How to Set up and Use Microsoft Phone Link?

Introduction

In terms of desktop or mobile system use, different operating systems are available with varying functions. In these device types, Windows and Android are widely useful for these device users. The Microsoft Phone Link application is available to integrate the Android smartphone with the PC to connect the operations on these two software types.

Therefore, it makes it simpler for desktop users to access information available on the phone directly on the PC. However, there are specific processes you have to take to activate this feature on your two devices. That is the main point of discussion in this post, so read ahead.

What is the Microsoft Phone Link app?

Before knowing the steps for setting up and using Microsoft’s two desktop and phone companion app types, you should understand what Phone Link here means. When connecting the Android phone to a Windows 10 or 11 device, users can utilize the Phone Link app as one side of the syncing.

The Phone Link version is mainly available on the Windows PC, while the phone companion app is named Link to Windows. Both of these apps sync via Bluetooth or WiFi. Users can use this process mainly to connect and sync data like Notifications, Calls, Photos, Media Controls, and App Sharing.  

Supported Devices to Consider

It is essential to refresh the devices compatible with this process. Windows 10 and 11 versions are suitable for the Microsoft Phone Link app. On the side of the Android device, smartphones running with Android 9.0 and up includes the preset Link to Windows app.

Specific brands include the pre-installed Link to Windows app in the device, and these are some examples:

• Samsung Galaxy S9 series
• Samsung Galaxy Note9 series
• Samsung Galaxy Fold
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
• Samsung Galaxy S10 series
• Samsung Galaxy Note10 series
• Surface Duo
• Samsung Galaxy S20/S21/S22 series
• Samsung Galaxy Note20 series
• HONOR Magic4 Pro

How to Setup and Use Microsoft Phone Link App?

There are different steps for the initial setup process for Phone Link and the related phone companion app, Link to Windows. Here is a detailed step-by-step breakdown of the process from downloading to the final use.

Phase 1: How to Setup for Microsoft Phone Link App

Many steps go into setting up the Link to Windows on the Android smartphone and the Microsoft Phone Link app on the Windows PC overlap. So, for the setting up stage of the process, you have to keep both devices nearby and run the steps simultaneously on them.

How to proceed?

Step 1: Go to the Google Play Store and download the app- Link to Windows on the Android smartphone.

Step 2: After the download completes, launch the app on your smartphone or tablet and tap on the “Link your phone and PC” option.

Step 3: Install the Photo Link app on your Windows PC and tap the “Get Started” icon.

Step 4: Next, tap the “I have the Link to Windows app already” option and select the “Pair with QR Code” option.

Step 5: Return to the Android phone for the pop-up alert verifying the QR code status. Tap on the Continue choice.

Step 6: Then, use your phone camera to scan the QR code on the PC to connect the device.

Step 7: The device will ask you to grant some app permissions. Click on Continue here.

Step 8: Next, allow app permission for contacts, messages, and media access. Click on the Allow button for all.

Step 9: The system will ask you to allow the app to keep running in the background to maintain the PC connection. Here, tap on the Continue button again.

Step 10: In the following pop-up message, press the Allow button.

Step 11: Open the Microsoft Phone Link app on Windows PC and click Continue.

Step 12: Go through the app’s feature settings and click on the “See My Notification” option.

Step 13: Allow the Link to Windows app connection-based permissions for Android notifications by tapping the “Open Settings on Phone” key.

Step 14: An alert will come up in the Android device to allow access to Notification settings. Here, tap on the Open button to access.

Step 15: Next, search for Link to Windows under the Device & App Notifications section. Then, activate the “Allow Notification Access” option.

Phase 2: How to See Phone Notifications on the Microsoft Phone Link App

After activating the permissions for viewing all connected files and settings through the Allow Notification Access option, you can easily browse all alerts on the app.

How to process?

Step 1: Open the Microsoft Phone Link app on the Windows PC.

Step 2: Go to the Notifications section and see the new phone alerts in this area.

Step 3:  You can click on the cross (X) button to delete any notification you wish to remove.

Step 4: Adjust which types of notifications you will get through Settings > Features > choose which apps.

Phase 3: How to See Messages on the Microsoft Phone Link App

The process of viewing messages from different apps is simple to do on the Microsoft Phone Link app. All synced messages appear automatically under the Messages app after linking the apps. There is no additional setup necessary.

How to proceed?

Step 1: Access the Microsoft Phone Link app.

Step 2: Go to the Messages tab at the top-left side of the screen.

Step 3: Tap on the New Message button to start a new conversation or tap on the contact in the list and reply to their message.

Phase 4: How to See Media on the Microsoft Phone Link App

For the media files, there is the Photos category in this app. Or, you can use the sidebar to control the media settings besides managing other usage factors.

How to proceed?

Step 1: Open the Phone Link application.

Step 2: Go to the Photos tab to see the selected photos.

Step 3: Handle those processes through the sidebar to make other media controls. These include control settings like battery level checking, silent/mute features, volume control, etc.

Conclusion

Overall, activating and using the Phone Link app on your device is simple if you know the proper steps. Firstly, check if your device supports the feature and proceed with the setup and usage-related steps.