How to Switch Between Compact and Expanded View using Phone Link on Windows 11
Phone Link in Windows 11 lets you switch between compact and expanded views for Android apps so you can choose how much screen space they take up. The compact view shows your apps in a small, single-panel window, while the expanded view gives you a larger, multi-panel layout with more details.
You can change these layouts simply by dragging the edges of the Phone Link window on your PC to make it bigger or smaller. Switch to the expanded view when you want to see more information at once, or use the compact view to save screen space while you work on other tasks.
In the Phone Link app, click the “Expanded screen” button at the top right to see more detail. Click the “Compact screen” button to save screen space. You can also simply resize the app window.
Why use this feature?
Considering the different views proves helpful. Sometimes a small app window is tough to read, and other times people want to save screen space. Switching layouts lets you decide the best way for your phone apps to fit on your computer desktop.
What happens when done?
Switching the Phone Link app between compact and expanded view changes how your Android apps appear on your Windows PC. This means you can adjust the app window size to fit more or less of your screen. This feature requires Phone Link version 1.25091.
With the Phone Link app on your PC linked to your phone, you can use your Android apps on your computer. This works over Wi-Fi and lets you chat, shop, and play using your big screen.
These layout options require Phone Link version 1.25091.39.0 or higher.
How to change the view
- While in the Phone Link app on Windows PC, open an Android app. You can find these in your Start menu, taskbar, or the Phone Link app.
Open any Android app from your Start menu, taskbar, or the Phone Link app itself. Look toward the top of the window for the view-switching toggle.
- Look at the top of the app window.
- Click the Expanded screen button on the right side.
- If a box pops up, click Switch to confirm.
Click 'Switch' in the confirmation box to proceed with view changes in Phone Link on Windows 11. Select 'Don't ask again' to skip this confirmation for future view changes. Return to the previous view by clicking the Back button.
To use the Compact view:
- Look at the top of the app window.
- Click the Compact screen button on the right side.
- If a box pops up, click Switch to confirm.
Summary
Users can switch between a small and larger window for Android apps using the buttons in the app's top bar. Pick the size that works best for specific tasks. No special admin rights are required to perform these steps.
How to use Phone Link to display phone screen?
To display your phone screen, open the Phone Link app on your Windows 11 PC and ensure your Android device is linked. Navigate to the Apps section within the app, select the mobile app you wish to open, and it will launch in a window directly on your computer desktop.
How to mirror phone screen with Phone Link?
After connecting your devices, click the phone icon in the menu for a live view of your Android screen.
How do I extend the screen on Windows to my phone?
Phone Link does not support extending your PC desktop onto a mobile device. Instead, software functionality focuses on letting you stream and control individual Android apps or your whole phone interface on your PC, with options to switch between compact and expanded views for better usability.
How to control phone screen with Phone Link?
You can control your phone screen using your PC's mouse and keyboard once your Android device is connected through the Phone Link app. Open the Phone Screen feature or launch specific apps from the Phone Link interface to start using your mobile content right on your Windows desktop.
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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.
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