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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIf your phone won’t connect to Phone Link in Windows 11, first identify whether it’s an Android phone or an iPhone: standard Android linking depends on both devices using the same Wi-Fi network, while iPhone pairing requires Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) on the PC. Then check device compatibility, account and permissions, update both apps, and investigate network restrictions before unlinking and pairing again.
Check which connection path your phone uses
Android and iPhone use different connection requirements in Phone Link. Microsoft lists Windows 11 as supported for both; Android requires Android 10 or later, and iPhone requires iOS 16 or later. Microsoft recommends using the latest Windows 11 version. See Microsoft’s Phone Link requirements and setup guidance for current requirements.
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| Phone | Connection requirement | Likely first checks |
|---|---|---|
| Android 10 or later | For standard setup, the phone and PC must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. | Network, Microsoft account, permissions, device state, and app updates. |
| iPhone with iOS 16 or later | Bluetooth pairing; the PC must support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). | PC Bluetooth availability, pairing through Phone Link, and iPhone permissions. |
Basic linking does not guarantee that every Phone Link feature is available. Android Apps and phone screen, for example, are limited to selected devices, software versions, and markets. Check feature eligibility separately if the phone connects but a particular feature is missing: Phone Link requirements.
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1. Check the phone, PC, and account
- Make sure both devices are turned on and nearby, and that neither is in airplane mode or battery saver.
- Confirm the PC has internet access and Wi-Fi is enabled on the phone.
- Sign in to Phone Link and Link to Windows with the same Microsoft account.
- Grant Link to Windows the permissions requested during setup. On Android 13, notification permission is needed for notification sending and related data transfer.
For notifications specifically, check that Link to Windows notifications are allowed and that Do Not Disturb is off. Microsoft’s Phone Link connection troubleshooting covers device state and connection checks.
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2. Put both devices on the same Wi-Fi network
Connect the phone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network for standard Android setup. If the router shows separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, try connecting both devices to the same named network and band. Public Wi-Fi and managed work networks can restrict communication between devices even when both have internet access; ask the network administrator whether device-to-device traffic is blocked. Microsoft outlines these network checks in its connection troubleshooting guide.
A VPN or firewall may also interfere. Temporarily test whether the connection works without the VPN, or check firewall rules, then restore your usual protection. Do not disable security protections permanently just to keep Phone Link working.
3. Check router isolation settings
If both devices use the same Wi-Fi but still cannot communicate, the router may have Wireless Isolation or AP Isolation enabled. That setting can prevent devices on the network from reaching one another. The router owner or network administrator may need to change it. Microsoft explains this issue in its Phone Link troubleshooting steps.
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4. Update Phone Link and Link to Windows
- On the PC, open Phone Link > Settings > About > Check for updates.
- On the Android phone, check for updates to Link to Windows.
- After updating, close and reopen both apps and try connecting again.
Microsoft gives these update steps in its connection troubleshooting guide.
5. Unlink and add the Android phone again
If a phone that was previously paired will not reconnect, sign out and unlink the account in Link to Windows, then add the phone again from Phone Link > Settings > Devices. Restart Phone Link if the connection still fails. Use Microsoft’s reconnection guidance if the exact unlinking steps vary in your app version.
Link to Windows can be configured to sync over mobile data, but Microsoft’s standard setup guidance uses the same Wi-Fi network for both devices. Treat mobile data as an optional sync setting, not the first fix for a failed initial connection.
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Troubleshoot iPhone pairing problems
1. Verify Bluetooth support and setup requirements
Check that the PC runs Windows 11, Bluetooth is on and available, and the PC supports Bluetooth Low Energy. The iPhone must run iOS 16 or later. If Phone Link does not offer the iPhone option, Microsoft says the PC’s Bluetooth may be switched off or unavailable. Current requirements are listed in Microsoft’s Phone Link setup guidance.
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2. Pair through Phone Link and grant permissions
- Open Phone Link on the PC and choose the iPhone option.
- Scan the displayed QR code with the iPhone camera.
- Complete the Bluetooth pairing prompt, then allow the requested permissions on the iPhone.
Permissions control corresponding features: notification-sharing and message notification settings affect notifications, while contact synchronization settings affect contacts. See Microsoft’s pairing and permission instructions.
3. Pair again if the iPhone was removed in Windows
Removing the iPhone from Windows Bluetooth settings stops Phone Link syncing for calls, messages, and notifications. To restore syncing, start pairing again through Phone Link rather than relying on the old Bluetooth entry. Microsoft describes this behavior in its Phone Link guidance.
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Restart setup after repeated code mismatches
More than three failed attempts to match setup codes can automatically prevent linking for security reasons. Close and reopen Phone Link on the PC, then begin the setup flow again instead of repeatedly retrying the same code. See Microsoft’s setup troubleshooting guidance.
If the phone connects but a feature is missing
First distinguish a connection failure from a feature-eligibility limit. Microsoft says Android Apps are available only on select Android devices and markets; support can depend on the device, Android version, whether Link to Windows was preinstalled, and market availability. Other experiences, including phone screen, also have device and version requirements. Check the current requirements for your specific Phone Link feature rather than treating a successful pairing as proof that every feature is supported.
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