Microsoft Phone Link is a Windows app that mirrors your Android phone on your computer

Phone Link is a free process built into Windows 11 that displays your Android phone's screen on your computer. You can read text messages, make calls, see notifications, and access your phone's photos and files without picking up your phone. It works only with Android devices — not iPhones — and requires both your phone and computer to be on the same Wi-Fi network or connected to the same Microsoft account.

The app sits on your Windows taskbar and opens in a window. When your phone is connected, you see a live view of your phone's home screen, apps, and notifications. You can tap icons on the computer screen to open apps on your phone, and the phone itself stays locked in your pocket or bag.

Key Takeaways

  • Phone Link works only with Android phones running version 7.0 or later, not with iPhones or older Android devices.
  • You need a Microsoft account on both your computer and phone to set up the connection, and both devices must be on the same network.
  • The app lets you read and send text messages, make calls, and view photos from your phone without touching it, but some Android features may not work through the mirror.
  • Phone Link is built into Windows 11 and costs nothing, but you must have Windows 11 to use it — it does not work on Windows 10.

How to set up Phone Link on your Windows computer

Open the Phone Link app on your Windows 11 computer — it comes pre-installed, so search for "Phone Link" in the Start menu. Click "get your free guide" and sign in with your Microsoft account. The app will show you a QR code to scan with your Android phone.

On your Android phone, open the Microsoft Phone Link app (read it from the Google Play Store if it is not already there). Tap the plus sign to add a device, then scan the QR code shown on your computer. Your phone will ask for permission to access notifications, messages, and photos. Grant those permissions, and the connection is complete. Both devices must stay on the same Wi-Fi network for the mirror to work.

What you can and cannot do through Phone Link

Phone Link lets you read incoming text messages and send replies without opening your phone. You can see who is calling and answer or decline the call through your computer. You can view your phone's photo gallery, open files, and see all your notifications in one place. The app also shows your phone's battery level and lets you know when you have missed calls or unread messages.

Some things do not work through the mirror. You cannot read apps to your phone using Phone Link, and you cannot access your phone's settings or make changes to how it is configured. Games and apps that require touch input or motion sensors may not respond correctly. If an app on your phone needs your fingerprint or face recognition, you must unlock the phone itself — Phone Link cannot bypass those security features.

Privacy and security considerations

Phone Link requires you to sign in with a Microsoft account, which means Microsoft can see that you are using the service. The connection between your phone and computer is encrypted, so messages and data passing between them are scrambled and harder to intercept. However, your phone's screen is displayed on your computer, so anyone with access to your computer can see your messages, photos, and notifications while the app is open.

If you use Phone Link on a shared computer or a work device, be aware that your phone's content is visible on that screen. You can disconnect your phone from Phone Link at any time by closing the app or signing out of your Microsoft account. The app does not store copies of your messages or photos on your computer — it only displays what is on your phone in real time.

Phone Link versus other ways to connect your phone and computer

If you own an iPhone, Phone Link will not work — Apple does not allow this kind of mirroring on Windows. iPhone users can use iCloud to sync photos and files, or they can use Apple's Continuity features if they own a Mac. For Android users, Phone Link is the official Microsoft option, but other apps like Scrcpy (a free, open-source tool) or Samsung's own mirroring app (if you own a Samsung phone) offer similar features.

Phone Link is simpler to set up than most alternatives because it is built into Windows and requires only a Microsoft account. Other mirroring apps may give you more control or work across different networks, but they often cost money or require more technical setup. If you just want to check messages and see notifications without picking up your phone, Phone Link is the easiest choice for Windows 11 users with Android devices.

Troubleshooting common Phone Link problems

If Phone Link will not connect, first check that both your phone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices and try again. Make sure you are signed into the same Microsoft account on both the phone and computer — if you use different accounts, the connection will fail. If the QR code will not scan, try moving your phone closer to the computer screen or cleaning your phone's camera lens.

If Phone Link connects but then disconnects repeatedly, your Wi-Fi connection may be unstable. Move closer to your router or restart your router. If the app crashes or freezes, uninstall the Microsoft Phone Link app from your Android phone's settings, restart your phone, and reinstall it from the Google Play Store. For persistent problems, check that your Android phone is running version 7.0 or later — older versions are not supported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Phone Link work with iPhones?

No. Phone Link only works with Android phones running version 7.0 or later. If you have an iPhone, you cannot use Phone Link on Windows. Apple offers different tools like iCloud and Continuity for Mac users, but there is no equivalent for Windows.

Can I use Phone Link if my phone and computer are on different networks?

Phone Link requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network to function. If you are away from home or at a different location, the connection will drop. Some users have reported success using a mobile hotspot from their phone to connect the computer, but this is not an officially supported setup.

Is my data safe when I use Phone Link?

The connection between your phone and computer is encrypted, so data in transit is protected. However, your phone's screen is visible on your computer, so anyone with access to that computer can see your messages and photos while the app is open. Disconnect Phone Link when you step away from your computer if you are concerned about privacy.

What happens if I close the Phone Link app?

Closing the app straightforward disconnects your phone from your computer. Your phone continues to work normally, and no data is lost. You can reopen Phone Link at any time to reconnect. The app does not store your messages or photos — it only displays them while the connection is active.

Can I use Phone Link on Windows 10?

No. Phone Link is only available on Windows 11. If you are using Windows 10, you cannot install or use this app. You would need to upgrade to Windows 11 or use a third-party mirroring app instead.