UPDATED 5/15/2023: You can now connect your iPhone to Windows 11 using the Phone Link app, and in this guide, you will learn how. Microsoft is rolling out an updated version of its Phone Link app for Windows 11 that brings support for iPhone.
Although the Phone Link app has been around for some time, it was only available for Android devices, but now, it’s expanding support to iOS. The requires the latest version of the app. You can ensure the device has the newest update from Microsoft Store > Library and click the “Get updates” button. Your iPhone will also need Bluetooth, which you can enable from Settings > Bluetooth and turn on the feature, and on Windows 11, you enable Bluetooth from Settings > Bluetooth & devices and turn on the feature.
This guide will teach you the steps to connect your iOS device to Windows 11 through the Phone Link app.
Connect iPhone to Windows 11 using Phone Link
To connect your iPhone to your Windows 11 device through the Phone Link app, use these steps:
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Open Start on Windows 11.
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Search for Phone Link and click the top result to open the app.
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Click the iPhone button to launch the wizard to pair the mobile device (and ensure Bluetooth is turned on).
Source: Microsoft -
Scan the code on the screen to install the companion app on your iPhone with the steps to pair the mobile device.
Phone Link iPhone barcode / Image: Microsoft -
On your phone, launch the app and confirm the linking code on your computer to complete the pairing.
iPhone Phone Link pair / Image: Microsoft -
Confirm the permissions to allow the Phone Link to interact with your iPhone.
Source: Microsoft Quick note: The app will show you the steps to configure the permissions from your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings. You shouldn’t skip this step, as it’s needed to show notifications and access to contacts.
Once you update the app, you will be able to connect your iPhone to your Windows 11 desktop or laptop to send and receive messages from iMessage, make and receive calls, and check your notifications without picking up your phone.
The integration works through a Bluetooth connection between the device running Windows 11 and your iPhone. However, the integration isn’t utterly seamless since there are some limitations. For example, you won’t be able to send images or participate in group messages.
Furthermore, you won’t have access to your conversation history, as the Phone Link app will only show the messages you sent or received from the application.
Finally, this solution does not give you access to your photos, but you can always use the Photos app that brings iCloud Photos integration to Windows 11.
If you can’t find the option, it’s important to note that the feature is rolling out slowly, and it can take some time to become available on your computer.
Update May 15, 2023: Microsoft has announced that the feature is now available globally.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].