Windows 11 and Windows 10 have a cool feature called Phone Link, which helps you connect your smartphone with your PC. It’s pretty handy because you can send texts, handle your notifications, and get to files on your computer, making things way easier for you. But sometimes, setting it up can be tricky, and you might get stuck at the “Connecting,” “Link Account and Device,” or “Pair Devices” steps. Don’t worry, though. This article will walk you through some ways to fix this problem.
Also see: Why isn’t my phone detecting WiFi while other devices can?
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What is Phone Link and how does it work?
Phone Link is a feature that lets your mobile and Windows computer talk to each other. You can text, check notifications, and even see some files from your phone right on your PC. It’s all about making your life easier so you don’t have to keep picking up your phone when you’re on your computer.
- Download the app: Grab the app for your phone. Android users, look for “Your Phone Companion” on Google Play. iPhone users, you’ll use something like “Continue on PC.”
- Link your Microsoft Account: Make sure the same Microsoft account is used on both your PC and phone’s app.
- Pair devices: You can pair your devices by scanning a QR code or manually entering a code.
- Permissions: The app will ask for permission to get to your messages, photos, and notifications.
Fixing Phone Link stuck on connecting or pairing devices
Restart devices
First off, try turning off and then turning back on both your smartphone and your Windows PC. This can often fix small glitches that might be causing trouble.
Restart your smartphone
- Android: Hold down the power button until you see the power menu, then choose “Restart.”
- iPhone: Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the slider appears, then slide to turn off. Turn it back on by holding the side button until the Apple logo shows up.
Restart your PC
- Windows 11/10: Click Start Menu > Power Button > Restart.
After restarting both, try pairing again to see if it works now. If not, let’s look into more technical ways to fix it.
Reset the “Your Phone” or “Phone Link” app on Windows 11
If restarting didn’t help, resetting the “Your Phone” (now called “Phone Link”) app on your Windows PC might do the trick. This brings the app back to its original settings, which might solve the problem. Here’s how:
- Windows 11/10: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features / Installed apps.
- Find the “Your Phone” or “Phone Link” app, click on it, then choose Advanced options.
- Scroll down to the Reset button and click it.
Re-setup the “Phone Link” app
After resetting, set up the app again, including pairing with your smartphone. With everything fresh, try connecting again to see if it’s working.
Update Windows and the companion app
Having outdated software can cause problems. Make sure both your PC and phone’s software are up to date.
Update Windows operating system
- Windows 11/10: Head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then click on Check for updates. Install any updates and restart your PC if needed.
Update the companion app on your phone
- Android: Go to Google Play Store, My apps & games, and check if “Your Phone Companion” or “Link to Windows” needs an update.
After updates, try setting up Phone Link again. If it’s still not working, keep reading for more tips.
Reinstall the Companion app
If there’s something wrong with the app on your phone, removing and then installing it again might help. Here’s how:
Uninstall the app
- Android: Press and hold the app icon, choose “Uninstall,” or go to Settings > Apps > “Your Phone Companion” or “Link to Windows” > Uninstall.
- iPhone: Press and hold the app, then select “Remove App” or “Delete App.”
Reinstall the app
- Android: Open Google Play Store, search for “Your Phone Companion,” and tap “Install.”
- iPhone: Search in the App Store and download it again. (Note: The “Continue on PC” app was removed from the App Store. You don’t need this app anymore for iPhone.)
Try linking your devices again after reinstalling the app.
Firewall or security software interference
Sometimes, security software or a firewall might block the Phone Link feature from working right.
Temporarily disable security software
If you’re using any security software, try turning it off for a bit to see if that fixes the problem. Just make sure to turn it back on afterwards!
Phone Link stuck on scanning QR code
If you’re stuck at scanning the QR code, here’s what you can try:
Check camera functionality
- Smartphone: Use your camera or a QR scanner app to scan another QR code, just to make sure your camera is working right.
Re-generate QR code
- Windows PC: There might be an option to get a new QR code. Try that and scan again.
Check for physical obstructions
- Camera Lens: Make sure nothing’s blocking your camera lens. Give it a clean if needed.
Give the QR code another scan after trying these steps. If it’s still not working, you might need to look into more help.
In short
Linking your phone with your Windows PC should be easy, but sometimes issues pop up. A lot of people have found that simply restarting their smartphone can fix these issues. It’s a quick and easy fix. Also, check if your phone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi. If you’ve tried everything and still have trouble, you might want to ask around on Reddit or Microsoft forums for more help.
