How to quickly link iPhone with Windows 11 in few simple steps
The Phone Link app by Microsoft is available in the Apple App Store.
Microsoft earlier released the app for Android users.
Microsoft recently announced that it is globally rolling out its Phone Link feature for iOS on Windows 11. The feature is already available for Android users and now Microsoft is making it easier for iPhone owners to connect with their Windows PC. The Phone Link for iOS will allow users to make and receive calls, send messages via iMessage, access contacts and view phone notifications on their Windows laptop.
Microsoft’s new Phone Link for iOS on Windows 11 will help customers stay connected to their phones while using their PC. Once enabled, the app will offer basic iOS support for calls, messages and access to contacts. This means that even if a user’s phone is tucked away during a presentation or focus time, they’ll receive notifications on their Windows PC and can choose which action to take. Additionally, Microsoft’s iCloud integration with Photos makes it easy for users to access their iPhone photos on their PC within the Photos app in Windows 11.
If you also want to link your iPhone or Android phone with Windows, here is a quick guide for you with the process.
Before starting it is important to note that Phone Link connects to a phone via Wi-Fi, mobile data network, or instant hotspot. For an easy connection over Wi-Fi, both the PC and phone should be nearby, turned on, and connected to the same network. The functionalities of Phone Link can be accessed from a PC as long as both devices are online.
How to link iPhone or Android Phone with Windows 11 PC
Here is a simplified step-by-step guide on how to link an Android phone with a Windows 11 PC using the Phone Link app:
On your Windows PC: www.aka.ms.yourpc
Type Phone Link in the search box on the taskbar and select the Phone Link app from the results.
Open the app and select Android or iPhone.
Sign into your Microsoft account (use the same Microsoft account on both your phone and PC).
In your phone:
Install or open the companion app on your phone by entering the link displayed on your PC (aka. ms/your PC) in a web browser on your phone.
Sign in to the companion app with the same Microsoft account that you’re signed in to on your PC.
Now, on your PC, select the ‘I have the Link to Windows app installed on my phone’ check box and then select the Pair with QR code button.
Scan the QR code that appears on your PC screen using the companion app on your Android device.
Confirm the device permissions prompted on your Android device.
Once your phone is linked and synced with your Windows PC, you will be able to:
Pair your phone with your PC to make and take phone calls on cellular networks.
View up to 2,000 of your most recent photos and screenshots from your camera roll and screenshots folder.
Write and reply to SMS text messages, including sending photos, emojis, GIFs, and media content.
Access message history and group chats.
Search for names or phone numbers in your phone’s contact list.
Manage notifications by viewing, dismissing, pinning, or clearing them. You can also control which apps have notification privileges.
Put your phone into “Do Not Disturb” mode.
Mute songs from the phone.
Control music playback on your phone with play, pause, and skip options for “now playing” songs from apps like Spotify.
View information about your phone’s battery percentage, Bluetooth status, Wi-Fi network connectivity, mobile data network, and strength.
Notably, to use Phone Link for iOS, users must have an iPhone with iOS 14 or higher, a Windows 11 device, a Bluetooth connection, and the latest version of the Phone Link app. The app is not available for iPad or macOS and device compatibility may vary. Additionally, Microsoft notes that regional restrictions may also apply to the linking feature.
Also, the messaging feature is limited by iOS and does not support image/video sharing or group messaging. Messages are session-based and will only come through when the phone is connected to the PC.