [1].
• Enable Bluetooth on both the PC and the iPhone [1].
• On the PC, click Pair when the code appears [1].
• On the iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to the PC name, and enable contact syncing [1].

Pairing an Android device

• The process is similar to iPhone, though pairing can begin within the Link to Windows Android app [1].
• Grant all requested permissions to enable all features [1].

Troubleshooting iPhone pairing issues If an iPhone fails to pair after a Windows update, Microsoft suggests these steps [2]:

• Remove the iPhone from the Bluetooth & Devices section in Windows Settings [2].
• Remove the computer’s name from the iPhone’s Bluetooth settings [2].
• Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network [2].
• Reinstall the Link to Windows app on the iPhone [2].
• On the Windows PC, right-click Phone Link in the search results, select App Settings, and choose Reset [2].