Start by identifying what stopped working: pairing, the connection, one feature, or notifications. Android Phone Link problems most often call for checking Wi-Fi, account sign-in, and background permissions; iPhone pairing and syncing rely on Bluetooth and the permissions you grant. Work through the matching steps below before unlinking or resetting the connection.
Check compatibility and identify the symptom
Microsoft lists Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs, Android 10 or later, and iOS 16 or later among Phone Link requirements. Android features vary by phone model and operating-system version. iPhone use requires a PC with Bluetooth Low Energy support. See Microsoft’s Phone Link requirements and setup for current details.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
First decide which problem you have: Phone Link cannot pair, a paired phone appears disconnected, messages or photos are stale, notifications are missing, or only one feature has stopped working. A single feature may be unavailable on a particular device or OS version even when the rest of Phone Link works.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If Phone Link will not connect or sync with Android
Check Wi-Fi and account sign-in
- Put both devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Keep the PC and phone turned on and online, and compare the network names shown on each. If a router broadcasts separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names, the devices may have joined different networks. Microsoft’s connection guidance says to keep both devices nearby, on, and on the same Wi-Fi network. See Troubleshoot Apps in the Phone Link.
- Confirm the same Microsoft account is in use. Check the account in Phone Link on the PC and Link to Windows on the phone. Also verify that the PC has internet access. If Windows reports an account issue under Shared experiences, use Fix now and follow its prompts. More connection checks are in Microsoft’s Phone Link troubleshooting guide.
- Test on a trusted network if restrictions may be involved. VPNs, firewalls, public Wi-Fi, and workplace network rules can interfere with communication between devices. If you are on a managed work network, ask its IT administrator before changing security settings.
Allow the apps to run in the background
- Temporarily turn off battery saver on both devices while troubleshooting.
- On Android, check whether battery optimization is restricting Link to Windows. Microsoft recommends excluding the app from optimization on affected devices.
- Check Windows background-app permissions and Android notification permission if syncing or alerts are affected.
- Make sure Do Not Disturb or a Windows focus setting is not suppressing alerts you expect to see.
When you have checked the applicable settings, update Phone Link on the PC and Link to Windows on the phone, then reopen both apps. Microsoft’s app troubleshooting steps are at Troubleshooting the Phone Link.
#1 Best Overall
- Durable Design: Reinforced nylon exterior and a robust core ensure this cable withstands up to 5,000 bends, outlasting other brands
- Fast Charging: Supports Power Delivery for up to 60W high-speed charging when paired with a USB-C charger
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with virtually all USB-C devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Transfer files quickly with 480Mbps data transfer speeds
- Included Accessories: Comes with a hook-and-loop cable tie for easy organization and a welcome guide for hassle-free setup
If Android notifications are missing
Notification syncing can fail even when other Phone Link features work. On the Android phone, open Settings and find Notification access (the exact menu name can differ by device). Turn Link to Windows access off and on, accept the permission prompt, then open the Notifications section in Phone Link and allow it to refresh. Also check the phone’s battery-saver and Link to Windows battery-optimization settings.
There is one restriction a permission change cannot fix: Microsoft says Android 15 or later may mark some notifications as sensitive, and those notifications are blocked from appearing in Phone Link. Check their contents directly on the phone. See Microsoft’s notification troubleshooting guidance.
Rank #2
- NOTE：1. PLEASE KINDLY KNOW this CABLE is USB-A TO USB-C CABLE instead of USB-C TO USB-C or Lighting connector. 2. It NOT COMPATIBLE with iPhone 14 Series and earlier versions or other deviices with lightning slot. 3.The thickness of the compatible mobile phone case charging port is 5.5mm.
- INNOVATIVE RIGHT ANGLE DESIGN: Tired of charging cables breaking at the joints? Compared to conventional electronic smartphone charger cord type c, this right angle type c chargers fast charging cable features an ergonomic 90° Right Angle end "L" design that may successfully prevent typical wear, straining cable and connection issues and increase the longevity life of the usb to usbc cable type c charger for Samsung. Its tangle-free ergonomic design makes it easier and more comfortable without blocking your hand to play games, use apps in portrait mode, watch videos, carplay, car charging and read e-books while charging.
- CERTIFIED 3.1A STABLE CHARGING & SYNC SPEED: AINOPE USB Type C Cable supports Stable charging up to 9V/3.1A (40% faster) compared with other cables which provide 5V/2.4A output. And data sync transfer speeds up to 480Mbps (1200 songs synced/minute). *Please note: 1.This cable can charge Google pixel 2/3/3XL normally, but it may not deliver fast charging speed. 2. Using an adapter of at least 5V/3A (QC 18W Max) if charging for full speed. The internal smart NTC smart control chip ensures stable current and prevents overheating for safe, full speed charging.
- ENHANCED DURABILITY & MILITARY GRADE: While others offer 10,000-bend durability, AINOPE sets a new standard with a 400,000+ bending lifespan. Reinforced 90 degree end military-grade durable nylon braided iPhone charging cable fast charger usbc with special SR joint, Lasts 30x longer than ordinary cable-proven in a laboratory environment to withstand 400,000 bends. It built-in laser welding technology with premium aluminum housing, which ensure the metal part won't break. One of the toughest type c charger fast charging type c cord ever created, with tensile strength capable of withstanding 16 kg. It's built to outlast your device, effectively ending the cycle of frequent cable replacements.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: This is the USBA to USBC cable not the USB-C to USB-C cable, Compatible with ALL USB-C iPhones, Android phones and tablets. Compatible with iPhone 17 Pro Max Air iPhone 16 15 Plus Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra S24 23 S22 S21 S20 S20+ S20 Ultra S10 S10E S9 S8 Note 20 Ultra Note 10 9 8, Moto Z/Z2, LG V60/V40/V30+/V30 Sony XPERIA XZ2/XZ2 Premium/X3，XPERIA 5 II Google Pixel 3/4/5/6/7/8, Pixel 3XL/4XL/5XL, Pixel 6 Pro/7 Pro/8 Pro, Tablets iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th/4th/3rd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch(4th/3rd/2nd/1st generation),iPad 10 iPad Air 4/5, iPad mini 6 and other android phones.
If iPhone pairing or syncing fails
Phone Link pairs with iPhone over Bluetooth. Turn Bluetooth on on both devices, keep them nearby, and grant the requested permissions for notifications, contacts, messages, or other data you want to sync. The Link to Windows app is optional for iPhone setup; the permissions you grant determine which information Phone Link can access.
If QR-code pairing does not complete, clear the old Bluetooth pairing on both devices before trying again:
Rank #3
![INIU 240W USB C to USB C Cable, [6.6ft+6.6ft] Fast Charging Type C Cord](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41r3DXOHFvL._SL160_.jpg)
- [From INIU—the SAFE Fast Charge Pro] Experience the safest charging with over 38 million global users. At INIU, we use only the highest-grade materials, so we do have the confidence to provide an industry-leading 3-year iNiu Care.
- [Unleash 240W High-Speed Charging] Experience peak efficiency with the INIU 240W USB-C cable. Designed to handle power-hungry devices, it rapidly boosts your MacBook Pro 16" from 20% to 67% in just 30 minutes.
- [Fastest Charging for All Devices] Set new charging records with the world’s fastest 240W cable. Rapidly boost your iPhone 17 Pro Max from 20% to 75%, Galaxy 25 Ultra to 77%, and iPad Pro 11" to 64% in only 30 minutes. (Note: Requires a compatible 240W USB-C charger).
- [Fit for All C-Port Devices] Work flawlessly with all existing C-port devices from big to small(240/200/170/140/100/60/18W required)—Laptops, Phones, Tablets, STEAM DECK and Switch, no matter what device you want to charge, it can be done more efficiently.
- [Safe Charge with EMARK2.0] INIU's proprietary EMARK2.0 safeguards you and your devices by dynamically over-charge protection and monitoring temp over 3.2 million times daily—saving you and your connected devices from the threat of fire and battery damage.
- In Windows Bluetooth settings, remove the iPhone.
- In the iPhone’s Bluetooth settings, forget the PC.
- Turn Bluetooth off on both devices for 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
- Retry pairing in Phone Link and approve the requested permissions.
If you had already removed the iPhone from Windows Bluetooth settings, Microsoft advises forgetting the PC on the iPhone before starting Phone Link pairing again. Removing the iPhone from Windows Bluetooth settings stops syncing calls, messages, and notifications until you pair again. See Phone Link requirements and setup.
If setup fails after scanning the QR code
If Phone Link reports that setup codes do not match, close and reopen Phone Link on the PC and start setup again. Microsoft says more than three failed attempts to match setup codes can temporarily block linking for security reasons. Avoid repeatedly entering codes during that block; follow Microsoft’s Phone Link setup troubleshooting instead.
Rank #4
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Enhanced Durability: Improved construction techniques and materials make a cable that lasts 5× longer.
- Universal Compatibility: Designed to work flawlessly with any device that uses a USB-C port.
- Fast Sync & Charge: Supports fast charging up to 15W (3A/5V) and data transfer speeds up to 480Mbps. (Not compatible with Power Delivery).
- What You Get: 2 × Premium Nylon-Braided USB-A to USB-C Charger Cable (6ft), welcome guide, everlasting warranty, and our friendly customer service.
When to reset or unlink the connection
Resetting is a later step, not a first check: it clears the existing connection state, so you will need to set up the devices again. If Android still will not connect after you have checked Wi-Fi, accounts, permissions, battery restrictions, and app updates, use Microsoft’s instructions for resetting your Android device and PC with Phone Link. Unlinking is also appropriate when you need to rebuild the connection, but expect to pair and configure it again.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteQuick Recap
Best Value
- 【3A Quick Charge&Sync】Transfer speed up to 480Mb/s, 3A Fast Charger,This power cord alone will not provide you with fast charging alone, you will need a power block rated for fast charging and a phone capable of the same.
- 【Certified Safety 】: This USB-C cable has electronic safety certifications that comply with appropriate standards,You don't have to worry about the quality of this cable at all.
- 【Super Durable】Strong fiber, the most flexible, powerful and durable material, makes tensile force increased by 200%. Can bear 8000+ bending test. Premium Aluminum housing makes the cable more durable,and the Nylon Braided C-type cable increases the durability without tangle.
- 【WIDELY COMPATIBILITY】 USB C port Charger for Latest smart phones, Samsung Galaxy S21+, S21 Ultra 5G, S20 Ultra 5G FE, S20+, S10 Plus, S10+, S10e, S9, S9+, S8; Note20 Ultra 5G, Note20, Note10+ 5G, Note10 Plus
- 【 WARRANTY】 --- Please note that our product comes with a worry-free 12-months warranty. We are always committed to providing the best customer service. If there is anything that can help you, we will try our best to serve you.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
