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Phone Link
Phone Link
from Wikipedia
Phone Link
DeveloperMicrosoft
Initial releaseOctober 2, 2018; 7 years ago (2018-10-02)
Stable release(s) [±]
WindowsNovember 2025 Update (1.25112.36.0) / December 18, 2025; 51 days ago (2025-12-18)[1]
Android1.25102.140.0 / November 18, 2025; 2 months ago (2025-11-18)[2][3]
iOS1.25121.10.0 / December 15, 2025; 54 days ago (2025-12-15)[4]
Operating systemWindows 10, Windows 11, Android, iOS
PredecessorPhone Companion
TypePhone and PC driver
LicenseProprietary freeware
WebsitePhone Link

Phone Link, previously Your Phone, is a syncing software developed by Microsoft to connect Windows PCs to Android and iOS mobile devices to view notifications, make phone calls, and use mobile apps, and perform other actions on mobile devices, via the PC.[5] It is a native component of Windows 10 (since version 1809) and Windows 11, where it is a UWP app and consists of a driver that communicates with the Link to Windows[6] app on the mobile device. Phone Link makes use of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth for voice calls, or mobile data.[6]

Features

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Phone Link enables a PC to send (and receive) text messages relayed from the mobile device, including both SMS and MMS, as well as RCS for Samsung Phones using Samsung Messages.[7] It can also access the 2000 most recent photos on the connected phone.

Audio that is played on the phone can also be controlled on the Phone Link interface, so long as the playing apps have media controls in the Android notification area.[8]

Phone Link can also be used to mirror the screen of an Android device; however this feature is currently only available on select devices with the Link to Windows service pre-installed.[9][10] The app also has a cross-device copy and paste feature allowing users to send copied text and images between devices using the same copy and paste shortcuts on each device.[11]

It requires users to sign in with the same Microsoft account on both PC and phone to enable the functionality.[12]

History

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At its Build 2018 event on May 7, 2018, Microsoft presented the Your Phone app, which allowed users to use their PCs to see recent photos on their Android based phones, and to send SMS messages.[13] Your Phone was released as part of the Windows 10 October 2018 Update (1809), as a replacement of the legacy Phone Companion app.[14]

At Samsung's Galaxy Note10 launch event, Microsoft previewed the additional Your Phone feature of receiving phone calls directly on a PC via Bluetooth. The feature was made available for all Android phones on February 20, 2020.[15] At the same event it was revealed that Your Phone will ship on most Samsung Galaxy devices as part of a partnership with Samsung Electronics.[16]

In March 2022, Your Phone was rebranded to Phone Link[17] and the interface was changed.[18] At the same time, the Your Phone Companion app on mobile was also renamed, to Link to Windows.[19]

In April 2023, Microsoft started rolling out support for the iPhone on Windows 11 only.[20]

See also

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References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Phone Link is a software application designed to connect Windows personal computers with Android and smartphones, enabling users to access and manage phone features such as notifications, calls, messages, photos, and mobile apps directly from the PC interface. Launched in 2021 as a and enhancement of the earlier Your Phone app, it facilitates a seamless cross-device experience by syncing content over or mobile data without requiring physical cables. The core functionality of Phone Link revolves around real-time integration, where users can make and receive phone calls, send and reply to text messages, and view recent photos—all controllable from the Windows desktop or Start menu. For Android devices running version 7.0 or later, additional capabilities include customizable notification filtering to reduce clutter; running select mobile apps on the PC is available via the companion Link to Windows app on devices running Android 9.0 or later. iOS support, available on iPhones with iOS 15 or later and requiring Windows 11, is more limited, focusing primarily on calls, messages, and notifications without full app mirroring. Phone Link requires or (October 2022 Update or later; Windows 10 reached end-of-support on October 14, 2025), with the app pre-installed on Windows 11 systems, and setup involves pairing devices through a or authentication. It supports a range of manufacturers including , HONOR, , , and vivo for Android, with enhanced features on select devices through deeper integration. is maintained via user-granted permissions for phone data access, and the service adheres to Microsoft's privacy standards without storing personal content on servers. Ongoing updates, often tested through the program, continue to expand cross-device copy-paste, options like Narrator integration, and compatibility with newer OS versions such as Android 15.

Overview

Description

Phone Link is Microsoft's application designed to link Windows PCs with Android and mobile devices, enabling seamless synchronization of content and activities between them. It facilitates connectivity primarily through networks, with support for certain features like calls, requiring both devices to be on the same network for optimal performance. Originally launched as the "Your Phone" app, it was renamed Phone Link in March 2022 to better reflect its expanded role in cross-device integration. The primary syncing mechanism relies on the companion "Link to Windows" app installed on Android devices, which handles the secure pairing and data transfer to the Phone Link app on the PC. For devices, integration is more limited and occurs through a dedicated "Link to Windows" app available on the , supporting basic connectivity without the full range of Android features. This setup allows users to access phone functionalities directly from their Windows . Technically, Phone Link mirrors select phone activities on the PC by streaming data in real-time, such as notifications, messages, and media, with advanced capabilities like screen mirroring and app controls available primarily for Android users. The system uses secure transmission protocols over and to protect information between devices, prioritizing proximity and network stability for responsive interactions.

Purpose and Benefits

Phone Link serves as a bridge between mobile devices and Windows PCs, with the primary purpose of streamlining user workflows by allowing PC-based management of phone tasks such as handling notifications, calls, and messages without needing to interact directly with the mobile device. This reduces device switching, enabling users to maintain focus on their primary work environment while accessing essential mobile functionalities. By integrating with ecosystem tools like Teams for contact , Phone Link facilitates cohesive communication and collaboration across devices. The key benefits of Phone Link include enhanced multitasking capabilities, exemplified by the ability to reply to texts or review recent photos directly from the PC during other tasks, which supports greater efficiency in daily routines. For users with mobility or visual challenges, it offers features such as Narrator screen reading and Magnifier zoom, making phone interactions more inclusive from the PC interface. In hybrid work settings, Phone Link contributes to gains by promoting seamless device interaction, allowing professionals to stay connected without interruptions from mobile alerts. As part of Microsoft's broader vision for cross-device continuity—echoing concepts like the original Continuum feature but adapted for modern ecosystems—Phone Link emphasizes uninterrupted experiences across Android, , and Windows platforms. Recent 2025 updates, including improved integration for quick phone status checks and notifications in January, a refreshed Link to Windows app for Android in with modern design and remote PC control, and enhancements in October for better stability, further bolster this seamless connectivity without requiring additional apps.

Technical Specifications

Supported Platforms

Phone Link is compatible with Windows 10 version 1903 (May 2019 Update) or later, as well as all versions of Windows 11, enabling core connectivity features across these operating systems. For optimal performance, including enhanced stability and access to the latest features, Microsoft recommends using Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, which was rolled out in 2024 and receives ongoing updates as of 2025. In 2025, updates introduced direct access to Phone Link features from the Windows 11 Start menu and a refreshed interface for the Link to Windows app. On the mobile side, Android devices running version 7.0 () or higher are supported, allowing users to pair via the Link to Windows companion app, which is available on the Store. The app's version 1.25072.136.0, released in August 2025, provides the most current compatibility, though earlier versions from 1.23112.189 onward suffice for basic pairing. As of 2025, this covers over 90% of active Android devices worldwide, given that Android 7.0 and later dominate the market with approximately 72% global mobile OS share. iOS support is available for iPhones running or later, integrated directly through the Phone Link app on Windows without a dedicated mobile companion app like the discontinued "Continue on PC." However, functionality is limited to notifications, calls, and single-party text messages due to Apple's restrictions, excluding advanced features such as full app mirroring or screen sharing. Samsung Galaxy devices offer enhanced integration, with the Link to Windows app pre-installed on models running Android 9.0 or higher, enabling exclusive features like RCS messaging, shared , instant hotspot, and drag-and-drop file transfer. For PCs, recommends a minimum of 4 GB RAM to ensure smooth operation, though 8 GB or more is advised for resource-intensive features like app streaming.

System Requirements

Phone Link requires specific hardware, software, and network conditions on both the PC and mobile device to ensure reliable connectivity and performance. On the PC side, at least 4 GB of RAM and 256 MB of available storage for the Phone Link application are recommended. The PC must also include a adapter with Low Energy (BLE) support, available in Bluetooth 4.0 or later, to enable features like audio routing for calls. For the mobile device, an Android phone or device with (BLE) support is necessary for stable pairing and data transfer. The phone should have a compatible OS version, as detailed in the supported platforms section, to avoid compatibility issues during linking. Network prerequisites include a stable connection operating on either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands for both devices to facilitate initial pairing and ongoing synchronization; (LE) serves as the primary method for device discovery and setup. Optional cellular data access on the phone allows for remote functionality when Wi-Fi is unavailable, though is preferred for lower latency. Software dependencies mandate signing in with a on the PC to authenticate and link devices; the application is designed to integrate seamlessly with Windows Defender Antivirus, avoiding conflicts through built-in exceptions, though users with third-party antivirus may need to add similar allowances. Battery drain on the varies by usage and device, but users should monitor for potential impact during active use. Common involves verifying firewall configurations, as blocks on ports such as 443 () can prevent connectivity for cloud-based features.

Cross Device Experience Host

The Cross Device Experience Host is a Microsoft component associated with Phone Link that appears as "Mobile Devices" in Windows 11 startup entries (visible in Task Manager > Startup or Settings > Apps > Startup). This legitimate service facilitates integration between the Windows PC and connected mobile devices (Android and iOS), enabling features such as access to notifications, messages, photos, using the phone as a webcam, and cross-device activity sharing and resumption. It is required for full Phone Link functionality and can be disabled by the user if these connectivity features are not in use, without impacting core Windows operations.

Functionality

Communication Features

Phone Link enables users to handle voice calls, text messaging, and contact management directly from a Windows PC, providing real-time interaction that mirrors the phone's native communication capabilities. For voice calls, the feature allows making and receiving calls using the PC's and speakers, with support for Bluetooth headsets connected to the PC for audio input and output during the session. This setup leverages connectivity between the phone and PC to route call audio seamlessly, ensuring users can answer incoming calls or dial out without picking up their . In terms of messaging, Phone Link supports sending and receiving , MMS, and RCS messages on Android devices, with RCS functionality available on select models using the Samsung Messages app as the default. For iOS users, integration was introduced in 2023, permitting text-only messaging without support for media attachments or group chats due to platform restrictions. Messages in Phone Link are secured through the phone's native end-to-end protocols, maintaining the original security of the conversation during PC access. Contact management is facilitated by syncing phone contacts to the PC, allowing users to view, search, and initiate communications directly from the Phone Link interface. A 2025 update introduced integration with , enabling contact sharing from Android devices to Teams for enhanced cross-platform collaboration. Call history is mirrored from the phone to the PC, complete with search functionality to locate past calls by contact name or number, supporting efficient review and redialing. The system emphasizes cross-device continuity, such as routing call audio through the PC when devices are linked via or . This workflow reduces interruptions in communication tasks, allowing users to switch devices without ending the call.

Media and Content Access

Phone Link enables users to access and manage media content from their connected mobile devices directly on a Windows PC, primarily through integration with for Android devices and limited file-sharing capabilities for . For Android users, the phone's storage appears as a connected device in , allowing seamless browsing, viewing, and manipulation of photos and videos from the device's gallery or internal storage without needing to physically connect via USB. Users can select recent media items and drag them directly into PC applications such as the app or for editing, backup, or further organization. This wireless access supports full-resolution transfers, including 4K videos, without automatic compression, preserving original quality during copy operations. As of the November 2025 update, the dedicated Photos tab in the Phone Link app has been deprecated in favor of this integration to streamline . As of December 2024, users can share files directly with the PC through Phone Link. For music and general files, Phone Link facilitates streaming and playback control of audio content from the phone's media apps directly within the Phone Link interface on the PC. Users can access downloaded music files or playlists via supported , with controls for play, pause, skip, and volume adjustment; users can choose to route audio output to the PC's speakers or keep it on the phone's speakers or connected peripherals. File transfers, including music tracks and other documents, are handled wirelessly with a limit of up to 100 files per session and no single file exceeding 512 MB. This allows efficient movement of downloads and media libraries between devices, integrating phone storage as a virtual extension accessible within for Android setups. Screen mirroring enhances media access by providing a full view of the phone's interface on the PC, enabling interaction with media apps and content. On Android devices running version 9.0 or later, the Phone screen feature mirrors the entire device display over , allowing users to browse galleries, play videos, or stream music as if using the phone directly, with PC , keyboard, or touch input for . Supported on select devices like series and others, this includes options for privacy modes such as a black screen overlay. For devices, screen mirroring is not supported; instead, media access is restricted to basic for photos and videos through the Link to Windows app, without full interface mirroring or deep storage integration. Notification previews of new media arrivals can complement this access, though detailed controls are managed separately.

Notification and App Integration

Phone Link mirrors notifications from connected mobile devices to the Windows PC, enabling users to view, dismiss, or act on phone alerts without accessing the phone itself. This feature supports actionable notifications, particularly for messaging apps, where users can provide quick replies directly from the PC interface. Notifications integrate seamlessly with the Windows , presenting phone alerts alongside native PC notifications for a unified experience powered by cloud-based synchronization. Users can customize notification handling by filtering alerts based on categories such as , work, or system updates, allowing prioritization of relevant information to enhance efficiency. For instance, notifications from apps like or email clients can be enabled or disabled individually, with options to reply or clear them from the PC to update the phone in real time. This mirroring relies on permissions granted via the Link to Windows companion app on the phone, ensuring secure data transfer for supported Android and devices. The app integration capability in Phone Link allows select Android apps to run in dedicated windows on the Windows PC, promoting cross-device productivity by enabling side-by-side use with desktop applications. This functionality, available on compatible devices such as , HONOR, , and models running Android 9.0 or later with pre-installed Link to Windows, leverages the Windows Subsystem for Android for execution, incorporating Bridge technology for x86 of ARM-based apps. Users can pin these apps to the or for quick access and manage them as favorites within Phone Link. Multiple apps can run simultaneously on eligible devices running Android 11.0 or higher. For iOS devices, app integration is not supported; functionality is limited to calls, messages, and notifications without app execution or mirroring.

Setup and Usage

Installation Process

The installation process for Phone Link begins with setting up the app on a compatible Windows PC. On , Phone Link is pre-installed and can be accessed by searching for it in the . For (end of support as of October 2025; upgrading to is recommended for security updates and full compatibility), users must download it from the by searching for "Phone Link" and selecting "Get" to install. Alternatively, if the app is not visible, it can be enabled through PC Settings by searching for "Phone Link," toggling it on, and following the installation prompt. For mobile devices, a companion app is used for Android, while for it is optional for basic features. On Android devices running version 7.0 or later, download the "Link to Windows" app from the Google Play Store or, for devices, from the . On iPhones running or later, the "Link to Windows" app can be downloaded from the Apple (requires iOS 16.6 or later) for advanced features like (rolled out in late 2024); basic features do not require it. During installation, users are prompted to grant necessary permissions, such as access to contacts, calls, messages, notifications, and media files, to enable core functionalities (detailed further in User Privacy Controls). Account linking and pairing follow app installation. Launch Phone Link on the PC and sign in with a . On the , open the companion app (if used) and sign in using the same . For pairing, the PC displays a ; on Android, use the Link to Windows app to scan it. On , scan the with the device's camera (app optional); pairing then uses for proximity connection. devices support a simplified one-click setup option through a dedicated "Link to Windows" tile in the phone's Quick Settings panel. The overall installation typically completes quickly, assuming devices meet basic connectivity requirements like the same network and enabled . Common troubleshooting for installation issues includes resolving pairing failures, which often occur due to connectivity glitches and can be fixed by restarting on both devices, ensuring they are not in , and retrying the QR scan or pairing process. If the app fails to launch after installation, restarting the PC or usually resolves it.

Connection Methods

Phone Link primarily utilizes for initial local pairing between the Windows PC and the , ensuring secure proximity-based during setup. This method leverages (BLE) to establish a foundational link without requiring direct physical contact. For data-intensive operations such as media syncing and app integration, serves as the core protocol, necessitating that both devices connect to the same network to enable high-bandwidth transfer and low-latency interactions. This setup facilitates seamless streaming and mirroring when devices are in close proximity. When local Wi-Fi is unavailable, Phone Link falls back to cellular data for remote access, allowing limited functionality like notification syncing and message retrieval over the mobile network, provided the feature is enabled in the app settings. This ensures continuity for basic remote operations without full mirroring capabilities. Advanced connection options include multi-device pairing, where a single phone can link to multiple PCs (up to several under the same Microsoft account since 2024 updates), though only one PC maintains an active session at a time to avoid conflicts. VPN integration for secure remote connections is possible but limited, as active VPN tunnels often interfere with local network discovery, causing automatic disconnections; users must disable VPN temporarily for stable linking. To enhance reliability, Phone Link incorporates auto-reconnect mechanisms that restore the link upon device wake from , minimizing manual intervention after idle periods. Additionally, battery optimization settings on the should be adjusted to exempt the companion app, preventing excessive drain from constant background syncing. Troubleshooting disconnections commonly addresses issues from sleep modes or network fluctuations by verifying and enablement, restarting both devices, and using the app's refresh button to re-establish the connection; persistent problems may require resetting app permissions or updating software versions.

History and Development

Origins and Renaming

Phone Link originated from 's efforts to enhance cross-device connectivity in Windows, building on the earlier Phone Companion app, a utility for syncing mobile phones with PCs that was deprecated in Windows 10 version 1709 (Fall Creators Update) released in October 2017, with its features integrated into a new Phone settings page. This shift laid the groundwork for more advanced integration, as sought to address the growing demand for seamless experiences similar to Apple's Continuity features introduced in , which allowed users to access calls, messages, and content across Apple devices. Given Android's dominant , the initial development prioritized compatibility with Android devices over . The Your Phone app was publicly launched in October 2018 alongside the October 2018 Update (version 1809), enabling users to access photos, notifications, and messages from their Android phones directly on their Windows PCs without needing to pick up the device. This release marked a significant evolution from the limited syncing capabilities of Phone Companion, focusing on real-time interaction to bridge the gap between mobile and desktop ecosystems. Early development aligned with Microsoft's broader mobile strategy, including ambitions for its Cortana assistant to facilitate phone-PC interactions, though Cortana's role pivoted away from standalone mobile features by 2021. In February 2021, began expanding Your Phone's scope with previews of compatibility, culminating in the official to Phone Link on March 31, 2022, to better emphasize its role in linking phones across platforms and integrating with the evolving Windows ecosystem. The name change reflected the app's maturation beyond Android-only support, incorporating broader features like app mirroring and cross-device continuity, while the companion Android app was renamed Link to Windows. This aligned with ongoing efforts to compete with unified ecosystems from Apple and , prioritizing user-centric connectivity over platform-specific limitations.

Major Updates and Versions

Phone Link's development has seen iterative enhancements focused on expanding compatibility, feature depth, and user integration, transitioning from Android-exclusive capabilities to broader cross-platform support. Initial releases emphasized core communication tools, with subsequent updates introducing app access, file handling, and ecosystem syncing. The app's foundational features emerged in 2019 under its original name, Your Phone. On October 8, 2019, support for making and receiving phone calls directly from a Windows PC was added, requiring Android 7.0 or later and Windows 10 version 1903 or higher. Later that year, on October 29, 2019, the Phone screen feature was updated to remove dependency, enabling broader device compatibility including the , S10 series, A30s, A50s, and A90. By December 16, 2019, users could access up to 2,000 recent photos from their Android device, along with support for pen input on the Phone screen. In , significant expansions targeted app integration. On August 21, 2020, version 1.20071.88 rolled out the Apps feature to the general public, allowing users to view and interact with Android apps on their PC, initially in with devices. This was followed on November 11, 2020, by multi-app support, enabling simultaneous running of multiple Android apps on compatible hardware. These updates marked Phone Link's shift toward deeper mobile app mirroring, prioritizing select OEM partnerships for optimal performance. Subsequent years brought cross-platform advancements and renaming. On March 31, 2022, Your Phone was rebranded to Phone Link, accompanied by interface refreshes and the renaming of the companion app to Link to Windows. iOS beta support began in 2023 for Windows Insiders, enabling basic calls and , with full rollout to stable channels in 2023, addressing prior Android-centric limitations through enhanced Bluetooth and Wi-Fi protocols. By 2023, integration was added for iOS users, allowing seamless access to messages on Windows PCs, though limited to single-party texts initially. App mirroring expanded in 2024 to more Android devices, while iOS support added enhanced notifications and media access, via updates to the Link to Windows app on both and Apple App Store. 2025 updates emphasized ecosystem and UI integrations. In January 2025, Phone Link received enhancements for Start Menu integration, allowing direct access to phone features like notifications and quick actions from the Start menu, initially for Windows Insiders and later broadly rolled out. The September 2025 update introduced contact synchronization to for Life, enabling Android users to sync contacts via their for improved collaboration, available globally except . This feature is toggled in Link to Windows settings under Sync Contacts. Later in 2025, updates added AI-driven enhancements for notification prioritization and basic Teams call syncing, building on prior communication tools. Versioning follows a structured approach, with the Windows Phone Link app updated through the and companion apps via platform stores. The Android Link to Windows app reached version 1.25082.209.0 in September 2025, incorporating file drag-and-drop and cross-device copy-paste for supported devices like and . iOS versions, such as 1.25072.15.0 in August 2025, focused on stability for media and notification syncing. announces annual feature roadmaps for Phone Link at Build conferences, as seen in the 2025 Book of News, guiding evolutions toward unified experiences across Windows, Android, and . These updates reflect Phone Link's evolution into a cross-platform hub, with over 500 million cumulative downloads by late 2025, facilitated by partnerships addressing constraints through Apple's ecosystem APIs.

Privacy and Security

Data Synchronization Practices

Phone Link employs local storage on the Windows PC for received files, such as those transferred between devices. The app utilizes a service powered by services to facilitate data transfer between devices. This approach ensures even when devices are on the same local network, with data temporarily retained on during transfer. The types of data synchronized through Phone Link are limited to essential elements like text messages, notifications, and select media, with messages and notifications temporarily retained on during transfer to support real-time access. Media files, such as photos or videos, are not automatically uploaded to the ; instead, they require explicit user consent for transfer, and any synced media is stored locally on the PC unless opted into . This selective syncing helps reduce exposure and storage overhead. Microsoft integrates optional backup features via for user-initiated storage of synced files, but does not share Phone Link data with third parties, adhering strictly to GDPR requirements for data minimization and user consent. In March 2025, the Microsoft Privacy Statement was updated to provide additional details on Phone Link's functions and data processing.

User Privacy Controls

Phone Link provides users with granular permission controls during the initial setup process, requiring explicit consent for accessing phone features such as notifications, messages, calls, photos, and camera for QR code scanning. These permissions enable the of selected data types between the and Windows PC, but users can revoke them at any time through the phone's app settings, such as by disabling access for the Link to Windows companion app on Android devices. Within the Phone Link app on Windows, users can manage syncing through in-app settings, including options to pause or disable specific features like notifications, messages, or photo access, which halts the transfer of related content until re-enabled. For notifications, customization allows limiting access to specific apps, preventing sensitive data from apps like or banking services from being mirrored to the PC. These controls integrate with the broader Windows settings, where users can further restrict Phone Link's background activity or microphone/camera access via the Settings > Privacy & security dashboard. For complete opt-outs, users can unlink their devices directly from Phone Link settings or via the dedicated unlinking portal, which severs the connection without leaving residual synced data on the PC. Full uninstallation of Phone Link and the companion app removes all local data, and Microsoft supports data deletion requests under regulations like the (CCPA) through account privacy tools, allowing users to request removal of personal information associated with their , including Phone Link activity. Users concerned with background processes or resource usage can disable the "Mobile Devices" startup entry (Cross Device Experience Host) through Windows Settings > Apps > Startup. This prevents automatic startup of the Phone Link integration service, though it will disable phone-PC connectivity features until re-enabled. Phone Link and its associated components adhere to Microsoft's privacy standards, with data access governed by user-granted permissions.

References

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