An iPhone works smoothly with Macs– shotos from one pop up on the other, like calls and messages. But what if you’re on the other side of fences and use Windows and Android instead?
Over the last few years, Microsoft has been working hard to bring that kind of integration to Android smartphones. That work has apparently paid off, as evidenced by the new Phone Link app.
What do The Phone Link app does?
With the Phone Link app, you can pair any Android smartphone with a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. Once paired wirelessly (using a new QR code-based workflow), your PC will be able to receive Android messages on your PC. And just like Mac, you’ll be able to send messages and access your photo library.
How to configure the Phone Link app on your Android and PC
Before you can use Phone link, a little setup is required. On your Android smartphone, you need to install Link to the Windows app. On Windows, the Phone Link app is pre-installed, but it may not be up to date then open the Microsoft Store, search for the Phone Link app, and install if necessary available updates.
G / O Media can get a commission
Then Open the Phone Link app on your PC. Click on “Get started”Button. Open the Link to the Windows app on your Android smartphone and press “Connect your phone and PC”Button.
ISLANDOn your PC, the app will ask you if you have installed the Android app. Click on “Pair with QR code”Button. This will display a QR code on your PC. On your Android smartphone, the app will ask you if the QR code is ready. Press “Continue”Button and scan the QR code that you see on the Windows PC.
Give what is needed permits and wait for the process to complete. On your PC you will see an introduction to everything you can do using the app. Click on “Get started”Button and the Phone Link app becomes ready to use. From the top, you can switch between the Messages, Photos, Apps, and Calls tabs. The notifications will be visible on the left side.
There is one last step required and thats setup of notification relay. From the Phone Link app, click the Messages section in the left sidebar. Here you will be asked for permission to sync notifications. Click the “Open settings on the phone” button. This will start “Device and app notifications”Section in Settings. Look after “Link to Windows”App and activate the switch next to it. Press “Allow”Button from the pop-up box and you are ready.
Nnew messages will automatically flow to your Windows PC, and yyou will be able to seereplysend messages, receive calls and copy pictures, all from the Phone Link app.