How to Connect iPhone to Windows PC: Step-by-Step Guide
The Microsoft Phone Link for iPhone devices helps you stay connected to your phone while busy at work or on daily tasks. Make calls and keep up with messages right on your PC screen. If you’ve struggled connecting your iPhone to your Windows PC, this guide is for you.
And ensure you click the blue “Launch Phone Link” hyperlink under number “1.”
Step 2. Launch Phone Link on Your PC
This should launch the app automatically and prompt you to scan a QR code with your iPhone. The QR code will tell your iPhone to launch its version of Phone Link. Note: This QR code expires after three minutes so don’t hang around.
Step 3. Ensure the App Launches on Your iPhone
Once you’ve scanned the QR code with your iPhone, it should automatically launch the smartphone version of the app. You may need to press “Open” when your phone prompts you. Your iPhone will ask you to “Continue pairing with Bluetooth.” Press “Continue.”
Step 4. Pair Both Devices
To ensure both devices are pairing, you now need to go back to the PC and click “Pair.” Just double-check that the number on the screen matches the number you see on your iPhone screen. Otherwise, you might inadvertently connect to a neighbor’s phone.
Wait a few seconds and you’ll receive confirmation that your phone is paired to the PC. It’s that simple.
Reasons to Use Microsoft Phone Link
Once you’re connected, you can complete many phone-based tasks using your PC. You can also use your Windows PC or laptop to control your iPhone. Here are just some of the things you can do with Microsoft Phone Link for iOS:
Control the audio playback on your iPhone
See messages from any app on your iPhone immediately on Phone Link
View and clear all iPhone notifications
Make and manage phone calls
If you’re busy working or studying, Phone Link allows you to keep up to date with messages without leaving your computer.
Bonus Tips: What to Do if Your iPhone Doesn’t Connect
On rare occasions, you may see the message “Unable to complete pairing.” Helpfully, Microsoft has provided you with a list of steps to fix this problem.
In most cases, it will be one of the following issues that caused the problem:
You waited longer than three minutes to scan the QR code
Bluetooth needs to be switched off and on again — sometimes it just needs a quick reset
The iPhone was previously connected to the PC with different settings — this is why removing your PC from your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings is recommended in Step 2
Always remember to try pairing again once you’ve made any changes. The PC and iPhone won’t know to automatically try pairing again so you have to prompt them. Make sure you use the new QR code that’s produced as the old one will have expired.
To disconnect your iPhone from Phone Link, go to Settings on the PC Phone Link app. Click the three dots next to your iPhone, then click “Remove.” You’ll see the below pop-up message reminding you that you’ll need to set up Phone Link again for this device the next time you connect. Tick the box and click “Remove device.”
Now you know how to connect iPhone to Windows PC, so you can always access your device on any computer. If you get disconnected, simply follow the steps above again.
As an avid gamer, I’ve run into my fair share of error codes and weird faults that have forced me to find fixes to problems I never anticipated. That gave me a passion for sharing those fixes with others so we can all game without feeling like our hardware is rebelling against us.
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