Microsoft's Phone Link app now works with iOS, allowing iPhone s to link their smartphone to a Windows 11 PC to send and receive messages and calls. The Phone Link app has offered the ability to link Android devices to Windows PCs for a while now. Android s can easily access their phone's notifications, phone calls, text messages, and photos from their Windows PC. On selected devices, they can even access apps installed on their phone. s can also wirelessly transfer data and files between Android phones and Windows PCs.
Microsoft has now made Phone Link available for iOS s in 85 markets across the world. To set up Phone Link for iOS, first ensure that Bluetooth is turned on for both the iPhone and Windows PC and both are discoverable. Next, search for 'Phone Link' in the Windows start menu. If it doesn't show up, check if a Windows update is available, or manually the Phone Link app from the Microsoft Store. Open the app and select 'iPhone' under the 'Pick your phone' section. Scan the QR code displayed on the PC to start the Bluetooth pairing. On the iPhone, grant the necessary permissions to sync messages, s, and notifications on the PC. The iPhone will now be linked to the Windows PC.
Limitations Of Phone Link for iOS
Since the smartphone and PC are linked through Bluetooth, s will be able to view their iPhone's notifications on their PC in real-time while it syncs in the background. They will also be able to access their s on the PC. Furthermore, s can receive and reply to messages from their PC and send messages to synced s. Incoming calls on iPhone will be displayed on the PC, and s can choose to receive or end them. When compared to Phone Link for Android, the iOS version s only basic functions.
Phone Link for iOS has several limitations, such as the inability to send media like photos or videos, or respond to group messages. Furthermore, s will not be able to see their full message history in conversations, as only texts sent or received via Phone Link will be visible. Because the interface is simple and basic, distinguishing between blue and green bubbles in iPhone messages is also not currently available through Phone Link. s will also not be able to access any photos on their iPhone via Phone Link. They can, however, integrate iCloud Photos with the Windows Photos app for easy access on their PC.
Once Phone Link for iOS is set up, iPhone s can customize which app notifications are synced to their PC. It's important to note that Bluetooth must be enabled on both devices for Phone Link to work. Microsoft notes that iPhones need to be running iOS 14 and above to use Phone Link, and that iPads aren't ed. To unlink the iPhone, open Phone Link for iOS on the Windows PC, open Settings, go to 'My Devices,' select the iPhone, and click 'Remove.'
Source: Microsoft