System requirements
The Phone Linkexperience starts on your Windows PC and the Phone Linkapp. From your PC, you can connect toselectAndroid, Samsung, and select HONORdevices with theLink to Windowsapp that's either preinstalled on your device or that you can download from the Google Play or Samsung Galaxy Store.
This link between your Android device and PC gives you instant access to everything you love. Read and reply to text messages with ease, view recent photos from your Android device, use your favorite mobile apps, make and receive calls, and manage your Android device’s notifications right on your PC.
The Phone Linkapp requires the following to work:
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A PC running Windows 10 (with theMay 2019 Update or later) or Windows 11.
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An Android device runningAndroid 7.0 (Nougat) or later.
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Your phone and your PC both need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
We recommend always having the latest version of Windows installed to make sure you get the best experience with the Phone Linkapp.
Note:The Phone Linkapp doesn't currently support multiple Android profiles or work/school accounts.
How to link your devices
Make sure to have both your PC and Android device nearby, turned on, and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
If you start from your PC:
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In the search box on the taskbar, type Phone Link,and then select thePhone Linkapp from the results.
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You may be asked to sign in to your Microsoft accountif you haven't already signed in with Windows.
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Install or open theLink to Windowsmobile app on your Android device. To do this, open a web browser on your Android device and then enter the link that's displayed on your PC (www.aka.ms/yourpc).
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Sign into the mobile app with the same Microsoft account that yousigned in to on your PC.
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Once you've signed in, go back to your PC, select theI have the Link to Windowsapp readycheck box, and then select Pair with QR code.
Note:If you'd like to pair your device without using a QR code,select Pair manuallyon your PC instead. You'll be prompted to enter acode on your Android device.
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A popup window with aQR code will appear on your PC screen.
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In the mobile app on your Android device, select Link your phone and PC. When askedIs the QR code on your PC ready?select Continue.
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You'll be asked permission for the app to access your camera. After accepting, an in-app camera will open. Use this camera to scan the QR codedisplayed on your PC.
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After scanning the QR code, you maybe asked for additional Androidpermissions. These permissions allow you toaccess content from your phone on your PC.
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Follow the prompts on your Android device and then select Done. Thenreturn to your PC toexplore the Phone Linkapp.
(Video) Link your Android Phone to Windows 10! Cool and Useful Feature
If you're adding another Android device:
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If necessary, open the Google Play Store, search for Link to Windows,and then download the app.
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You'll be askedto scan a QR code that's displayed on your PC. To get to that QR code, open a browser on your PC and visitwww.aka.ms/yourphoneqrc.
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On your Android device, use the in-app camera to scan the QR codedisplayed on your PC.
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After scanning the QR code, you maybe asked for severalpermissions. These permissions allow you toaccess content from your phone on your PC.
If you encounter issuesinstalling the app, troubleshoot them here.
Linking your phone during PC setup
When linking your phone during PC setup,the Microsoft account you used while setting up your PC will be used for signing into your linked phone during the pairing process.
When you complete the pairing of your phone to your Microsoft account, you will be able to access your phone when you are using Microsoft products and services.
The Microsoft account you used while setting up your PC will be transferred to your linked phone during the pairing process.
Your Microsoft account credentials will be transferred to your phone for seamless access to your contents when you give permission to link your phone to your PC.
Use your favorite apps, respond to texts, make calls, view photos, and more in the Phone Link app. After approving permissions to allow access to your phone, you can use your favorite apps, respond to texts, make calls, view photos, and more on your Windows PC. If you allow syncing contacts from your phonewith your Microsoft account, you can enjoy seamless access to your phone-synced contact data on other Microsoft apps and services.
Learn more about privacy under Microsoft Privacy Statement.
Note:You can unlink your devices anytime completing the steps listed onUnlink a device
Why do I need to grant permissionsduring linking my devices?
Android 13 introduces a runtime notification permission. This permission is needed for data transfer and notificationsending between your devices.
Why can't I approve notifications on Phone Link?
The Android 13 requirement is to approve your notifications on your Android device. You can do it during the pairing process or go to System Settings > Apps > Link to Windows > Notifications on your Android devices and toggle on the permissions.
Why do I need to give notifications permission?
Notification permission allows data transfer and notification sending between your devices, which lays the foundation for cross-device features. By giving permissions, you canuse your Android device on your PC with phone photo management, notification management and App usage (where it is supported).
How to setup Instant Hotspot?
Now you can connect toyour phone’s mobile hotspot by adding it to your PC’s Wi-Fi menu. Instant Hotspot provides you with a convenient way of repeatedly connecting to your phone’s hotspot without having to provide a password every time.
Note:Mobile data charges may apply.
What are the requirements for using this feature?
PC requirements:
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A PC running Windows 11, version 22H2 build 22621 or later
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A PC with Bluetooth support and Wi-Fi adapter
(Video) Phone Link for Android and Windows - Guide 2022 -
Phone Link app version 1.22092.211.0 or later
Phone requirements:
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Samsung mobile device with OneUI 4.1.1 or later
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SIM card with hotspot capable plan
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Link to Windows app version 1.22093.2.0 or later
How to enable this feature?
From your PC:
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Open Phone Link application
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Go to Settings > Features > Instant Hotspot
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SelectSetup Instant Hotspot
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Follow the directions provided on the pop-up > selectSend Notification > go to your Android device
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Selectthe notification
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SelectAllow
From your Android device:
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Open Link to Windows application on your Android device
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Toggle on Instant Hotspot
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Go to your PC's Wi-Fi menu and connect to your mobile phone's hotspot
Why don't I see the feature available on the Phone Link app?
Ensure that you have the latest updates of Phone Link and Link to Windows applications. Make sure your PC is updated to Windows 11, build 22621 or later.
Tip:ThePhone Linkapp is designed to be experienced as part of your PC's Windows taskbar. Forusers who have linked an Android deviceto the PC, the app may get pinned to the taskbar of your PC. If you prefer to unpin the app, right-clickits icon, and then selectUnpin from taskbar.
System requirements
MicrosoftPhone Linkmakes syncing your Windows PC to your iPhone® simple. To start, open Phone Link on your Windows 11 PC. Follow the instructions for pairing and permissions.
You can also download Link to Windows from the App Store on your iPhone®, but it is not required.
This link between your iPhone® and PC gives you instant access to many things you love. Read and reply to text messages with ease, make and receive calls, and manage your iPhone® notifications right on your PC.
Requirements
ThePhone Linkapp requires the following to work:
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A PC running Windows 11
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An iOS device running iOS 14 or later
If you choose to downloadLink to Windows, make sure you have the latest app version 1.23031.2 or later installed for an optimal pairing experience.
To ensure the best possible experience withPhone Link , we recommend having the latest version of Windows 11. See if updates are available here
Notes:
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Phone Linkdoes not support work/school accounts.
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When messages permission is granted, sensitive data, like 2-FactorAuthentication SMS, can be visible inPhone Link
How to link your devices
First things first: make sure your PC and iPhone® are nearby and both have Bluetooth turned on.
If you start from your PC:
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Find thePhone Linkapp in your Start menu. (You can also search for this)
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Open the app. Under Pick your phone, select iPhone®. If this is greyed out, your PC’s Bluetooth may be turned off or is not yet available yet.
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Follow the step-by-step pairing instructions.
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Scan the QR code presented on your PC with your iPhone®'s default camera. This will initiate Bluetooth pairing.
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Make sure you grant permissions on your iPhone® to sync your messages, notifications, and contacts to your PC. See below on how to do this.
After successfully pairing your device via Bluetooth, you will need to enable these three settings on your iPhone® in order to access all available features. Some features require multiple permissions in order to be fully functional.
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Share System notifications settings will grant access to your Notifications and Messages
(Video) How to connect Android phone to Windows 2023 | How to set up Your Phone App and Link to Windows App -
Show Notification settings will grant access to your Messages
Sync Contacts settings will give access to your Messages, Contacts, and Call History.
How to link your devices
Follow these steps to unpair your iPhone® from your Windows PC.
On your phone
Under Bluetooth, select the Information icon next to your PC’s name in the “My Devices” list, and select Forget this Device.
On your PC
Open Phone Link and open Settings. Under the My Devices tab, select the device you want to unlink with the Remove option.
Your devices should now be unpaired.
How to enable features in app
You can pick which features you want enabled in Phone Link.
To do this, go to Settings and select the Features tab. It’s there you’ll find toggles for which features you grant permissions to.
Removing permissions will also disable the feature in the app.
How do I use and scan the QR code?
Make sure your PC and iPhone® are nearbyand have Bluetooth turned on both.
A unique QR code is generated whenever you want to pair a new iPhone® device to your PC. Just use the camera on your iPhone® to scan it.
To pair additional devices, you can find the Link new device option under Settings > My Devices > Link new device
I scanned the QR code but the pairing failed, what can I do?
First, ensure Bluetooth is turned on both your Windows PC and your iPhone®. Also, make sure your PC and iPhone® are “discoverable” to each other.
If pairing is still incomplete, you may have to reset Phone Link on your PC and Link to Windows to get them in a fresh state.
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Remove your iPhone® from your PC’s Bluetooth settings by going to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Remove Device.
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Remove your PC from your iPhone®Bluetooth settings by going to your Settings. Under Bluetooth, select the Information icon next to your PC’s name in the My Devices list, and select Forget this device.
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On both your PC and iPhone®, turn Bluetooth off. Wait 10 seconds, then turn Bluetooth back on (on both devices.)
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Select Try pairing again
(Video) How to Control iPhone & Android Phone using Dell Mobile Connect
If issues persist:
Open the Phone Link app and open Settings. Under Feedback & Community is a form you can use to describe your issues. Provide as much detail as you can.
You can also find this by searching “Feedback Hub” in your taskbar search field.
FAQs
Phone Link app requirements and setup? ›
Phone Link has been available to Android users for quite some time and works on Windows 10 PC running the May 2020 Update or later. Further, the Android device must be running on Android 7.0 and above and for some features like accessing mobile apps, and drag and drop files are compatible with Android 11.0 and above.
What are the requirements for Phone Link? ›Phone Link has been available to Android users for quite some time and works on Windows 10 PC running the May 2020 Update or later. Further, the Android device must be running on Android 7.0 and above and for some features like accessing mobile apps, and drag and drop files are compatible with Android 11.0 and above.
What phones are compatible with Phone Link? ›- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3.
- Samsung Note10 series.
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 series.
- Samsung Galaxy S10 series.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 series.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 series.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 series.
What can Phone Link do? Once connected, the app shows notifications and photos, allowing you to make and receive calls and text messages from your Android device. You can also wirelessly mirror your device to your PC on supported Samsung devices.
How do I get the Phone Link app? ›Set up the Microsoft Phone Link app on your PC
Go to the Microsoft Store, search for Phone Link and download it. After launching Phone Link on your PC, you'll be asked to specify your mobile OS. Select “Android” and click “Continue.”
This confirms that the internet connection required in the first instance was to just authenticate the connection with your microsoft account. Moreover, you're always required to connect both your phone and your pc to the same wifi connection.
Can you use iPhone for Phone Link? ›Get instant access to everything you love on your phone, right from your PC. To get started, connect your iPhone with the Phone Link app on your Windows PC. Phone Link for iOS requires iPhone with iOS 14 or higher, Windows 11 device, Bluetooth connection and the latest version of the Phone Link app.
Does Phone Link work on all Android phones? ›The Phone Link app requires the following to work: A PC running Windows 10 (with the May 2019 Update or later) or Windows 11. An Android device runningAndroid 7.0 (Nougat) or later. Your phone and your PC both need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
How can I tell if my phone is compatible? ›Check compatibility with your phone's IMEI.
Every phone has a unique number—15 digits that tells you the make, model, and if it's ready to use on our network. Most phones are compatible. IMEI STATUS CHECK: Dial *#06# to get your phone's IMEI, or find it in phone settings.
- T-Mobile: Enter your IMEI number (GSM), and it will tell you if your phone is compatible. ...
- AT&T: Enter your device type and IMEI, and AT&T will let you know if it's compatible.
- Verizon: Verizon supports both IMEI (GSM) and ESN or MEID (CDMA) number.
Does Phone Link require Bluetooth? ›
The Phone Link app needs to be connected to your Android device over Bluetooth to make and receive calls on your PC.
Why can't I use apps in Phone Link? ›Check if the Phone Link app is set to run in the background. Select Start (or press the Windows logo key on your keyboard), then select Settings> Privacy > Background apps. In the list Choose which apps can run in the background, ensure that Phone Link is enabled.
Can a Phone Link with another phone? ›Yes, you can link an Android phone with another Android phone. There are mainly two ways to connect two Android phones. Bluetooth is the most basic way to connect two phones wirelessly. But here is a better way which is to use a third-party Android app to remotely control another phone.
Is Phone Link a Microsoft app? ›Link to Windows (LTW) app for most Android devices. Link to Windows (LTW) app preinstalled on select Samsung and HONOR phones. You'll see the name Link to Windows in the Google Play Store and in the Galaxy Store. In the Microsoft Store, you'll see Phone Link.
How can I call from my computer without a phone? ›Select Calls. In the Search bar, type in a contact's name or their phone number. Click on the Dial icon to start your call.
Will apps work without cell service? ›Native mobile apps act as the interface between the user and the users' data and require uninterrupted connectivity. Native mobile apps with offline capability stores both the mobile app's software and its data locally on the mobile device. Offline mobile apps allow the user to run the app, regardless of connectivity.
Can a cell phone access the internet without a SIM card? ›You don't need a SIM card and cellular service to use most features of today's iPhones and Android phones. Most apps and services run just fine as long as you have access to WiFi, and you can even set up a free virtual phone number for making and receiving calls and texts.
Do you need data to run an app? ›Apps are likely the biggest data users on your phone. Anything that needs to connect to the Web to update, refresh, or download will use cell data.
Why does Phone Link say iPhone coming soon? ›If you see the iPhone button greyed out with a coming soon message, that means you are not yet in the preview. New option to link an iPhone in Phone Link. After choosing iPhone, the guided installation will kick off to pair your iPhone.
Can Phone Link work with multiple computers? ›Can I use the Phone Link app with multiple PCs? Yes, you can connect your device to multiple PCs at the same time. On your second PC: In the search box on the taskbar, search for Phone Link, and then select the Phone Link app from the search results.
Can I turn off Phone Link? ›
- Open Settings (Win+I). ( see screenshot below)
- Click/tap on Apps on the left side, and click/tap on Startup on the right side. ( ...
- Turn On (enable - default) or Off (disable) the Phone Link app for what you want. ( ...
- You can now close Settings if you like.
Review devices
Go to your Google Account. On the left navigation panel, select Security . On the Your devices panel, select Manage all devices. You'll see devices where you're currently signed in to your Google Account or have been in the last few weeks.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General > About.
- Look for Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, then your iPhone is unlocked. If it says SIM locked or anything else, it is probably locked.
The error appears when the Play Store thinks your device isn't compatible with the app you're trying to download. This doesn't mean that there's an issue with your device. The error means the app developer hasn't chosen your device for their app (for their own reasons).
Why would a phone not be compatible with a carrier? ›Technological Compatibility
Carriers typically use different frequencies and air interface technologies to provide mobile wireless network access. Accordingly, a device that works on one provider's network may not be technologically compatible with another provider's network.
Keep in mind that precise steps will vary from device to device on Android due to the fragmented nature of the OS. In the About (iOS) or Status (Android) page, scroll down and check for a MEID, ESN, or IMEI number. If your phone has a MEID or ESN number, it uses CDMA, and if it has IMEI, it uses GSM.
What makes a phone not compatible with a carrier? ›Any given carrier might have multiple frequency bands licensed to them. It takes complexity and space to support a frequency band in a phone. So phone manufacturers often have different phone variants for different regions. Sometimes new bands are added and older phones can't support them.
What is your phone companion app on Android? ›Phone Companion can detect when a phone or tablet is plugged into the PC and displays the name of the device and manufacturer. When a phone is plugged in, Phone Companion links to the transfer activity in Photos or the phone's storage location in File Explorer.
What is your phone companion app used for? ›Your Phone
Your Phone Companion is an Android app that connects your Android phone to your PC. You need the app on both devices to get access to your phone's notifications, texts, and photos. New Windows 10 PCs may already have the app installed and ready to go.
- On your Android phone or tablet, open Google Play Store .
- On the right, tap the profile icon.
- Tap Manage apps & device. Manage.
- Select the apps you want to install or turn on. If you can't find the app, at the top, tap Installed. Not installed.
- Tap Install or Enable.
How do I reset my Phone Link app? ›
- Select Start > Settings > Apps.
- In Apps & features, select the Phone Link app from the list.
- Select Advanced options > Reset.
- Relaunch Phone Link on your PC.
Can someone mirror my phone and see what I'm doing? Technically, screen sharing software does exist for Android and iOS devices, but you'll need to grant permission before any mirroring occurs. Also, most applications of this type make it fairly obvious when you're sharing your screen.
Can two cell phones receive the same incoming call? ›The simultaneously ring option is handy for people on the go. When you get a call it rings on two phone numbers at the same time. You can set your incoming calls to simultaneously ring your mobile device and another number or contact in case you're busy or momentarily unavailable.
Can you see someone else's phone screen on your phone? ›Fortunately, the answer is YES! All you need to do is to find a tool that supports screen sharing between computer and mobile devices, including iOS and Android. Here we recommend AnyViewer to you. Let's see how to see someone else's screen on your phone with it.
What are the capabilities of Phone Link? ›Phone Link, previously Your Phone, is an app developed by Microsoft to connect Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs to Android and iOS devices. It enables a PC to access the 2000 most recent photos on a connected phone, send SMS messages, and make phone calls.
Is Microsoft Phone Link free? ›Microsoft Phone Link, formerly Your Phone, is a free app developed by Microsoft.
Can you make a phone number on a computer? ›- Go to voice.google.com.
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Review the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. click Continue.
- You can search for available numbers by city or area code. ...
- Next to the number you want, click Select.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
OpenPhone: The best app to use
OpenPhone allows you to make a call from your Windows or Mac computer through an intuitive interface. You can place a call (or text) from your browser or from OpenPhone's desktop app. Easily import your contacts, and with just one click, you'll be connected.
Phone Link is not end-to-end encrypted. Microsoft is generally a bit lackadaisical towards privacy, frankly. Skype is notoriously lacking in end-to-end encryption, for example, which has seen it fall out of favor for programs like WhatsApp and Telegram encrypted chats.
What is Samsung Link app on Android? ›Advertisement. Samsung Link is the official app from Samsung for storing files in the cloud. For those who don't know, it's a substitute app for AllShare Play that lets you do exactly the same thing. In fact, users who have AllShare Play activated can automatically use Samsung Link on the same devices.
What does the Samsung Link app do? ›
Samsung Link Sharing is an app that allows you to send huge files very quickly without the need to set up any cables. In order to use this tool, all you have to do is connect from your Samsung smartphone or tablet.
Is Phone Link app safe? ›Phone Link is not end-to-end encrypted. Microsoft is generally a bit lackadaisical towards privacy, frankly. Skype is notoriously lacking in end-to-end encryption, for example, which has seen it fall out of favor for programs like WhatsApp and Telegram encrypted chats.
Does Phone Link only work with Android? ›Phone Link, previously Your Phone, is an app developed by Microsoft to connect Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs to Android and iOS devices. It enables a PC to access the 2000 most recent photos on a connected phone, send SMS messages, and make phone calls.
Can I get my Samsung text messages on my computer? ›Once you've set up Link to Windows and downloaded the Phone Link app, you can send and receive calls and text messages (SMS and MMS) right from your PC. Open the Phone Link app on your PC.
What replaces Samsung Link? ›Samsung retired AllShare, however, and has merged its features into "smarter" platforms; the first was Samsung Link, followed by SmartView. Building on DLNA, AllShare, and Link, Samsung's SmartView is an app-centered platform that encompasses everything Samsung AllShare and Link did.
Can someone screen mirror my phone without me knowing? ›Can someone mirror my phone without me knowing? Yes—it's possible for someone to monitor your phone without your knowledge.
Can someone control my phone from another device? ›Yes, unfortunately, people can access and even control your phone remotely. There are plenty of spyware apps and bugs that let people hack into your phone without you even knowing about it. It's usually through certain links or credentials that hackers do this.
Can I remove Phone Link? ›Settings, Apps, click on Phone Link and click Uninstall. Another way is Control Panel, Under Programs click Uninstall a Program, then right click on the one you want to remove.
Why is Phone Link running in the background? ›The Phone Link app will automatically run in the background at startup by default to sync with your linked phone, and to open as needed from the Phone Link icon on the taskbar system tray. This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off start Phone Link app when you sign in to your account in Windows 11.
Is it safe to connect phone to PC via USB? ›You can transmit Virus through USB file transfer. Whether it is the Android phone that is infected, or the machine is infected, either way both will get the Virus if one of them are.