Microsoft Phone Link is now supported Apple Messages in windowsmeaning iPhone users can send and receive iMessages and SMS text messages from their PC without having to switch to their phone.
The feature uses Bluetooth and does not break Apple Messages end-to-end encryption. However, there are some limitations, such as the inability to send or receive group messages, attachments, photos, or GIFs.
Phone Link comes pre-installed on Windows 11 and can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. iPhone must be running iOS 16 or higher.
How to set up your iPhone with Microsoft Phone Link in Windows
Setting up the connection requires a Microsoft account, the Phone Link app on your PC, and the Link to Windows app on your iPhone:
- Open Phone Link on PC by typing it in taskbar search
- Select iPhone as the device type. Then, scan the QR code displayed on the screen with your iPhone camera.
- Tap “Pair Your Devices” on iPhone. When a pop-up window appears, tap “Open,” “Continue,” “Allow,” and then “Pair” to grant Bluetooth pairing permissions.
- Follow the remaining prompts to link your iPhone to your Microsoft account.
After pairing, go to Settings on your iPhone, select Bluetooth, and choose the PC name from the list of connected devices.
You can enable Show Message Notifications to receive alerts on PC, and you also have the option to turn on Sync Contacts and Share System Notifications from the same screen.
What works with Apple Messages and what doesn’t
The Messages section in Phone Link displays a limited set of recent conversations and suggested contacts. Users can reply to individual messages and start new ones by entering a contact name or phone number.
However, some features are not supported:
- Group chats cannot be started or responded to, and attachments, photos, or GIFs are not available; Only emojis can be sent.
- Full access to the inbox is also not provided, and only a small selection of recent conversations is viewed.
Messages sent or received through Phone Link will also appear on the iPhone, allowing users to switch between devices during a conversation.
Since the feature uses Bluetooth instead of server routing, it doesn’t affect Apple Messages’ end-to-end encryption.
What this integration means for Windows users
For iPhone users who primarily work on a Windows PC, Phone Link offers a way to monitor and respond to individual text messages without switching devices.
Its limitations mean it’s most useful for keeping up with one-on-one conversations during work hours, rather than replacing the iPhone as the primary messaging platform for group chats or media sharing.
