How to Fix Phone Link (Your Phone) App Not Working or Not Connecting on Windows
Windows Phone Link app can't connect to your phone, not showing notifications, or photos not syncing? Fix Phone Link connection and sync issues.
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Main Troubleshooting Guide
How to Fix Bluetooth Not Working →Complete symptoms, causes, and step-by-step solutions
Symptoms
You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:
- •Phone Link can't find or connect to your phone
- •Phone notifications not showing on PC
- •Photos from phone not syncing to PC
- •Phone Link shows "Connected" but no data appears
- •Calls and messages not working through Phone Link
- •Phone Link keeps disconnecting or losing connection
Common Causes
- ⚠Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity issues between devices
- ⚠Phone Link companion app not installed or outdated on phone
- ⚠Battery optimization on phone killing the companion app
- ⚠Not signed into same Microsoft account on both devices
- ⚠Phone Link permissions not granted on the phone
- ⚠Firewall or antivirus blocking Phone Link network traffic
Solutions
Solution 1: Set Up Connection Properly
- 1On phone: install "Link to Windows" app (Android) from Play Store
- 2On PC: open Phone Link app (search Start menu)
- 3Sign into the SAME Microsoft account on both devices
- 4Both devices must be on the SAME WiFi network
- 5Bluetooth must be enabled on both devices
- 6Follow the QR code pairing process in Phone Link
- 7Grant ALL requested permissions on the phone (notifications, contacts, calls, storage)
Solution 2: Fix Connection Issues
- 1If connected but not syncing:
- 2On phone: Settings → Apps → Link to Windows → Battery → "Don't optimize"
- 3This prevents Android from killing the app in background
- 4On phone: Settings → Apps → Link to Windows → clear cache (not data)
- 5On PC: Phone Link → Settings → reset the connection
- 6Ensure both devices can reach each other on the network (same subnet)
- 7Disable VPN on both devices — VPNs can block local network communication
Solution 3: Fix Specific Features
- 1Notifications not showing: check Phone Link → Settings → Features → Notifications
- 2Also check phone notification access: Settings → Notifications → "Link to Windows" → allow
- 3Photos not syncing: grant storage permission to Link to Windows on phone
- 4Calls not working: requires Bluetooth connection (not just WiFi)
- 5Messages: on Samsung, Link to Windows is built-in — check Samsung settings
- 6iPhone support: very limited — only iMessage link via Bluetooth on Win11
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