How to Enable Location Sharing Permission with Phone Link on Android

Phone Link location sharing permissions let your Windows PC track and find your Android phone when it goes missing. The Phone Link app requires exact GPS access on your phone to power the “Find my device” feature across Windows 10 and 11 computers.

You need to turn on location settings in both the Phone Link desktop app and your Android system settings to make tracking work. Once you grant this access, you can ring your phone or see its last known spot right from your PC screen.

Why Does Your Phone Need to Share Its Location?

Sharing location data helps keep both devices on the same network for a smooth, steady connection.

How to Allow Location Sharing on Your Android Device

Open your phone’s main Settings app ⚙️ to locate the device tracking controls. This allows the app to determine your physical position for specific features.

1. Open your phone’s Settings app. You can usually find this by swiping down from the top of your screen to see notifications, then tapping the gear icon. Or, look for the “Settings” app icon in your list of apps.
   

   💡Tip

   If you can’t find the Settings ⚙️ app, try using your phone’s search bar 🔍 and type “Settings.”
2. Find the “Location” settings. This is often under a section like “Location,” “Privacy,” or sometimes “Security & location.” Tap on it.
   

   ⚠️Warning

   Be aware that some phone makers might put location settings in different places. If you don’t see it right away, look for words like “Location,” “Services,” or “Permissions.”
3. Look for "App permissions" or "App location access." In the Location settings, find the list of apps that have asked for or been given permission to access your location. Tap this option.
4. Find the "Link to Windows" app. Scroll through the list of apps until you see "Link to Windows." This is the app that connects your phone to your PC.
5. Set the permission level. Tap on "Link to Windows." You will usually see a few options:
   

   
   
   • Allow all the time: This gives constant access to your location.
   
   
   • Allow only while using the app: Your location is only used when the Link to Windows app is open and active.
   
   
   • Ask every time: Your phone will ask you each time the app needs your location.
   
   
   • Don't allow: This stops the app from accessing your location completely.

   For the best and most stable experience with Phone Link, choose either "Allow all the time" or "Allow only while using the app." "Allow all the time" is usually best for features to work without interruption.

   
   

   Practical Tip: Even if you choose "Allow only while using the app," make sure the Link to Windows app can run in the background. This helps Phone Link work smoothly. You can usually control background app activity in your phone's battery or app settings.

6. Confirm any pop-up messages. Your phone might show a message asking if you want to allow location access. Tap "Allow" or "OK" to give permission.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/topic/phone-link-requirements-and-setup-cd2a1ee7-75a7-66a6-9d4e-bf22e735f9e3

Summary

Granting the 'Link to Windows' app location access ensures proper synchronization and keeps your devices linked.