https://aka.ms/startLinking: In-Depth Troubleshooting & FAQ for iPhone® to Windows Connection Issues
https://aka.ms/startLinking: Troubleshoot iPhone-Windows Connection Issues Step by Step in 2025
https://aka.ms/startLinking is your go-to solution for connecting your iPhone to your Windows PC, but sometimes things don’t go as planned.
Whether you’re stuck during setup, facing syncing problems, or dealing with post-connection glitches, this troubleshooting and FAQ guide is here to help.
We’ve broken down the most common issues and provided step-by-step fixes to get your devices working seamlessly. Let’s solve those pesky problems together! Official Link and step-by-step guide for https://aka.ms/startLinking
Troubleshooting Setup for Phone Link
Basic Setup Requirements
Before you start, make sure:
Your PC and iPhone are both nearby, turned on, and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
If you’ve already set up the app but your content isn’t syncing, check out our connection troubleshooting tips for help.
If you’re setting up Phone Link for the first time, you’ll need to scan a QR code to link your devices. Here’s how:
On your PC, open the Phone Link app and start the setup process.
When prompted with “Is there a QR code on your PC?”, tap Allow on your iPhone to grant the Link to Windows app permission to take pictures and record videos.
Use your iPhone’s camera to scan the QR code displayed on your PC.
For security reasons, if you fail to match the codes on your PC and iPhone more than 3 times, you’ll be blocked from linking your devices. Here’s how to fix it:
Close and reopen the Phone Link app on your PC.
Start the setup process again.
This time, you’ll be prompted to accept permissions instead of matching codes to link your devices.
Unfortunately, Phone Link is only available on PCs running Windows 10 or Windows 11. If you’re using a Mac or another operating system, you won’t be able to use the app.
Troubleshooting for Link to Windows (Pre-Installed)
Troubleshooting Updates for Phone Link and Link to Windows Apps
Sometimes, it can take a few minutes for updates to be recognized by the app. If you’ve updated the Link to Windows app on your iPhone and it’s still not working, try these steps:
Restart Your iPhone:
Restart your iPhone to refresh the connection.
Restart Phone Link on Your PC:
Close and reopen the Phone Link app on your PC.
Check Wi-Fi Connection:
Ensure both your iPhone and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Updates require a Wi-Fi connection.
My Link to Windows App Shows as Malware on My Device
In rare cases, your device might flag the Link to Windows app as malware or a malicious program. This usually happens if your devices aren’t updated correctly. Here’s how to resolve it:
Clear Cache:
Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Scroll down to Safari (or the browser you’re using).
Tap Clear History and Website Data.
Update Your Security Settings:
Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.
Turn On Device Protection:
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
Ensure Device Protection features like Find My iPhone and App Privacy Reports are turned on.
Data Syncing and Connectivity Issues
If your messages, notifications, or files aren’t syncing properly, it’s usually due to a simple setting or update. Let’s troubleshoot:
Check for Updates:
On your PC, open the Phone Link app, go to Settings > About > Check for updates, and install any available updates.
On your iPhone, ensure the Link to Windows app is up to date by visiting the App Store and checking for updates.
Keep Devices Connected:
Make sure both your PC and iPhone are powered on, connected to the internet, and Low Power Mode is turned off on your iPhone (it can interfere with syncing and notifications).
Yes, you can! If Wi-Fi isn’t available, mobile data works just fine. However, if you’re concerned about data usage, sticking to Wi-Fi is recommended. Here’s how to enable mobile data syncing:
Open the Phone Link app on your PC.
Ensure your iPhone is connected via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
If syncing over mobile data is enabled, it will work automatically. If not, check your iPhone’s cellular settings to ensure background app refresh is enabled for the Link to Windows app.
For a fast and reliable connection, both devices need to be on the same trusted Wi-Fi network. Public networks (like those in cafes or airports) often restrict communication between devices, so they’re not ideal.
Pro Tip: When connecting to a new Wi-Fi network on your PC, set it as Private (trusted) instead of Public. This ensures smoother communication between your devices.
Having Trouble Connecting Your iPhone and PC?
If your devices just won’t connect, let’s start with some quick checks:
Are You Using the Same Microsoft Account?
Double-check that you’re signed in to the same Microsoft account on both the Phone Link app (PC) and the Link to Windows app (iPhone).
Is Low Power Mode Turned Off?
Low Power Mode on your iPhone can interfere with connectivity, so make sure it’s turned off.
Is Wi-Fi Working Properly?
Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Test the connection by opening a website in your browser.
Have You Enabled Background App Refresh?
On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
Ensure Background App Refresh is turned on for the Link to Windows app.
Still No Luck? Try These Advanced Fixes:
On Your PC:
Allow Phone Link to Run in the Background:
Go to Start > Settings > Privacy > Background Apps.
Make sure Phone Link is enabled to run in the background.
Check Shared Experience Settings:
Go to Start > Settings > System > Shared Experiences.
If you see Fix Now under Accounts, select it and follow the instructions.
On Your iPhone:
Enable Notifications for Link to Windows:
Go to Settings > Notifications > Link to Windows and ensure notifications are turned on.
Turn Off Do Not Disturb:
Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb and make sure it’s turned off.
If both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network but still won’t connect, the issue might be your router’s Wireless Isolation (or AP Isolation) feature. This setting blocks devices on the same network from communicating with each other.
How to Disable Wireless/AP Isolation:
Access your router’s settings (usually through a web browser).
Look for Wireless > Advanced Wireless Settings.
Uncheck or toggle off AP Isolation.
Still Stuck? Try Manual Setup with https://aka.ms/startLinking
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t connect, don’t worry—you can manually link your devices using https://aka.ms/startLinking. Here’s how:
Open https://aka.ms/startLinking on your iPhone browser (Safari or any other browser).
Follow the on-screen instructions to manually pair your iPhone and PC.
Once linked, check the Phone Link app on your PC to confirm the connection.
Watch the Video: Microsoft Phone Link to iPhone Setup Troubleshooting
For a visual guide on resolving Link to Windows (iOS) and Phone Link (Windows 11/10) setup issues, check out this step-by-step video:
I’ve Used Phone Link Before, But Now My Devices Won’t Connect or Reconnect
If you’ve successfully connected your iPhone and Windows PC before but are now facing issues, don’t worry—this is a common problem with a straightforward fix. Let’s get your devices talking again:
Update the Link to Windows App:
Open the App Store on your iPhone and check for updates to the Link to Windows app. Install any available updates.
Unlink Your Microsoft Account:
Open the Link to Windows app on your iPhone.
Tap on your Microsoft account name under Linked Account.
Go to Account Settings > Sign Out and Unlink Account.
Confirm by tapping Unlink when prompted.
Open Phone Link and Add a New Device:
Open the Phone Link app on your PC.
Go to Settings > Devices > Add New Device.
Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your iPhone with your PC again.
Restart Phone Link:
If the issue persists, restart the Phone Link app on your PC. Close it completely and reopen it to refresh the connection.
Troubleshooting Messages in Phone Link
If you’re missing messages in the Phone Link app, it’s usually due to one of these reasons:
Using Third-Party Messaging Apps:
If you’re using apps like WhatsApp or Telegram as your primary messaging platform, they won’t sync with Phone Link. Only iMessages and SMS are supported.
Messages App Open on iPhone:
If the Messages app is open on your iPhone, it might interfere with syncing. Close the app and check if the messages appear in Phone Link.
Messages Sent Directly from iPhone:
Only messages sent and received through Phone Link will appear in the app. If you send a message directly from your iPhone, it won’t show up in Phone Link.
Currently, Phone Link doesn’t support RCS features like typing indicators or read receipts. These features are only available on your iPhone.
Only messages sent and received while your iPhone and PC are paired and connected will appear in Phone Link. If you send a message directly from your iPhone, it won’t sync to the app.
Unfortunately, group messages aren’t supported in Phone Link at this time. You’ll need to use your iPhone to send or respond to group chats.
Sometimes, Phone Link can’t determine if a message was sent to a group chat. When this happens, it defaults to displaying the message in the conversation with the individual contact.
Important Note: Responses to these messages will go to the individual sender, not the group chat.
If you’d prefer not to see group messages in individual conversations, you can turn off this setting. Here’s how:
Open Phone Link on your PC.
Go to Settings > Features > Messages.
Uncheck the option for Show messages to group chats in individual conversations.
This will prevent group messages from appearing in individual conversations.
Troubleshooting Photos in Phone Link
To keep things running smoothly and minimize network usage, Phone Link only shows your 2,000 most recent photos and screenshots from your iPhone.
Important Note: Only photos in the Camera Roll or Screenshots folder on your iPhone will appear in Phone Link. If you’ve moved or saved photos to a different folder, they won’t show up in the app.
Yes, you can! When you delete a photo in Phone Link, it will be removed from your iPhone’s local storage. However, this won’t affect any backups you have in iCloud or other cloud services.
If you see this error, it’s likely because:
The photo was already deleted on your iPhone, but Phone Link hasn’t refreshed yet. Try refreshing the photos page to see if the image is still displayed.
There’s a syncing issue between your iPhone and PC.
How to Fix It:
Open the Link to Windows app on your iPhone.
Try deleting the photo again from Phone Link on your PC.
Make sure both the Phone Link app (PC) and the Link to Windows app (iPhone) are updated to the latest versions.
No, unfortunately. Phone Link currently only supports viewing photos and screenshots. Videos stored on your iPhone won’t appear in the app.
Yes, but with a small workaround. Here’s how:
Use Phone Link to copy the photo from your iPhone to your PC.
Open the Photos app on your Windows PC.
Edit the copied photo as needed.
Troubleshooting Calls in Phone Link
If you’re having trouble with calls, it might be due to Focus Assist on your Windows PC. Here’s how to fix it:
Turn Off Focus Assist:
Right-click on the Action Center icon (bottom-right corner of your taskbar).
Click on Focus Assist and select Off.
Restart Phone Link:
Close the Phone Link app completely and reopen it.
Restart Your PC:
If the issue persists, try restarting your PC to refresh the connection.
Unfortunately, Phone Link doesn’t currently support relaying calls from your iPhone to your PC’s Bluetooth headphones. You’ll need to use your iPhone or a wired headset for calls.
If you’re experiencing audio issues, it could be due to interference from other Bluetooth devices. Here’s how to improve the quality:
Disconnect Other Bluetooth Devices:
Temporarily disconnect accessories like your mouse or keyboard to see if the audio quality improves.
Use a Wired Headset:
If you’re hearing bad echoing, try using a wired headset instead of Bluetooth.
Troubleshooting Apps in Phone Link
If you’re looking for the Phone Screen feature, you can still access it! Just click the Open phone screen button above the apps list in Phone Link. This will mirror your iPhone screen, but it will open in a separate window from the Phone Link app.
Currently, Phone Link doesn’t support multiple profiles or work accounts. Only apps on your default iPhone profile will appear in Phone Link. If you’re using a work or school account, you won’t be able to access those apps through the app.
Wi-Fi Troubleshooting
For Phone Link to work, your iPhone and PC need to communicate with each other. Both devices must be turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Here’s how to troubleshoot Wi-Fi issues:
Check Your iPhone’s Wi-Fi Connection:
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi on your iPhone.
Ensure Wi-Fi is turned on and your iPhone is connected to a network.
Check Your PC’s Wi-Fi Connection:
On your PC, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
Make sure your PC is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.
Check for Dual-Band Wi-Fi Networks:
Some routers have separate networks for 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Ensure both devices are connected to the same band.
Firewall or VPN Issues:
If you’re using a firewall or VPN, it might block communication between your devices. Try disabling them temporarily to see if that fixes the issue.
Public or Work Networks May Cause Issues
Work Networks: If you’re at work, your IT department might have restrictions in place that prevent Phone Link from working. Check with your network administrator for help.
Public Networks: Public Wi-Fi (like at a hotel or coffee shop) often has restrictions that can block Phone Link or slow down your connection.
If you see an error saying your PC can’t connect to your iPhone, try these steps:
On Your iPhone:
Ensure it’s turned on.
Turn off Low Power Mode (Battery Saver).
Turn off Airplane Mode.
Make sure your iPhone and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Verify you’re signed in to the Link to Windows app with the same Microsoft account as your PC.
On Your PC:
Check if your PC is connected to the internet.
Turn off Battery Saver.
Go to Settings > System > Shared Experiences. If there’s an issue with your account, select Fix Now to resolve it.
This usually means your iPhone and PC have lost connection. Here’s how to fix it:
Unlock Your PC: If your PC is locked, unlock it and try again.
Check Wi-Fi: Ensure your Wi-Fi network is available and working.
Bring Devices Closer: Move your iPhone closer to your Wi-Fi router.
Turn Off Airplane Mode: Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off on your iPhone.
Some apps block the ability to cast to other screens. If you see a black screen, it means the app can’t be mirrored to your PC.
Playing Sound While Using Apps
Sounds from your iPhone will continue to play on your iPhone, even when connected to your PC. For example, if you’re watching a video on your PC, the sound will still come from your iPhone.
Known Issues for Using Apps
Some Apps May Not Work:
Certain apps might not function properly when mirrored to your PC.
Taskbar Issues:
If an app doesn’t launch from your taskbar, try removing and re-pinning it.
Notifications Open Apps on iPhone:
Selecting a notification on your PC might open the app on your iPhone instead. If this happens, open the app directly from the Phone Link apps list.
Apple Smartwatch Unlock Issues:
If you’re using Apple Smartwatch Unlock, you might face trouble unlocking your iPhone through Phone Link. Try unlocking it directly on your iPhone.
Windows Update Issues:
If you recently updated Windows, some apps might not launch from your taskbar. Remove and re-pin them to fix the issue.
Troubleshooting Phone Screen in Phone Link
Wi-Fi Troubleshooting
The Phone Screen feature only works when your iPhone and PC can communicate with each other. Both devices need to be turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Here’s how to troubleshoot Wi-Fi issues:
Check Your iPhone’s Wi-Fi Connection:
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi on your iPhone.
Ensure Wi-Fi is turned on and your iPhone is connected to a network.
Check Your PC’s Wi-Fi Connection:
On your PC, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
Make sure your PC is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone.
Check for Dual-Band Wi-Fi Networks:
Some routers have separate networks for 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Ensure both devices are connected to the same band.
Firewall or VPN Issues:
If you’re using a firewall or VPN, it might block communication between your devices. Try disabling them temporarily to see if that fixes the issue.
Public or Work Networks May Cause Issues
Work Networks: If you’re at work, your IT department might have restrictions in place that prevent Phone Link from working. Check with your network administrator for help.
Public Networks: Public Wi-Fi (like at a hotel or coffee shop) often has restrictions that can block Phone Link or slow down your connection.
General Troubleshooting
If you see an error message saying your PC can’t connect to your iPhone, try these steps:
On Your iPhone:
Ensure it’s turned on.
Turn off Low Power Mode (Battery Saver).
Turn off Airplane Mode.
Make sure your iPhone and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Verify you’re signed in to the Link to Windows app with the same Microsoft account as your PC.
On Your PC:
Check if your PC is connected to the internet.
Turn off Battery Saver.
Go to Settings > System > Shared Experiences. If there’s an issue with your account, select Fix Now to resolve it.
Battery Optimization Settings
For some iPhones, Battery Optimization settings might interrupt the connection. Here’s how to turn it off:
Open Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
Ensure Optimized Battery Charging is turned off temporarily to test the connection.
Playing Sound While Mirroring Your iPhone
Sounds from your iPhone will continue to play on your iPhone, even when connected to your PC. For example, if you’re watching a video on your PC, the sound will still come from your iPhone.
Troubleshooting Notifications in Phone Link
If you’re not getting notifications on your PC from your iPhone, it could be due to one of these common issues:
Low Battery or Battery Saver Mode:
If your PC’s battery is low or Battery Saver mode is turned on, notifications may be paused. Turn off Battery Saver and ensure your PC is charged.
Focus Assist is Turned On:
Focus Assist (formerly Quiet Hours) on your PC can block notifications. To turn it off:
Right-click on the Action Center icon (bottom-right corner of your taskbar).
Click on Focus Assist and select Off.
Share System Notifications is Disabled:
On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the i icon next to your PC’s name.
Ensure Share System Notifications is turned on.
Bluetooth is Turned Off:
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both your iPhone and PC. Notifications rely on a Bluetooth connection.
iPhone is Out of Bluetooth Range:
Keep your iPhone within Bluetooth range of your PC (usually within 30 feet). If it’s too far, notifications won’t sync.
How to Fix It:
Resolving any of the issues above should trigger a resync of notifications. Here’s what to do:
Turn off Battery Saver on your PC.
Disable Focus Assist.
Enable Share System Notifications on your iPhone.
Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
Bring your iPhone closer to your PC.
Troubleshooting Content Transfer: How to Share Files Between Your PC and iPhone
Select the File:
On your PC, right-click the file you want to share and select Share.
Choose Phone Link:
In the share pop-up window, find and select Phone Link.
Start Sharing:
The file will start transferring to your iPhone. Ensure Windows notifications for Phone Link are enabled to monitor the process in real-time.
Receive the File:
A notification will appear on your iPhone from Link to Windows.
Tap the notification to open the file in your default file manager app.
All received files are stored under Downloads > Sent from your PC.
Note: Only locally saved files can be shared. For cloud-stored files, only links to the cloud location will be shared.
Select the File:
On your iPhone, tap the file you want to share and select Share.
Choose Link to Windows:
In the share menu, find and select Link to Windows – Send to PC.
Start Sharing:
Select your connected PC from the device list to start sharing.
Stay on the page until the transfer is complete. The status will update to Sent once done.
Receive the File:
A notification will appear on your PC from Phone Link.
Click the notification to open the file or the folder where it’s stored.
All received files are stored under Downloads\Phone Link. You can change the default storage directory in Phone Link > Settings.
Copy and Paste Between iPhone and PC
You can copy text and images between your devices. Images larger than 1MB will be resized.
Note: You can copy content from a Secure Folder on your iPhone, but you can’t paste it into your PC. Copying from a Secure Folder will replace the clipboard content on your PC.
Every time you copy something on either device, it replaces the clipboard content on both devices. If you don’t paste it, it won’t be added to the other device.
The apps you’re copying from and pasting into may handle text formatting differently, so you might lose formatting occasionally.
If you’ve allowed syncing over mobile data, copying and pasting will use data when not connected to Wi-Fi.
If syncing over mobile data is turned off, you’ll need both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Troubleshooting Copy and Paste
Enable the Feature:
On your PC, open Phone Link, go to Settings > Cross-device copy and paste, and ensure the toggle is On.
Check Text Size:
If you’re copying a large section of text, try breaking it into smaller sections.
Check Connection:
If the feature is on but not working, there might be a connection issue. Close and reopen both Phone Link on your PC and Link to Windows on your iPhone.
As a last resort, restart your PC and try again.
You can transfer all file types except folders and cloud-backed files.
You can transfer up to 100 files at a time, with no single file larger than 512MB.
You can drag content between your iPhone and PC, but not all apps will accept the transfer.
If an app doesn’t accept the content, try using Phone Screen to transfer it instead.
Troubleshooting Drag and Drop
If you see a red circle while dragging files, it means the transfer isn’t possible. This could happen because:
Another drag-and-drop transfer is already in progress.
The item being transferred isn’t supported (e.g., folders or more than 100 files).
Note: Minimizing the Phone Link app during drag-and-drop will cancel the transfer. Keep the app window open.
Conclusion
Connecting your iPhone to your Windows PC using Phone Link should be a smooth and hassle-free experience. However, if you run into issues, this guide has provided step-by-step solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve common problems—whether it’s setup errors, syncing issues, file sharing troubles, or notification delays.
While QR code linking is the easiest way to connect your iPhone to your Windows PC, sometimes the manual method is your best bet. With https://aka.ms/startLinking, you can bypass QR code issues and get your devices connected in just a few steps. If you run into any problems, this guide has you covered. Ready to try again? Head over to https://aka.ms/startLinking and get started!
If you’ve tried all the steps above and are still facing challenges, don’t hesitate to revisit https://aka.ms/startLinking for manual setup for further assistance. With a little patience and the right troubleshooting steps, you’ll be back to seamlessly linking your devices in no time. Happy connecting!
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Sources
Books:
- Talukder, A. K., & Yavagal, R. R. (2010). Mobile Computing: Principles and Applications. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Pogue, D. (2018). Windows 10: The Missing Manual. O’Reilly Media.
Websites:
- Windows Experience Blog. (2023, April 26). Phone Link for iOS is now rolling out to all Windows 11 customers.
- Windows Insider Blog. (2025, January 28). Seamless phone integration from the Start menu gets even better for Windows Insiders.
About the author
Danny Goodwin
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 akamspairyourphone.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.