How to Switch Between Compact and Expanded View using Phone Link on Windows 11
This guide explains how to change how your Android apps look on your computer screen using the Phone Link app. You can choose between a small (compact) view or a large (expanded) view.
Why use this feature?
Sometimes a small app window is hard to read. Other times, you want to save screen space. Switching layouts lets you decide how your phone apps fit on your computer desktop.
What happens when done?
Your Android app will resize to fill more or less of your screen. This makes it easier to use your mouse and keyboard with your favorite mobile apps.
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. It lets you chat, shop, and play using your big screen.
You need to have Phone Link version 1.25091.39.0 or higher to use these layout options.
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.
To use the Expanded view:
- 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.
You can check the “Don’t ask again” box if you want to skip this confirmation next time. If you change your mind, click 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
You can easily toggle between a small window and a larger window for your Android apps. Just use the buttons in the app’s top bar to pick the size that works best for you. 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?
You can mirror your phone screen by using the Phone Screen feature within the Phone Link app. Once your devices are connected via Wi-Fi, click the phone icon in the app’s navigation menu. This opens a real-time mirror of your Android device, allowing you to interact using your mouse and keyboard.
How do I extend the screen on Windows to my phone?
Phone Link does not support extending your Windows desktop to your phone screen. Instead, it allows you to stream and control individual Android apps or your entire phone interface on your PC. To manage how these appear, you can toggle between compact and expanded views within the Phone Link app settings.
How to control phone screen with Phone Link?
Once your Android device is connected to your PC via Phone Link, you can control your phone screen using your computer's mouse and keyboard. Simply open the Phone Screen feature or launch specific apps from the Phone Link interface to begin interacting with your mobile content directly 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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