How to Add Phone Link to Windows 11 Widgets Board
The Phone Link widget puts your phone updates directly on your Windows 11 desktop so you can check texts, missed calls, and battery levels without picking up your device. This feature connects your Android or iPhone to your PC using the built-in Phone Link app, which comes preinstalled on Windows 11 version 22H2 and newer.
Pinning the widget takes just a few clicks from the desktop widget panel to give you a quick snapshot of your phone activity right next to your computer calendar and news feeds.
Open the Widgets board with Win+W, click the Add widgets (+) icon, and select Phone Link. This adds the app to your board for quick access to your phone’s notifications and features.
System Requirements and Setup
Initial QR Code Pairing Guide
- Open the Phone Link app on your Windows 11 PC.
- Select your device type (Android).
- A QR code will appear on your screen.
- Open the Link to Windows app on your phone and scan the code.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to grant necessary permissions.
Pinning Phone Link to Your Widgets Board
Phone Link Windows 11 integration lets you view recent messages, battery levels, and missed calls directly on your desktop by pinning the feature to your Widgets board. Open the Widgets panel using your keyboard, choose the option to add new items, and select Phone Link from the list to place it on your screen.
- Open Widgets by pressing Win+W.
- Click the Add widgets (+) icon near your user profile.
The Widgets board open in Windows 11 - Find Phone Link in the list and click it to add it to your board.
Adding Phone Link to Windows 11 Widgets board
After you add it, the widget appears on your board. You can click and drag the tile to move it.
Managing Permissions and Troubleshooting
If you face issues, check your notification permissions. Go to Settings Apps Phone Link to ensure all permissions are enabled. Note: Some advanced settings may require admin privileges to modify system-level notification access.
Why can't I see my notifications in Phone Link?
Check that 'Focus Assist' or 'Do Not Disturb' is not blocking alerts. Verify that you have granted 'Notification Access' within the Link to Windows app settings on your mobile device to allow data syncing.
Does Phone Link work with iPhone on 🪟 Windows 11?
Yes, Phone Link supports basic integration for iPhone, including calls, messages, and contacts. However, advanced features like app streaming and photo gallery access are currently optimized primarily for Android devices, specifically those with deep Samsung Galaxy integration.
Removing the Phone Link Widget
- Open your Widgets board.
- Click the More options (...) button on the Phone Link tile.
- Select Unpin widget to remove it.
Unpinning Phone Link from Windows 11 Widgets board
Summary
The Phone Link Windows 11 integration is essential for modern productivity. By following this setup guide, you can sync your Android to your PC, manage notifications, and keep your workspace organized. For further technical details, visit the official Microsoft support page.
How do I manage permissions for Phone Link?
You can manage what Phone Link can access, like messages and calls, through its settings on your PC and the Link to Windows app on your phone.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
[…] the Widgets board, you can add or remove Phone Link, enable or disable the open Widgets board on hover, sign in or out of the Widgets board, reinstall […]
[…] or disable auto startup for the phone link app, send and receive text messages from the app, add or remove Phone Link on the widgets board, turn dark mode on or off, open your phone screen in the app, turn show notifications for all my […]
[…] disable auto startup for the phone link app, send and receive text messages from the app, add or remove Phone Link on the widgets board, turn dark mode on or off, open your phone screen in the app, turn show […]
[…] disable auto startup for the phone link app, send and receive text messages from the app, add or remove Phone Link on the widgets board, turn dark mode on or off, open your phone screen in the app, turn show […]
[…] or disable auto startup for the phone link app, send and receive text messages from the app, add or remove Phone Link on the widgets board, turn dark mode on or off, open your phone screen in the app, turn show notifications for all my […]