How to connect a phone to a Windows 11 PC with Phone Link

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Phone Link is part of Windows 11. It lets you read and answer text messages, make calls and see your phone's notifications on the PC, so the phone can stay in your pocket. Android phones get more features than iPhones.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the Settings window, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

1. Check the requirements

   Android: version 8.0 or later (Microsoft recommends 10 or later), with the phone and the PC on the same Wi-Fi network. iPhone: iOS 15 or later, and a PC with Bluetooth. Both need a personal Microsoft account. Work and school accounts are not supported.

   Done

2. Open Phone Link on the PC

   Type Phone Link into the search box on the taskbar and open the app. Sign in with your Microsoft account.

   Done

3. Choose Android or iPhone

   For Android, choose to pair with a QR code. For an iPhone, make sure Bluetooth is on, on both devices.

   Done

4. Scan the QR code with the phone

   Open the camera on the phone and point it at the code on the PC screen. On Android, this leads to the Link to Windows app. Install it if it is not there yet.

   Done

5. Allow the permissions

   The phone asks for access to notifications, messages, contacts and calls. Each one you allow becomes available on the PC.

   Done

6. Use the phone from the PC

   In Phone Link, click Messages to read and write texts, Calls to dial and answer, and Photos to see recent pictures from the phone.

   Done

Good to know

With many Android phones, you can also open the phone's apps on the PC, copy and paste between the two, and use the phone as a webcam. Microsoft names Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS and vivo for this. An iPhone offers messages, calls and notifications only.

Think before you allow messages on a shared PC. Texts with login codes from your bank become readable there.

Calls through the PC use Bluetooth. If they fail, see Windows 11 Bluetooth not working: 8 fixes to try.

To move photos by cable instead: how to transfer photos from an Android phone to a computer.

In short: Phone Link on the PC, Microsoft account, choose the phone, scan the QR code, allow the permissions.