How to Fix the Phone Link App Not Working on Windows 11

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The Phone Link app is a useful tool for Windows users who want to connect their smartphones to their computers. It allows them to access their phone's apps, files, and messages directly from their computer, making it easier to multitask and stay organized.

However, like any software, the Phone Link app can sometimes experience issues and stop working properly. If you're having trouble with the Phone Link app on your Windows 11 computer, don't worry. In this article, we'll go over some common causes of the Phone Link app not working and how to fix them.

Fix the Phone Link App Not Working in Windows 11

1. Give permission to run in the background

Windows 11 doesn't let a newly installed app run in the background, especially if you are using a laptop. Here is how you can give permission to fix issues with the Phone Link app.

1. Search for Apps and Features in the Start Menu search.



2. Find the Phone Link from the list and head to the Advanced Options through the three-vertical-dots menu.



3. In the Background apps permission > Let this app run in the background > Change the option to Always from the drop-down menu.



Now your Phone Link app will run in the background and you can stay connected with the phone.

2. Enable features in the Phone Link app

Are you not receiving calls, SMS, etc. on the computer? Then that specific feature might be disabled. Here is how you can enable it.

1. Go to settings through the gear icon in the Phone Link app on Windows.



2. Turn on the Phone Link features that you want to use on the computer without using the phone.

We enabled the option to manage phone calls, and notifications from apps to get started. You can explore many more features if you want to completely stop using the phone while on the computer.



3. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter

Microsoft provides you with an in-built Windows Store apps troubleshooter for troubleshooting problems with any app installed from the Microsoft store. Get the Phone Link running again in the following manner.

1. Press Window Key + I to open the Settings app and head to the Troubleshoot section.



2. Go to other troubleshooters from the Troubleshoot section.



3. Click run which is given in the Windows Store Apps row.



4. The Windows Store apps troubleshooter will scan for problems and provide you with possible options that will be used to fix the issue. If there is no problem found with the Phone Link app, then the process will end quickly.



4.  Give permission to Link to the Windows app on the phone

The Phone Link will only work properly when you correctly setup the Link to the Windows app properly on the phone. Here is how it is done on your smartphone.

1. Long tap on the Link to Windows app's icon on the home screen. It will open the info icon where you have to tap on the "i" symbol to go to its settings.



2. Tap on Permissions in the App info section.



3. Allow permission to every component as requested by the app. This will fix the Phone link app issues originating from the Android app.



4. Now head to Battery from the main App info section.



5. Tick Unrestricted to allow the app to run without interruption at all times.



5.  Disable Battery Saver (for Laptops)

Battery saver mode is a Windows feature for laptops that lets the machine run for a longer time. When it is turned on, some Window features may behave differently while other background processes may be halted to conserve the battery power.

Windows 11 latest update has brought the mode shortcut to the desktop. Click on the battery icon in the taskbar and turn on/off the battery saver.

If the battery saver is bright then it is turned on, otherwise, it is disabled.



6.  Unlink and Link your Phone

Sometimes the wireless pairing can get corrupted. We can unlink and link the phone again with the Phone Link app.

   1. Head to the Phone Link app > Settings from the gear icon.
 
   2. Go to My Devices > click on three dots next to your linked phone and select remove.



You can now link your phone with Link App again and start fresh with new settings.
 
7.  Repair and Reset the Phone Link app

An app can stop working for any reason under the Sun. If you can't find a reason then first try to repair it. Still didn't work out? then consider giving a fresh start by resetting the app and it will work freshly installed. Here is how it is done.

1. Search for the Phone Link app in the Start Menu search



2. Right-click on the Phone Link in the results and go to App Settings from the options.



3. Now do the following in the Reset section:



   • Arrow A: Click Repair and wait as Windows attempts to fix underlying issues with the Phone Link app.

If it doesn't work out then move to the next step which will also remove your data and settings.

   • Arrow B: Click Reset and the Phone Link app will be reset with a clean slate. You can use it like a freshly installed app and ready to be configured.

8.  Re-install the Phone Link App

When nothing else works, it's time to pull the plug. Uninstall the Phone Link app and install it again from the Microsoft store. You can also do the same for the Link to Windows app to be sure.

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