Connecting your iPhone to your Windows 11 PC has become easier than ever with the Phone Link app. This functionality allows you to integrate your devices seamlessly, enabling you to send and receive messages, make and receive calls, and access notifications from your iPhone directly on your Windows 11 system. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you set up and use this feature effectively.

To begin, ensure that your iPhone is running iOS 14.0 or later and that your Windows 11 PC has Bluetooth capability. Both devices should be within Bluetooth range of each other for the connection to work properly.

Step 1: On your Windows 11 PC, open the Phone Link app. You can find it by searching for "Phone Link" in the search bar.

Step 2: Make sure that you have the latest version of the Phone Link app installed. To update it, go to the Microsoft Store, navigate to the Library tab, and check for updates. Update the Phone Link app if an update is available.

Step 3: In the Phone Link app, select the option for iPhone to begin the connection process.

Step 4: A QR code will appear on your PC screen. On your iPhone, open the Camera app and point it at the QR code. Tap the notification that appears to initiate the pairing process.

Step 5: Tap Open on your iPhone when prompted to open the Link to Windows app clip. This app clip allows you to proceed without installing the full app.

Step 6: In the Link to Windows app clip, tap Continue to proceed. Grant any necessary permissions when prompted, such as allowing Bluetooth access.

Step 7: On both your iPhone and Windows 11 PC, confirm the Bluetooth pairing by verifying that the same code appears on both devices. Tap Pair on your iPhone and click Pair on your PC to establish the connection.

Granting permissions on your iPhone

After pairing, you need to grant the necessary permissions on your iPhone to allow the Phone Link app to access your messages, contacts, and notifications.

Step 1: Close the Link to Windows app clip on your iPhone if it's still open.

Step 2: If you receive a prompt on your iPhone asking for permission to allow your PC to access your contacts and call history, tap Allow.

Step 3: If no prompt appears, open the Settings app on your iPhone and navigate to Bluetooth.

Step 4: Locate your Windows 11 PC in the list of Bluetooth devices and tap the information icon i next to it.

Step 5: Enable the toggles for Sync Contacts, Share System Notifications, and Show Notifications. This allows the Phone Link app to access the necessary data from your iPhone.

With your devices connected and permissions granted, you can now use the Phone Link app to interact with your iPhone from your Windows 11 PC.

Step 1: Keep the Phone Link app running in the background on your PC to receive notifications. Incoming notifications from your iPhone will appear as banners on your Windows desktop.

Step 2: To view your notifications within the app, click the Expand arrow (>) in the upper-left corner of the Phone Link app to open the notifications panel.

Step 3: Your notifications will be displayed in the left panel. You can click on any notification to view more details, though interactions may be limited for certain types of notifications.

Step 4: To check your iPhone's battery status and connection, look at the top of the notifications panel. If you experience connectivity issues, click the Update button to refresh the connection.

Step 5: To view and send messages, click on the Messages tab. Here, you can see your individual conversations and send new messages. Note that group messages are not supported in the Phone Link app.

Step 6: To start a new message, click the New Chat button and select the contact you wish to message.

Step 7: To view and manage calls, switch to the Calls tab. You can see your recent calls, use the keypad to dial a number, or search for a contact to initiate a call.

Step 8: When receiving a call on your iPhone, you can answer it directly from your Windows 11 PC by clicking the notification banner that appears.

Step 9: To adjust settings in the Phone Link app, click the Settings icon in the top-right corner. From here, you can manage notification preferences, startup behavior, linked devices, and change the app theme.

Step 10: Explore the settings to customize the app according to your preferences, ensuring a seamless experience between your iPhone and Windows 11 PC.

By following these steps, you can integrate your iPhone with your Windows 11 PC using the Phone Link app, enhancing productivity and ensuring you stay connected without constantly switching between devices.