
Phone link apps have revolutionized the way we connect our phones and PCs. Many of these apps offer seamless integration, allowing you to access your phone's content on your computer with just a few clicks.
With apps like Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, you can easily transfer files between your phone and PC. For example, you can upload photos from your phone to your PC using Google Drive, making it easy to free up space on your phone's storage.
These apps also enable you to make and receive calls and texts on your PC, just like you would on your phone. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to keep their phone's battery life long.
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What Do I Need to Use Apps?
To use Apps, you'll need a PC running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update or later. You can check your PC's version of Windows to make sure you meet this requirement.
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Your Android device needs to be running Android 9.0 or greater, with Link to Windows pre-installed. This feature allows your PC and Android device to connect and share apps.
Make sure your Android device and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network for Apps to work seamlessly. This is a crucial step to ensure a smooth experience.
Apps works in the Phone Link version 1.20082.141.0 or later, but if you have an older version, you'll see the previous phone screen experience. You can check for updates to get the latest version.
For select HONOR and OPPO devices, you'll need Phone Link version 1.22036.14.0 or later to use Apps. This is a specific requirement for these devices.
If your device is running Android 11 or higher, you might be eligible for the multiple apps experience. However, this is dependent on your mobile device, mobile provider, and market availability.
Here are the minimum requirements for using Apps:
Device Compatibility
Apps is available on select Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo, and Xiaomi devices that have Link to Windows (pre-installed).
The supported devices include Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G, and Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G.
A few recent Samsung devices that are supported are the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra.
The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro, Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy Z Flip 5G are also compatible.
Other supported devices include HONOR Magic4 Pro, HONOR Magic6 series, OnePlus series, OPPO Find series, and OPPO Reno series.
Realme series, ROG Phone 8, ROG Phone 8 Pro, and ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition are also supported.
Additionally, the vivo X Fold3 Pro and Xiaomi 14T series are compatible.
For the full list of supported devices, you can check the official website.
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Setup and Connection
To start using a phone link app, you'll need a Windows PC running Windows 10 May 2019 Update or newer, Bluetooth, and the same Wi-Fi as your phone.
The Phone Link app is preinstalled on Windows 11, so you don't need to download it. You'll need to sign in to your Microsoft account if you aren't already, and then choose Android.
To connect your Android device, find and install the Link to Windows app on your phone, either by searching in Google Play or entering www.aka.ms/yourpc in your mobile browser.
If you have a recent high-end Android phone, you can also pull down the Quick settings shade and choose Link to Windows. Long-press it to get to the syncing settings.
You'll need to pair your phone and PC using a QR code or by entering a text code from the PC's Phone Link app into the phone's companion app.
The Minimum Setup required for the Phone Link App is detailed below:
To complete the pairing process, sign in with the same Microsoft account on both ends, scan the QR code shown by the PC app, then grant notification, contact, photo, and call permissions when prompted.
Microsoft App
The Microsoft Phone Link app is a great tool for connecting your Android phone to your computer. You can download it from the Google Play Store.
To get started, you'll need to install the app on both your phone and computer. On your Android, download the Link to Windows app from the Google Play Store.
You can use the app to make and receive phone calls, get notifications, receive and reply to texts, and even drag and drop photos from your phone to your computer. This is especially useful for sharing files between devices.
Microsoft's Phone Link app uses a combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to transfer data between your phone and computer. This means there's no cloud sync, so you don't have to worry about your data being stored online.
The app also supports incoming and outgoing phone calls, so you can answer calls on your computer if you're in a meeting or can't answer your phone. This feature is convenient for multitasking.
To use this feature, you'll need to follow the instructions in the app, which will guide you through the setup process.
Consider reading: How to Install Apps on an Android Phone
Features and Functionality
The Phone Link app offers a range of features to enhance your smartphone experience. You can access Photos from your phone, including all your albums, directly from your laptop.
The app also allows you to make or receive calls from your laptop courtesy of a Bluetooth connection. This is a game-changer for those who frequently need to stay in touch with others while working on their computer.
Some features are exclusive to Samsung devices, such as the ability to stream apps from your Samsung phone so that you can use them. Other features, like Cross-device Copy and Paste, are available to all users, allowing you to copy and paste text from your device to your phone and vice versa.
Here are some of the key features of the Phone Link app:
- Photos: Access all your albums from your laptop
- Calls: Make or receive calls from your laptop via Bluetooth
- Messages: Send or receive text messages synced to your PC
- Cross-device Copy and Paste: Copy and paste text between devices
- Notifications: Sync notifications from your PC and phone
- Hotspot: Enable the Internet Hotspot on your phone
- Locate your Phone, make it silent, play audio and Locate using the Phone Link app
Make Calls and Send Texts from PC
Making calls and sending texts from your PC is a game-changer for productivity and convenience.
With this feature, you can make calls and send texts directly from your computer, just like you would on your phone. This means you can stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues without having to switch between devices.
You can even use a headset or speaker to make hands-free calls, making it feel like you're on a traditional phone call. The feature also supports video calling, so you can see the person you're communicating with.
This feature is especially useful if you're working from home or in an office setting, where you may not always have access to your phone.
Here's an interesting read: What Apps Record Phone Calls
Features of Windows
Windows offers a seamless experience with its Phone Link app, allowing you to access your phone's photos directly from your laptop.
You can make or receive calls from your laptop courtesy of a Bluetooth connection, making it easy to stay connected on the go.
One of the standout features is the ability to send or receive text messages from your phone, which is synced to your PC.

The Phone Link app also enables you to enable your phone's internet hotspot, giving you a reliable internet connection.
Here are the key features of the Phone Link app:
- Photos: Access your phone's photos, including all your albums.
- Calls: Make or receive calls from your laptop via Bluetooth.
- Messages: Send or receive text messages from your synced phone.
- Hotspot: Enable your phone's internet hotspot.
- Cross-device Copy and Paste: Copy and paste text between your devices.
- Notifications: Sync notifications from your PC and phone.
- Mobile Data: Use mobile data to stay connected.
- Show Phone Link in Start Menu: Display the Phone Link app in the Start menu.
- Phone Location: Locate your phone, make it silent, play audio, or locate using the Phone Link app.
Security and Limitations
Phone link apps have some limitations you should be aware of.
iPhones have limited syncing capabilities, only syncing calls, messages, and notifications, but no app streaming or file drag-and-drop.
Some features, like screen sharing, require both devices to be on the same local network and can be blocked by VPNs or metered links.
Phone link does not work with Work accounts, so you'll need to use a different method for work-related tasks.
Traffic is transmitted over encrypted Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which is a good thing for security.
Data is stored in Microsoft's account cloud, rather than on third-party servers, which is a more secure option.
You can revoke any permission at any time in the companion app or Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices.
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Windows Security

Windows Security is a top priority, and Microsoft has taken steps to ensure your data is protected. Traffic is transmitted over encrypted Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, providing an added layer of security.
Data is stored in Microsoft's account cloud instead of on third-party servers, giving you peace of mind. This means your information is safer and more secure.
You have complete control over your permissions, and can revoke them at any time in the companion app or Windows Settings. This gives you the flexibility to manage your security settings as needed.
To view your security settings, navigate to Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices. From here, you can easily manage your permissions and stay on top of your security.
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Limits & Caveats
When using Phone Link, there are some limitations to be aware of. One key limitation is that iPhones only sync calls, messages (via iMessage forwarding), and notifications, which means you won't be able to stream apps or drag-and-drop files.

Some features, like screen sharing, require both devices to be on the same local network. This means that if you're using a VPN or a metered internet connection, you might run into issues with handoffs.
Phone Link also doesn't work with Work accounts, which can be a problem for those who use their work email or other work-related features on their phone.
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Tips and Overview
Microsoft's Phone Link app is a game-changer for Android users, allowing you to connect your phone and computer to share calls, texts, photos, and more. It's a local connection, so you don't have to worry about cloud sync or privacy issues.
To get started, you'll need to download the Phone Link app from the Microsoft Store on your computer. If it doesn't open automatically, don't worry, just download it manually.
The app uses a combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to transfer data between your phone and computer. This means you can receive incoming notifications, photos, and text messages on your computer, and even make outgoing calls.
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Here are the steps to set up Phone Link on your computer:
- Go to www.aka.ms/phonelinkQRC and scan the QR code
- Download the Link to Windows app on your Android phone and tap Link your phone and PC
- On your Android, download the Link to Windows app and tap Link your phone and PC (same as above)
To connect your phone and computer, you'll need to enable permissions on your phone. This includes Phone, SMS, Contacts, and Storage. Once you've done this, your phone will be connected to your PC.
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