The Phone Link app on Windows 11 is a great tool for connecting your Android phone with your PC. It allows you to view notifications, send texts, and access apps directly from your computer. However, sometimes the notifications may stop working, which can be frustrating.
If you notice that your Phone Link app is not showing notifications, don’t worry. There are several simple steps you can take to fix this issue. This guide will walk you through each step carefully and clearly.
By following these instructions, you can restore notification functionality and stay connected without constantly checking your phone. Let’s begin with some quick checks before diving into detailed solutions.
These steps are designed to help both beginners and experienced users troubleshoot the problem effectively.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks
- Ensure your phone and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The Phone Link app requires a stable connection for notifications to sync properly.
- Confirm that your phone’s battery optimization settings are not restricting the Phone Link or companion app. Battery saver modes can block notifications.
- Both devices must be signed in to the same Microsoft account. Without this, syncing won’t work.
- Make sure your Phone Link app and the “Link to Windows” app on your phone are updated to the latest versions. Updates often fix bugs and improve performance.
Step 1: Check Notification Permissions on Your Phone
Notification permissions are crucial for the Phone Link app to display alerts on your PC. If these permissions are disabled, notifications won’t come through.
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
- Go to Apps or Apps & Notifications.
- Find and tap on Link to Windows (or the companion app used by Phone Link).
- Select Notifications.
- Make sure notifications are turned On and that Allow notifications is enabled.
- Also, check if any notification categories inside this app are disabled and enable those if needed.
This step ensures your phone is allowed to send notifications to your PC. Without permission, the notifications won’t be forwarded.
Step 2: Enable Notifications for Phone Link on Windows 11
Next, check the notification settings on your Windows 11 PC to ensure the Phone Link app is allowed to show alerts.
- Click the Start button and select Settings.
- Go to System and then Notifications.
- Scroll down to find the Phone Link app in the list.
- Ensure the toggle next to Phone Link is turned On.
- Optionally, click on Phone Link to customize notification banners, sounds, and lock screen display.
Allowing notifications here means that Windows will display alerts from the Phone Link app as expected.
Step 3: Restart Both Devices
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches causing notifications to stop working.
- Restart your Android phone by holding the power button and selecting Restart.
- Restart your Windows 11 PC by clicking Start, selecting the power icon, and choosing Restart.
Restarting helps refresh system processes and can re-establish the connection between your devices.
Step 4: Reconnect Your Phone with the Phone Link App
If restarting does not help, try removing and re-adding your phone connection within the Phone Link app.
- Open the Phone Link app on your PC.
- Click on the Settings icon (gear symbol).
- Find the option to Unlink this PC or Remove phone.
- Confirm the removal.
- On your phone, open the Link to Windows app, then follow the prompts to reconnect by scanning the QR code or signing in again.
This reset can resolve connection issues that block notifications from being received.
Step 5: Check Background App Permissions and Battery Settings
For notifications to work properly, the Phone Link app on both devices needs permission to run in the background.
On Android Phone:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Link to Windows.
- Tap Battery or Battery Optimization.
- Make sure battery optimization is disabled or set to Not optimized for this app.
- Confirm that background activity is allowed.
On Windows 11 PC:
- Open Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
- Find Phone Link and click the three-dot menu.
- Select Advanced options.
- Make sure Background apps permissions is set to Always or Let this app run in the background.
Allowing background activity prevents the app from being stopped or paused, which is essential for timely notifications.
Step 6: Update Windows and Your Phone’s Software
Running the latest software versions can fix bugs that interfere with notification delivery.
- On Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
- Install any available updates and restart if prompted.
- On your Android phone, open Settings > System > Software update or About phone > System updates.
- Download and install any updates available.
Keeping your system and apps up to date is important for smooth operation and compatibility.
FAQs
Why am I not receiving notifications even though the phone is connected?
Check if notification permissions are enabled on both your phone and PC. Also, ensure battery saver or data saver modes are not restricting the apps.
Can I use Phone Link with an iPhone?
Phone Link primarily supports Android devices. iPhone support is limited and may not include notifications.
How do I know if my phone and PC are properly linked?
When connected, you should see your phone’s screen mirrored or see options like calls, messages, and notifications in the Phone Link app.
Will restarting the app delete my data?
No. Restarting or reconnecting your phone will not delete data but may require signing in again.
Is there a way to test if notifications are working?
Send a test notification by sending a message or triggering a notification on your phone and see if it appears on your PC.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the steps above and notifications still do not work, consider the following options:
- Reset the Phone Link app: Uninstall and reinstall the app on your PC.
- Check Microsoft’s official support pages: Visit Phone Link app support for more troubleshooting tips.
- Contact Microsoft Support: They can provide personalized assistance if the issue persists.
- Try an alternative app: Apps like Your Phone Companion or third-party apps may offer similar functionality.
Conclusion
Fixing Phone Link app notifications on Windows 11 usually involves checking permissions, making sure both devices are properly connected, and allowing background activity. Starting with simple steps like checking notification settings and restarting devices often resolves the issue quickly.
If problems continue, reconnecting your phone or updating software can help. Remember to keep your apps and devices up to date for the best experience. Following this guide will ensure you don’t miss important notifications and can enjoy seamless integration between your phone and PC.