Windows

How To Fix Phone Link Not Working in Windows 11

Making calls, sending messages, and much more from your Android smartphone to the PC is made easy with Microsoft Phone Link. Despite the fact that the Phone Link app frequently gets fresh updates for small bug fixes. The Phone Link app still has a lot of annoying bugs, though.

Phone Link app may not display smartphone alerts for some users, or it may not be able to instantly sync messages with phones in other circumstances. The Phone Link app must be giving you problems if you’ve found this troubleshooting guide.

We have included the most effective fixes for all Microsoft Phone Link app issues in this post.

Table of Contents

According to our study, the following are some of the most frequent causes of the Microsoft Phone Link problem:

  • Issues with Firewall Blocking
  • Background Processing Permissions
  • Aren’t Allowed In Windows Store Apps
  • Problem With Phone Link App & Link to Windows App
  • Shared Experience Option Is Disabled
  • Bugs or Old-School App for Microsoft Phone Link
  • Reconnect the PC and smartphone
  • Independent antivirus software

We advise examining a few things before proceeding to the solutions. You must first check to see if you are linked to a reliable, high-speed internet connection. Make sure that both devices are linked to the same Wi-Fi network as well.

Finally, make sure that both the Link to Windows (Android app) and the Phone Link (Windows app) are utilising the same Microsoft account to sync data. Following completion of the aforementioned checks, continue using our tried and established techniques to resolve the Phone Link app difficulties.

1. Disable Windows Firewall Temporary

The built-in Windows Firewall is one of the most prevalent causes of the Microsoft Phone Link app not working. The Windows Firewall may prevent the Phone Link from sending data between devices. In such situation, we recommend deactivating the Windows Firewall to confirm that it isn’t creating any problems. To disable the integrated Firewall function in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Start by using the shortcut key Windows + R to launch the Run Program.

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2. Then, type firewall.cpl in the search box and press Enter. 

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3. Tap on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left sidebar.

4. At last, Turn off Windows Defender Firewall checkbox under the Private Network and Public network settings.

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Open the Phone Link app and verify the status of the issue once the Windows Firewall has been off. We advise turning on the Firewall once again for more security if the fix doesn’t solve the problem.

2. Allow Background Running Of The Application

The likelihood is that the Your Phone app is closed in the background, which causes it to either not open or function improperly. To allow the programme to operate in the background, follow the procedures below:

1. The Settings app is launched by pressing Windows + I on the keyboard.

2. Select the Apps option in the Settings app’s left-hand navigation bar.

3. Then choose Installed Apps from the sidebar on the right.

4. Then, Search Phone Link in the search bar.

5. Wait until the search results include your phone’s link app.

Here, select Advanced options by clicking on the three vertical dots to its right.

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5. Next, choose Always from the background under Let this app operate in the background in the Background applications permissions section on the right side of the screen.

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Exit the Settings app now and see whether you can access and use the Your Phone app.

3. Stop using Battery Optimization

This technique is also unique to your Android phone, and a minor adjustment like turning off battery optimization can assist in resolving the problem with the Your Phone app not functioning on your Windows 11/10 PC. Check out how:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.

2. Search for and choose the Battery and device care option in the Settings app.

3. Select Automation from the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the Device Care page.

4. Next, choose Auto optimise everyday and move the switch to the left to deactivate it.

After that, reconnect your phone to the Your Phone app on your computer, and the app should now operate as intended.

4. Disable Data Restrictions

The restricted data use permissions may be another frequent cause of the Phone Link app’s malfunction. For the Phone Link and Link to Windows programmes to work effectively, all data use limitations must be removed. The ways to remove data limits on Android and Windows 11 PC are as follows:

In Windows PC

1. Press Windwos + I to open the Settings App.

2. Then,click on the Network & Internet in the given option.

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3. Next, choose Wi-Fi. Then, select the name of the linked Wi-Fi network.

4. At last, disable the Metered connection toggle.

Problem solved! The Microsoft Phone Link is currently operational without connectivity or setup difficulties.

On Android

  • Go to the Wi-Fi section of the Settings app after opening it.
  • Next, enter advanced network settings for the Wi-Fi network to which you are presently logged in.
  • In the Advanced section, choose the Network Usage option to Treat as Unmetered.

5. Enable Sharing Across Devices

You may have the Your Phone app not working issue if your PC is not set up to share data among the devices it is connected to. Here’s how to activate the sharing across devices feature so you may use your Microsoft account to share data from your PC-linked Android phone:

1. Select Settings from the menu by performing a right-click on the Start button on your taskbar.

2. Click System in the left-hand pane of the newly opened Settings app.

3. Next, click Nearby Sharing by moving your cursor to the right side of the screen.

4. Select My devices only under Naerby sharing in the next dialogue.

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Exit the Settings app now, and confirm that the same Microsoft account is being used to log into both your computer and your Android phone. The Your Phone app issue ought to be resolved right now.

6. On an Android Phone, Disable DND Mode.

Follow the steps below to turn off DND mode on your Android phone:

  1. Tap the gear symbol on your Android device to reveal it (Settings app).
  1. Select Notifications from the Settings app’s menu.
  1. After that, tap the bottom-right Do not disturb option to bring it up.
  1. Toggle the bar to the left on the Do not disturb page to turn it off.

The Your Phone app should now launch after you connect your phone.

7. Use the Windows Store App Troubleshooter

The Microsoft Phone Link is a built-in Windows software that can only be obtained via the Microsoft Windows Store for download and updates. Fortunately, Microsoft has given Windows a solution that fixes any problems with integrated and Windows Store programmes. Using the Windows Store troubleshooter, you may check the procedures listed below to fix any issues with the Phone Link app:

1. Open Settings App by pressing Windows + I on keyboard.

2. Go to the Troubleshoot section after that, followed by Other troubleshooters.

3. Now, look in the Others category for the Window Store Apps.

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4. To check for problems with the Windows Store applications after that, click the Run button next to them.

5. Finally, follow the on-screen directions to fix the programmes’ current problems.

8. Enable Notifications for the Phone Link App

It’s possible that the Link to Windows app lacks authorization if the Phone Link app isn’t displaying smartphone alerts on the PC. Make sure the Link to Windows app has all the permissions needed to display alerts. Here’s how to verify it:

1. Start by navigating to the Link to Windows app’s properties pane on your smartphone.

2. After that, select Manage notifications.

3. Lastly, make sure the toggle for alerts is turned on. If not, tap it to make it active.

9. Update the Windows to Newer Version

Microsoft could have made some remedies for the problems with the Phone Link app available through system upgrades. You might try looking for fresh system updates and seeing if any of them concern the Phone Link app. We advise downloading all pending updates even if there aren’t any, just to be cautious. To check the same, you may adhere to the specified procedure:

1. Press Windows + I to open the settings App.

2. Click on the Windows Update in the given section.

3. Click the Check for updates button.

4. Click Download & install all to download and install any updates that the scanner identifies.

Unfortunately, we advise reconnecting the smartphone and Windows computer via the Phone Link software if none of the aforementioned alternatives succeed in fixing the issue. By doing this, the system and phone will once again be connected, and all connectivity problems will be fixed. You may do the same by following us:

1. To access Settings, first launch the Link to Windows app on your smartphone and select the Gear symbol in the top-right corner.

2. To confirm, tap on Sign out of Link to Windows and Unlink.

3. Once both devices are unlinked, you need to relink both devices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Your Phone App Work on Windows 11?

Yes, Windows 11 supports the Microsoft Phone Link software (formerly known as Your Phone). On Windows 10, the Phone Link app is also functional.

The use of a third-party antivirus programme is one of the most frequent causes of this problem. While using the Microsoft Phone Link app, we advise deactivating the antivirus application.

If you experience any problems with the Microsoft Phone Link app, you may try repairing and resetting it.

Restart your Android smartphone if the Link to Windows app is still restricted after the upgrade. After that, wait a few while, close the Phone Link software on your PC, and then reopen it. Verify that your PC is connected to WiFi as well as your Android handset. Updates must be downloaded when you are connected to Wi-Fi.

Obtain it by searching for Your Phone in the Microsoft Store. On your PC, your phone will start up and prompt you to choose your mobile operating system. Click “Continue” after selecting “Android.” A QR code will be shown for you to scan with your smartphone.

Final Word

One of the greatest methods to easily access your smartphone data on a Windows PC is with the Phone Link software. However, the app contains a number of annoying bugs that may instantly destroy the entire user experience. But that’s no longer the case because we’ve previously provided more than 9 tried-and-true fixes for all the problems with the Phone Link app. To get out of this irritating predicament as soon as possible, we advise properly attempting all methods. Please also share the remedy that made your day easier.