Troubleshooting Tips for Phone Link

Even though Microsoft’s Phone Link app is designed to be simple, sometimes things don’t work as smoothly as expected. If you’re facing issues while connecting your phone to your Windows PC, try these troubleshooting tips:

1.QR Code Won’t Scan

• Make sure you’re scanning the QR code with the Link to Windows app, not just your phone’s camera.
  
  

• Clean your screen and check that the QR code is fully visible.
  
  

• Ensure both devices have an active internet connection.
  
  

• Restart both your phone and PC if the code still doesn’t work.

2. Phone and PC Aren’t Connecting

• Confirm that both devices are signed in with the same Microsoft account.
  
  

• Update the Phone Link app on your PC and the Link to Windows app on your phone.
  
  

• Check Wi-Fi—both devices should ideally be on the same network for stable pairing.
  
  

• Disable any VPN that might be blocking the connection.

3. Calls Aren’t Working

• Turn on Bluetooth on both your PC and smartphone.
  
  

• Pair your phone with the PC in Bluetooth settings before using Phone Link.
  
  

• Make sure your PC has a working microphone and speaker.
  
  

• If the call drops, remove the Bluetooth pairing and set it up again.

4. Notifications Don’t Appear on PC

• On your phone, go to Settings → Apps → Link to Windows → Permissions and allow notifications.
  
  

• Make sure Do Not Disturb isn’t enabled on your phone.
  
  

• In the Phone Link app on PC, check that notifications are turned ON under Settings.

5. Messages Aren’t Syncing

• Grant SMS access permissions to the Link to Windows app.
  
  

• Clear the app’s cache and restart it.
  
  

• On Android, ensure the app is allowed to run in the background.

6. Photos Not Loading

• Check that the Photos permission is enabled in your phone’s settings.
  
  

• Open the Link to Windows app and refresh the gallery.
  
  

• If photos still don’t show up, unlink the phone and reconnect it through www.aka.ms/phonelink.

7. General Fixes

• Restart both devices—it often resolves minor glitches.
  
  

• Keep your system updated (Windows updates + app updates).
  
  

• Re-link the devices by removing the phone in Phone Link and setting it up again.