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aka.ms/PhoneLink - In-Depth Troubleshooting & FAQ for Android™ to Windows Connection Issues

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aka.ms/PhoneLink: Troubleshoot Android™-Windows Connection Issues Step by Step in 2025

Aka.ms/PhoneLink is Microsoft’s bridge between your Android device and Windows PC—but what happens when that bridge feels broken? Failed connections, missing notifications, or the dreaded “Something went wrong” error can turn a handy tool into a headache.

If you’re stuck troubleshooting aka.ms/PhoneLink issues, you’re not alone. From Bluetooth hiccups to app crashes, even small glitches can disrupt your workflow. The good news? Most problems have simple fixes—if you know where to look.

This guide covers every solution, step by step. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a power user, we’ll get your devices syncing smoothly again. Let’s solve this! Official Link and step-by-step guide for aka.ms/PhoneLink

Watch the Video: Microsoft Phone Link to Android Setup Troubleshooting

Connectivity and data syncing issues:

For a visual guide on resolving Link to Windows (Android) and Phone Link (Windows 11/10) setup issues, check out this step-by-step video:

Why Is My Content Not Syncing Between Devices?

Solution:
• Update the Phone Link app on Windows:

  • Open Phone Link → Select Settings → About → Check for updates
    • Update the Link to Windows app on Android:

  • Open the app → Go to Settings → Check for updates (or tap ⋮ (More) → About)

For Best Results:

  • Ensure both devices are powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network

  • Disable Battery Saver mode, as it may interrupt background syncing

Can I Sync Using Mobile Data Instead of Wi-Fi?

Yes, with these steps:

  1. Open the Link to Windows app on your Android device

  2. Navigate to Settings → Sync over mobile data

  3. Toggle the switch to On

Note:

  • Syncing over mobile data may use more of your data plan

  • For large files or frequent updates, a Wi-Fi connection is recommended

My Android Device and PC Won’t Connect—What Should I Do?

First, Verify These Settings:
✅ Are you signed in with the same Microsoft account on both devices?
✅ Is Battery Saver turned off on both your PC and Android phone?
✅ Can you access the internet on both devices? Try opening a website to confirm

Adjust Android Settings:

  • Go to:
    Settings → Apps → Link to Windows → Battery → Select Don’t optimize
    (Path may vary slightly depending on your device model.)

Adjust Windows Settings:

  • Allow Phone Link to run in the background:

    • Open Start → Settings → Privacy → Background apps → Enable Phone Link

  • Check for account sync issues:

    • Open Start → Settings → System → Shared experiences → Select Fix now (if available)

If Issues Persist:
Consider reinstalling the apps on both devices.

Both Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi but Still Won’t Connect

This may be due to a router setting called “AP Isolation.”

How to Disable It:

  1. Access your router settings (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 in a web browser)

  2. Look for Wireless → Advanced Settings

  3. Locate AP Isolation (or “Client Isolation”) and disable it

Need Help?
If you’re unsure about router settings, contact your internet service provider for assistance.

Keeping Phone Link Updated: Version Checks & Troubleshooting

To ensure optimal performance, please verify you’re using the latest version:

On your Windows PC:

  1. Open the Phone Link app

  2. Select Settings (gear icon) → About → Updates

  3. If an update is available, select Update

  4. Wait for completion – the app will restart automatically

Note: Updates may take a few minutes to register. If the app appears stuck:

  • Close and reopen Phone Link

  • Restart your PC if needed

For manually installed apps:

On your Android device:

  1. Open the Link to Windows app

  2. Tap Settings → Check for Updates

  3. Allow the update to complete fully

  4. Restart the app when finished

Please be patient: Updates may take 2-3 minutes to process. If the status doesn’t change:

  • Restart your Android device

  • Reopen the app afterward

For devices with built-in integration:

  1. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi

  2. Navigate to:

    • Settings → Advanced features → Link to Windows

  3. Tap ⋮ (More) → Link to Windows

  4. Select Update (via Play Store or Galaxy Store)

  5. Wait for completion, then tap Done

Important: The update path may vary slightly between Samsung and Duo devices.

Resolving Post-Android 10 Update Issues

If features stop working after an Android update:

For Photos & Messages:

  1. Open Settings → Apps → Link to Windows

  2. Select Permissions

  3. Enable:

    • Storage

    • Contacts

    • SMS

    • Phone

For Notifications:

  1. Go to Settings → Notification access

  2. Find Link to Windows

  3. Toggle off → then on again

  4. Select Allow when prompted

Trouble Reconnecting Your Devices to Phone Link? Let's Fix It

If your previously connected devices aren’t linking properly anymore, follow these steps to re-establish your connection:

On Your Android Device:

  1. First, verify you have the latest app version:

    • Open the Link to Windows app

    • Check for updates in Settings

aka.ms/PhoneLink

2. Remove the old connection:

    • Tap your Microsoft account name (under Linked Account)

    • Select Account Settings → Sign out and unlink account

    • Confirm by tapping Unlink when prompted

aka.ms/PhoneLink

On Your Windows PC:

  1. Open the Phone Link app

  2. Navigate to:

    • Settings → Devices → Add new device

  3. Follow the pairing instructions that appear on your screen

aka.ms/PhoneLink

If Connection Problems Continue:

  • Restart the Phone Link app on your PC

  • Reboot both your PC and Android device

  • Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network during pairing

Troubleshooting Message Issues in Phone Link

If some or all messages aren’t appearing, here’s what to check:

Common Causes:

  • Third-party messaging apps: Phone Link works best with your device’s default SMS/MMS app. Some third-party apps may not sync properly.

  • Outdated app version: Ensure you have the latest Phone Link update:

    1. Open Microsoft Store on your PC

    2. Search for Phone Link

    3. Select Update if available

Additional Notes:

  • Message syncing may be delayed with slow internet connections

  • Large group messages or media may take longer to appear

Using RCS (Rich Communication Services) Messages

Current Support Status:

  • ✔️ Available on select Samsung devices

  • ✔️ Supported by certain mobile carriers

  • ❌ Not universally available across all devices/networks

Important Limitations:

  • Maximum 2MB file size for image downloads

  • Features like read receipts or typing indicators may vary by carrier

Recommendation:
Check with your mobile provider to confirm RCS compatibility if this feature is important to you.

Troubleshooting Message Issues in Phone Link

Why Can't I See All My Phone Photos?

Phone Link displays up to 2,000 of your most recent photos and screenshots to optimize performance.
Note:

  • Only shows images from:
    • Camera Roll folder
    • Screenshots folder

  • Photos moved to other folders won’t appear

Yes, you can delete photos:

  • Deletions remove images from your phone’s local storage

  • Your cloud backups (Google Photos, OneDrive, etc.) remain safe

Fixing "Unable to Delete Photos" Errors

Common solutions:

  1. Refresh the photos page (the image may already be deleted)

  2. Open Link to Windows app on your Android, then retry deletion

  3. Update both apps:

    • Phone Link (PC)

    • Link to Windows (Android)

Video Support Information

Current limitation:

  • Phone Link only displays images (photos & screenshots)

  • Video viewing is not supported at this time

Editing Photos from Your Phone

Workflow:

  1. Copy the photo from Phone Link to your PC

  2. Edit the copy using:
    • Windows Photos app
    • Any other image editing software

Troubleshooting Call Problems in Phone Link

Basic Fixes to Try First:

On your Windows PC:

  1. Turn off Focus Assist:

    • Right-click the 📅 Action Center icon in your taskbar

    • Select Focus Assist → Choose Off

  1.  
aka.ms/PhoneLink

2.Restart Phone Link:

    • Close the app completely

    • Reopen from your Start menu

3. If issues persist: Restart your PC

On your Android device:

  1. Toggle Bluetooth:

    • Swipe down from top of screen to open Quick Settings

    • Tap the Bluetooth icon to turn off → wait 5 seconds → tap again to turn on

aka.ms/PhoneLink
Manual Bluetooth Reconnection

If calls still don’t work:

  1. On your Android:

    • Swipe down → press & hold Bluetooth icon

    • Find your PC name in the list → tap to connect

    • Accept any pairing prompts on both devices

  2. Still not working? Try full reset:

    • Android:
      Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth
      Tap ⚙️ next to your PC → Unpair

    • PC:
      Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices
      Find your phone → Remove device

    • Then set up again in Phone Link

Battery Optimization Fix

For interrupted connections:

  1. Open Android Settings

  2. Go to:

    • Apps → Link to Windows → Battery
      OR
      Apps & notifications → App info → Link to Windows → Advanced → Battery

  3. Select:

    • Don’t optimize
      OR
      Turn off Optimize battery usage

(Path varies slightly by device – Samsung/Duo users may need different steps)

Conflicting App Issues

If you see errors about app conflicts:

  1. On PC:

    • Start → Settings → Apps → Installed apps

    • Uninstall any third-party phone linking apps (e.g., Intel Unison)

  2. On Android:

    • Check for manufacturer apps (e.g., LG’s “Virtoo”)

    • Disable or uninstall if present

  3. Re-pair devices after removing conflicts

Name Change Problems

If you recently renamed your Android:

  1. Unpair completely (see Step 2)

  2. Change name back in:

    • Android Settings → About phone → Device name

  3. Re-pair with Phone Link

Bluetooth Headset Limitation

Important Note:
Phone Link cannot route calls to PC Bluetooth headsets. You must:

  • Use your phone’s speaker/mic

  • OR answer on PC using its built-in mic/speakers

Dual SIM Limitations

If your phone has two SIMs:

  • Calls will always use your primary SIM

  • No option to choose in Phone Link

Audio Quality Fixes

For echo/poor sound:

  1. Disconnect other Bluetooth devices (mice/keyboards)

  2. Try a wired headset on your PC

  3. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router (better connection)

Troubleshooting App Issues in Phone Link

Missing Phone Screen Feature

  • How to access:
    Click the “Open phone screen” button above your apps list

    • Opens in a separate window from Phone Link

    • Mirrors your Android screen as before

Apps Not Showing for Work/Other Profiles

  • Current limitations:
    ✅ Only shows apps from your default personal profile
    ❌ Does not support:

    • Work/school accounts

    • Secondary Android profiles

    • Enterprise environments

Wi-Fi Connection Requirements

For proper functionality:

  • Both devices must be:

    • Powered on

    • Connected to the same Wi-Fi network

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Verify connections:

    • Android: Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi

    • PC: Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi

  2. Check for dual-band networks:

    • Connect both to same frequency (2.4GHz or 5GHz)

  3. Network restrictions:

    • Disable VPNs/firewalls temporarily

    • Contact IT for workplace networks

    • Avoid public Wi-Fi for best performance

Connection Error Solutions

Quick fixes to try:

  • On Android:

    • Disable Battery Saver/Airplane mode

    • Confirm same Microsoft account

  • On PC:

    • Check internet connection

    • Disable Battery Saver

    • Verify accounts:
      Settings > System > Shared experiences → Select Fix now if needed

Advanced fix:

  • Disable battery optimization for Link to Windows:
    Android Settings > Apps > Link to Windows > Battery → Don’t optimize

"Something Went Wrong" Errors

Common causes:

  • PC is locked → Unlock and retry

  • Wi-Fi disconnected → Check network status

  • Device out of range → Move closer to router

  • Airplane mode enabled → Disable on Android

Black Screen with Certain Apps

  • Reason: App blocks screen mirroring

  • Solution: Cannot bypass – use app directly on phone

Audio Playback Behavior

For echo/poor sound:

  1. Disconnect other Bluetooth devices (mice/keyboards)

  2. Try a wired headset on your PC

  3. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router (better connection)

Known App Limitations

  • Some apps:

    • Won’t launch from taskbar → Unpin and repin

    • Open on phone instead of PC → Launch from Phone Link app list

  • Samsung Smart Lock:
    May interfere → Unlock phone directly

  • Post-Windows update:
    Re-pin affected apps

Troubleshooting Phone Screen Mirroring Issues

Wi-Fi Connection Requirements

  • For Phone Screen to work:

    • Both devices must be:

      • Powered on

      • Connected to the same Wi-Fi network

    Connection Checklist:

    1. Verify Wi-Fi Status:

      • Android:
        Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi → Ensure “Connected”

      • PC:
        Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi → Match network name

    2. Band Compatibility:

      • Some routers broadcast separate 2.4GHz/5GHz networks

      • Connect both devices to the same frequency band

    3. Network Restrictions:

      • Temporarily disable VPNs/firewalls

      • Avoid public/work networks (may block communication)

      • Contact IT for corporate network assistance

General Troubleshooting Steps

  • If connection fails:

    • On Android:
      ✅ Confirm device is on
      ✅ Disable Battery Saver/Airplane mode
      ✅ Verify same Microsoft account in Link to Windows

    • On PC:
      ✅ Check internet connection
      ✅ Disable Battery Saver
      ✅ Validate account status:
      Settings > System > Shared experiences → Click Fix now if shown

    Advanced Fix:
    Disable battery optimization for Link to Windows:
    Android Settings > Apps > Link to Windows > Battery → Don’t optimize
    (Path may vary slightly by device model)

Audio During Mirroring

  • Sound always plays through your Android device

  • PC only displays visual content

  • For private listening: Use headphones with your phone

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Consideration

  • Keep device open during mirroring

  • Closing the flip creates a blurred, non-interactive display

HONOR Device Limitation

  • Do not use simultaneously with:

    • Multi-Screen Collaboration

    • Wireless Projection

  • Solution: Close other mirroring apps before using Phone Link

Troubleshooting Notification Issues in Phone Link

Not Receiving Any Notifications?

  • Common Causes & Solutions:

    🔋 Power Settings:

    • Ensure your laptop isn’t in battery saver mode

    • Keep your PC/phone adequately charged

    🔕 Focus Assist:

    1. Right-click the Action Center icon (🗨️) in your taskbar

    2. Select Focus assist → Choose Off

    ⚡ Battery Optimization (Android):

    1. Go to:
      Settings > Apps > Link to Windows > Battery

    2. Select:

      • Don’t optimize
        OR
        Turn off Optimize battery usage

    📱 Samsung Secure Folder Note:

    • Notifications from apps in Secure Folder won’t appear in Phone Link

Notifications Stopped Syncing?

  • Quick Reset Steps:

    On Android:

    1. Open Settings → Search for Notification access

    2. Find Link to Windows → Toggle off/on

    3. Select Allow when prompted

    On PC:

    1. Open Phone Link → Select Notifications

    2. Wait 1-2 minutes for refresh

Missing Notifications in Android 15+?

  • About “Sensitive Notifications”:

    • Android 15 automatically hides:

      • Two-factor authentication codes

      • One-time passwords

      • Other sensitive content

    • Shows: “Sensitive notification content hidden”

    Who’s Affected?

    • All devices running Android 15 or newer

    Current Solution:

    • Check these notifications directly on your Android device

File Sharing Between Your Android Device and PC

Requirements

To use file sharing, ensure you have:

  • PC: Windows 10 (May 2019 update+) or Windows 11

  • Android: Version 9.0+

  • Apps:

    • Link to Windows v1.24032.518.0+ (Android)

    • Phone Link v1.24032.156.0+ (PC)

Sharing Files from PC → Android

  • Steps:

    1. On your PC:

      • Right-click the file → Select Share

      • Choose Phone Link from the app list

    2. On Android:

      • Open the Link to Windows notification

      • Files save to: Downloads > Sent from your PC

    Note:

    • Only local files transfer fully (cloud files share as links)

    • Enable Windows notifications to track progress

Sharing Files from Android → PC

  • Steps:

    1. On Android:

      • Tap Share on a file → Select Link to Windows – Send to PC

      • Choose your connected PC

    2. On PC:

      • Click the Phone Link notification

      • Files save to: Downloads\Phone Link

    Tip: Change save location in Phone Link > Settings

Cross-Device Copy/Paste (Select Devices)

  • Supported Brands:

    • Samsung (One UI 2.1+)

    • Surface Duo

    • HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo, Xiaomi (specific models)

    Setup:

    1. On PC:
      Phone Link > Settings > Features > Cross-device copy/paste → Toggle On

    Limitations:

    • Text & images only (images >1MB are resized)

    • Secure Folder content can’t paste to PC

    • Formatting may be lost between apps

Drag & Drop Files (Select Devices)

How to Use:

  • Open Phone Screen in Phone Link

  • From Android → PC:

    • Long-press files in My Files or Gallery → Drag to PC

  • From PC → Android:

    • Drag files into Phone Screen window → Saves to My Files or target app

Key Notes:
✅ Supports: All file types (max 100 files; ≤512MB each)
❌ Excludes: Folders & cloud-backed files
⚠️ App Compatibility: Some apps may reject files (use My Files as fallback)

Does copy/paste use mobile data?

  • Only if enabled in Link to Windows > Settings > Sync over mobile data

Why can’t I drag folders?

  • Folder transfer isn’t supported—share individual files instead

Where do dropped files save?

Default: Internal Storage > Downloads (Android) / Downloads\Phone Link (PC)

About the author

Danny Goodwin

Editorial Director at  | Website

Danny Goodwin is the Editorial Director at Search Engine Land and Search Marketing Expo (SMX). He joined the Search Engine Land team in 2022 as a Senior Editor, where he not only covers the latest news in search marketing but also oversees the site’s Subject Matter Expert (SME) program. Additionally, he plays a key role in programming SMX events across the U.S.

With a career spanning over 15 years, Danny has been at the forefront of search and digital marketing, writing about and analyzing industry trends since 2007. Before his current role, he served as Executive Editor at Search Engine Journal (2017–2022), Managing Editor at Momentology (2014–2016), and Editor at Search Engine Watch (2007–2014). A respected voice in the industry, Danny has spoken at numerous major search conferences and virtual events, and his insights have been featured in a variety of publications and podcasts. His deep expertise and passion for search marketing continue to make him a trusted resource in the field.

In addition to his impressive career, Danny is also an author at akamsphonelink.com, where he shares his knowledge and expertise to help users navigate the world of technology and device connectivity. His contributions further solidify his reputation as a go-to expert in the digital space.