The Phone Link app helps users integrate their mobile devices with Windows computers. On Windows 11, this application is compatible with Androids and iPhones. However, some users have reported that the Phone Link app is not working on Windows 11.
If you find yourself in these shoes, any of the following may be responsible:
- You may be using an outdated Phone Link app.
- Vital files connected to the Phone Link app are damaged or corrupted.
- Background permissions are disabled for Phone Link
- Data sharing for linked devices has been disabled.
Note that in the past, you may have been able to fix the problem by running the Windows Store App troubleshooter; however, with recent Windows updates, the troubleshooter no longer comes bundled with the Windows Settings app.
This guide will walk you through the most current and effective ways of fixing and troubleshooting Phone Link problems.
1. Update Your Phone Link App
When apps are outdated, they may start to lose vital functionality. This holds for the Phone Link app, which may not work because it is outdated. You may update it by following the steps below.
Step 1: Press the magnifying lens of the Taskbar, type store, and click on the Microsoft Store icon.
Step 2: Click the Libraries icon on the left pane, then on the right, click the Get updates button.
Step 3: This will update all apps, including Phone Link. Wait for the updates to complete and verify that Phone Link is working.
2. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Phone Link uses Bluetooth to connect your phone to your computer. If there is a problem with Bluetooth or pairing, Phone Link will not work on Windows 11. You may use the built-in Bluetooth troubleshooter to fix this problem.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings application.
Step 2: Click System on the left pane, then on the right, click Troubleshoot.
Step 3: Click Other troubleshooters.
Step 4: Click the Run button for the Bluetooth troubleshooter.
3. Repair and Reset Phone Link
A reason why Phone Link app is not working on Windows 11 is due to file corruption. Windows 11 has built-in repair and reset functions that may remove corruption or fix settings that stop the app from working. Here is how to repair or reset the app.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: On the left pane, click System, and on the right pane, click System Component.
Step 3: Click the ellipses for Phone Link and select Advanced options.
Step 4: Click the Repair button, and after it is done, click the Reset button.
4. Set Phone Link to Always Run in the Background
Phone Link can’t function properly when it isn’t permitted to run in the background. Thus, confirm that Phone Link’s background app permissions are set to always. You may use Settings to ensure that the app always runs in the background.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: On the left pane, click System, and on the right pane, click System Component.
Step 3: Click the ellipses for Phone Link and select Advanced options.
Step 4: In the Background component permission section select Always.
5. Enable Data Sharing Across Linked Devices on Windows 11
Data exchange is crucial for the Phone Link app. Phone Link requires data exchange to function on connected devices. For that app, you can permit cross-device sharing in this manner.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: On the left pane, click Apps, and on the right pane, click Advanced app settings.
Step 3: Expand Share across devices and check Mu devices only.
6. Unlink and Re-Link Your Devices
If, after linking a device with Phone Link, it is still not working, you should simply try unlinking your device and linking it again. You may also try restarting both devices before linking again. This way, tiny bugs or glitches caused by problematic processes may be resolved.
You may also try uninstalling Phone Link and reinstalling it.
FAQ
1. Does Phone Link work with Windows 11?
For the Phone Link to function, the following are needed: a computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10 running the May 2019 Update or a more recent update.
2. Where is Phone Link app in Windows 11?
You will find the app in the Settings app, under Bluetooth and Devices.
Getting the Best From Your Phone Link App
The Phone Link app is one that helps increase the cross-functionality of Windows 11 and mobile devices. If Phone Link app is not working on Windows 11, the solutions in this guide will help resolve the problem.