Phone Link by Microsoft: How It Works.

Phone Link, formerly called Phone Companion (2018) and Your Phone, is an application that is developed by Microsoft, running on Windows 10 and Windows 11 for connecting Android devices and iOS (now available to iPhone users) to Windows devices. The application enables a Windows PC to access recent photos on a connected smartphone, send SMS messages and make phone calls.

Brief History of Development 

The history of Phone Link can be traced back to Microsoft's acquisition of the mobile phone business of Nokia in 2014. Following the acquisition, Microsoft developed a suite of mobile apps that allowed Windows 10 users to link their phones to their PCs. However, the functionality was limited and only worked with certain Windows Phone models.  

The first version of the application was introduced on May 26th, 2015, as the Phone Companion app for connecting Windows 10 PCs to Windows Phone, Android and iPhone. 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 phones and to send SMS messages. 

At Samsung's Galaxy Note 10 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. 

On March 31, 2022, Your Phone was rebranded to Phone Link. 

How It Works 

The usability of Phone Link has improved significantly since its introduction. The app now allows users to make and receive phone calls directly from their PC, as well as access mobile apps from their computer (this works with select Samsung Galaxy flagship phones with the Link To Windows feature). 

Photos from an Android gallery accessed via Phone Link on PC. Source: Microsoft.

Additionally, Phone Link can now be used to control some Android and iOS phone functions, such as taking screenshots, displaying phone battery status, copying and pasting content, controlling music and toggling some basic functions like Do Not Disturb and Volume Controls. 

UPDATE: All Windows 11 users will get access to the iPhone support in Phone Link by mid-May.

Phone Link-OS Compatibility 

The Phone Link app works with some devices that meet the requirements provided below.

ANDROID	IOS
-A PC running Windows 10 (with the May 2019 update or later) or Windows 11.	-A PC running Windows 11.
-An Android device running Android 7.0 (Nougat) or later.	-An iOS device running iOS 14 or later.
-Your phone and your PC both need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

How To Use Phone Link 

Phone Link by Microsoft is a useful tool that allows users to link their phones to their Windows PC. By doing so, users can access their phone's notifications, text messages, and photos on their computer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the app. 

Step 1: Download and Install the Phone Link App 

To use Phone Link, you'll need to download and install the Phone Link app on your Windows PC. You can download the app from the Microsoft Store. Once you've downloaded and installed the app, open it. 

First prompt setup of Phone Link on PC.

Step 2: Link Your Phone to Your PC 

The next step is to link your phone to your PC. To do this, you'll need to follow the on-screen instructions in the Phone Link app. You'll be asked to sign in to your Microsoft account and then download the Phone Link app on your Android or iOS phone. 

Once you've installed the Phone Link app on your phone, follow the instructions to link it to your PC. You'll need to grant the app permission to access your phone's notifications, messages, and photos.

Second prompt after signing in with your Microsoft account. Awaiting Android phone setup.

For Android 

1. Install or open the Link to Windows mobile app on your Android device. To do this, open a web browser on your Android device and then enter the link that's displayed on your PC (www.aka.ms/yourpc). 
2. Sign into the mobile app with the same Microsoft account that you signed in to on your PC. 
3. Once you've signed in, go back to your PC, select the I have the Link to Windows app ready check box, and then select Pair with QR code.

   

   Select the checkbox after the Android phone setup.

   
   
4. A popup window with a QR code will appear on your PC screen. 
5. In the mobile app on your Android device, select Link your phone and PC. When asked, "Is the QR code on your PC ready?” select Continue. 
   
   
   
6. You'll be asked permission for the app to access your camera. After accepting, an in-app camera will open. Use this camera to scan the QR code displayed on your PC. 
7. After scanning the QR code, you may be asked for additional Android permissions. These permissions allow you to access content from your phone on your PC. 
8. Follow the prompts on your Android device and then select Done. Then return to your PC to explore the Phone Link app.

Finishing setup after following the prompts.

For iOS 

1. Open the app. Under Pick your phone, select iPhone. If this is greyed out, your PC’s Bluetooth may be turned off or is not yet available yet. 
2. Follow the step-by-step pairing instructions. 
3. Scan the QR code presented on your PC with your iPhone's default camera. This will initiate Bluetooth pairing. 
4. Make sure you grant permissions on your iPhone to sync your messages, notifications, and contacts to your PC.

Finishing iPhone setup after following the prompts.

Step 3: Access Your Phone's Content on Your PC

Once you've linked your phone to your PC, you can start accessing your phone's content on your computer. To view your phone's notifications, click on the Notifications tab in the Phone Link app.

To view your phone's text messages, click on the Messages tab. You can read and respond to messages directly from your computer. You can also access your phone's photos by clicking on the Photos tab. 

Step 4: Make and Receive Calls from Your PC

Phone Link also allows you to make and receive calls directly from your PC. To do this, click on the Calls tab in the Phone Link app. You'll need to grant the app permission to access your microphone and speakers. 

Calls windows display. Works when Focus Assist is off.

You can make a call by selecting a contact from your phone's contact list or by dialling a number. You can answer calls by clicking on the notification that appears on your PC screen when you receive a call. 

Step 5: Use the Phone Link to Control Your Phone

Phone Link also allows you to control certain functions on your phone directly from your PC. For example, you can take screenshots of your phone's screen by clicking on the Screen Snip tab in the Phone Link app.

You can also copy and paste text and images between your phone and your PC. Simply select the text or image on your phone and then paste it into a document or email on your PC. 

Navigating the Phone Link features. On the right, the Phone's name, battery status and network bars are shown. Notifications panel displaying current phone notifications.

Remarks

One of the key benefits of Phone Link is that it allows users to stay connected to their phone without having to constantly switch between devices. This is particularly useful for professionals who need to stay on top of their emails and messages while working on a computer. 

Overall, Phone Link is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to streamline their workflow and stay connected to their phone while using a Windows PC. While the feature was initially limited in its functionality, Microsoft has made significant improvements over the past few years, making it a useful and reliable tool for users.