Приложение «Связь с телефоном» (ранее — «Ваш телефон») уже давно присутствует в Windows 11 и 10, но до недавнего времени полноценную работу поддерживало только для Android-телефонов. Теперь все пользователи Windows 11 получили возможность работать и с iPhone.
В этом обзоре о доступных возможностях приложения «Связь с телефоном» при соединении с iPhone, установке соединения и особенностях работы, которые были замечены в ходе тестирования. Ещё одно приложение, которое так же умеет связывать Windows-компьютер с iPhone — Intel Unison.
Соединение iPhone с Windows в приложении «Связь с телефоном»
Для использования приложения «Связь с телефоном» в связке с iPhone потребуется выполнение следующих условий:
- Windows 11 на компьютере, iOS 14 или новее на iPhone.
- На компьютере или ноутбуке есть Bluetooth модуль.
- Приложение «Связь с телефоном» на компьютере обновлено до последней версии. Обновить его можно в Microsoft Store
Если все условия выполняются, шаги для подключения будут следующими:
- Установите приложение «Связь с Windows» из AppStore на ваш iPhone.
- Включите Bluetooth на iPhone и на ноутбуке или ПК с Windows.
- Запустите приложение «Связь с телефоном» на компьютере и «Связь с Windows» на iPhone. В приложении на компьютере выберите устройство «iPhone».
- Выполните сканирование QR-кода с помощью телефона с экрана компьютера.
- Подтвердите установку связи с устройством как на iPhone, так и в Windows.
- После установки соединения вам будет предложено включить разрешения в настройках Bluetooth на iPhone для доступа к контактам и уведомлениям. Рекомендую это сделать, если вы планируете активно пользоваться связкой iPhone + Windows
- Готово, можно приступать к использованию.
В моем тесте с соединением пришлось помучиться. При проблемах сопряжения по Bluetooth приложение «Связь с телефоном» показывает разумные советы о шагах для решения проблемы:
В моем случае все эти шаги и некоторые дополнительные были проделаны не один раз, прежде чем выполнить сопряжение удалось. Что именно помогло, отследить не смог: проблема решилась после того, как отошел на время и вернулся с обеда. Из особенностей при очередной попытке была лишь одна — отключенный Wi-Fi модуль при установке соединения.
Функции приложения «Связь с телефоном» при работе с iPhone
На момент написания этой статьи возможности «Связь с телефоном» при работе с iOS ограничены, но это лишь первая общедоступная версия: возможно, в будущем список функций будет более широким.
На настоящий момент времени доступны:
В моем тесте всё указанное работает исправно, но с некоторыми особенностями:
- Уведомления о сообщениях в групповых чатах iMessage приходят, но сами сообщения прочитать с компьютера нельзя.
- Получить или отправить изображения не получится, только текст.
- Сообщения, полученные до настройки соединения с приложением «Связь с телефоном», не отображаются. Показываются лишь те, что были получены или отправлены в момент активного подключения.
- Не особенность, а информация: если при использовании функции звонков с iPhone вы не слышите собеседника или он не слышит вас, убедитесь, что установлено нужное «Устройство связи по умолчанию» в Windows: нажмите клавиши Win+R, введите mmsys.cpl и с помощью меню по правому клику на нужном устройстве на вкладках «Запись» и «Воспроизведение» установите нужные устройства связи по умолчанию.
- Значок приложения в панели задач показывает странные числа уведомлений: большее, чем фактическое их количество на телефоне (от всех приложений) и не ясно, к чему относящиеся, поскольку непрочитанных сообщений или пропущенных звонков, о которых я не знаю, нет.
Настройки приложения «Связь с телефоном» не очень детальны. Всё основное находится на вкладке «Общие», где вы можете отключить счетчик уведомлений в панели задач, настроить способ отображения уведомлений от телефона в Windows, а также включить или отключить автоматический запуск «Связь с телефоном» при входе в Windows.
Другие полезные вкладки настроек:
- Мои устройства — позволяет связать дополнительные телефоны с Windows.
- Функции — включение и отключение функций при использовании «Связь с телефоном», например, можно отключить получение сообщений или вызовов.
Подводя итог, поддержка iPhone в приложении «Связь с телефоном» в Windows 11 — отличная новая возможность, которая может пригодиться владельцам телефонов от Apple. Пока ограничена в функциональности, но также было и в первых версиях этого приложения при работе с Android.
Owning a Mac with your iPhone gives you access to Apple’s ecosystem. But even smaller tasks such as making calls and sending messages from your PC are a hassle if you are a Windows user. To bridge the gap between the iPhone and Windows, we will show you 2 ways to link the iPhone to Windows PC. With that, you will be able to access calls, send and receive iMessage, check notifications, and transfer files and photos.
What You Can Do With Phone Link
Phone Link offers a range of features designed to bridge the gap between your iPhone and Windows PC. While its functionality isn’t as extensive as some Android integrations, it still provides a convenient way to stay connected. Here’s a breakdown:
Notifications: You can receive and view your iPhone notifications directly on your PC without constantly picking up your phone. Also, opening any app’s notification on Phone Link will direct you to that app on your browser.
Calling: You can make and receive phone calls through your Windows PC. Particularly useful when you’re working at your desk and prefer using a headset or speakerphone.
iMessage: Send iMessages from your Windows PC. This is a key feature for iPhone users who want to stay in touch with their contacts while working on their computer. We tried this and received the message in blue bubble and when responded from our Windows PC, again received the message in blue bubble on our iPhone.
This iMessage integration is particularly important because of the distinctions between iMessage (blue bubbles) and SMS/MMS (green bubbles) on iPhones. iMessage, Apple’s proprietary messaging system, offers features like end-to-end encryption, read receipts, and higher-quality media sharing, making it the preferred method for many iPhone users.
Battery Status: You can also check your iPhone’s battery level directly from your PC.
How to Connect iPhone to Windows Using Phone Link
- First, follow this guide to upgrade Windows to the Insider Program.
- Open the Microsoft Store to download the Phone Link app or update the Phone Link to the latest version.
- Open the Phone Link on your PC, select iPhone, and scan the QR code with your iPhone’s camera.
- Download and install the Link to Windows app from the App Store on your iPhone.
- Open the Link to Windows and scan the same QR code from your PC.
- In the Link to Windows app, tap Continue to initiate Bluetooth pairing. Grant Bluetooth permissions in your iPhone’s settings.
- Verify the pairing code on both devices and confirm the connection.
Note: To get all the notifications from your iPhone, go to iPhone Settings > Bluetooth, select your PC, and enable Show Notifications and Sync Contacts.
That’s it, now you can open the Phone Link app on your Windows PC to view calls, iMessages, and even the battery percentage.
However, Phone Link is not without its flaws and there are several important limitations to consider:
- iMessage: You can send iMessage (blue bubbles) but can’t see the blue/green bubble status on your PC.
- Media Restrictions: While you can receive images, you cannot send them through Phone Link.
- Limited History: Access to message history is restricted.
- No Group Messages: Phone Link currently only supports direct messages; group messaging is unavailable.
- No Screen Mirroring: Unlike Android, Phone Link does not allow you to mirror your iPhone’s screen on your PC.
- No Cross-Device Copy/Paste: You cannot copy text or other content on your iPhone and paste it directly onto your PC, or vice-versa.
- App Inaccessibility: Phone Link does not provide access to your iPhone’s apps from your Windows PC.
- File System Limitations: You cannot browse or access files and photos/videos stored on your iPhone through Phone Link.
What You Can Do With Intel Unison
Intel Unison aims to provide a more comprehensive integration between your iPhone and Windows PC. While it shares some features with Phone Link, it also offers some distinct advantages. Here’s a look at what Intel Unison brings to the table:
Notifications: Like Phone Link, Unison also allows you to see your iPhone notifications on your PC. But you cannot interact with it inside the app. Clicking on the notification will open it in a new tab.
Calling: Similarly, you can make and receive calls through your Windows PC, offering hands-free communication while you work.
Messaging (SMS/MMS): Unison supports traditional SMS and MMS services. So you don’t get the iMessage feature on this. So you will see green bubbles only.
File Transfer: This is a significant advantage Intel Unison has over Phone Link. Unison enables you to transfer files between your iPhone and PC, making it easy to view photos, videos, and documents saved on the iPhone on your Windows PC.
Photo and Video Access: Browse and access photos and videos stored on your iPhone directly from your PC. This simplifies viewing and managing your media.
The only limitation of Intel Unison that we could find was it couldn’t handle iMessage. Also, neither Unison nor Phone Link can copy-paste messages from iPhone to Windows. The Apple ecosystem is famous for its universal clipboard copying anything on one device can be pasted on another easily.
How to Connect iPhone to Windows Using Intel Unison
- Install the Intel Unsion App from the Microsoft Store.
- Open the Intel Unison app on your PC.
- The app will display a QR code for pairing.
- Download the Intel Unison App on your iPhone from the App Store.
- Tap Let’s Go and grant necessary permissions (contacts, photos, local network, Bluetooth).
- Tap Scan QR Code on your iPhone and scan the QR code displayed on your PC.
- Verify the code shown on both devices and confirm the pairing.
Your iPhone will connect to the Windows PC using the Intel Unison app. However, Unison is not without its flaws and there are several important limitations to consider:
- No iMessage Support: Intel Unison does not support iMessage. This is a key area where Phone Link has an advantage.
- Limited App Integration: You cannot see or open installed apps on iPhone from a Windows PC using Unsion.
- No Screen Mirroring: Intel Unison does not offer screen mirroring.
- No Cross-Device Copy/Paste: Intel Unison does not offer cross-device copy/paste.
Intel Unison does offer file transfer and some other features that Phone Link lacks. However, it does not solve all of Phone Link’s limitations.
Intel Unison vs Phone Link – You Can Use Both
You can link your iPhone to Windows using both the Phone Link app and the Intel Unison app. Both ways have their pros and cons.
- With the Phone Link app, you will be able to check your iPhone notifications, make calls, and most importantly, you can send/receive iMessage from your PC.
- Intel Unison has more features. You can transfer files, access photos and videos, check notifications, make/receive calls, and send/receive regular messages.
So which should you pick? Well, if you prefer iMessage support on your PC, you need Microsoft’s Phone Link app. If your priority is access to files, you can choose Intel’s Unison app. You can also use both services to get the best of both apps.
While both Phone Link and Intel Unison are great ways to connect your iPhone to your Windows PC, they can also be used together. Perhaps you’re working on your PC and need to quickly transfer a large file from your iPhone; you’d turn to Intel Unison for its file transfer capabilities. A moment later, if you want to send an iMessage to a friend; you’d use Phone Link, optimized for iMessage communication. This dual approach lets you pick the best app, for the specific task at hand to maximize the benefits of both platforms.
Just like your phone can save multiple Wi-Fi networks. You can choose which one to connect to based on your needs. Faster download speeds or low latency. You can think of Phone Link and Intel Unison similarly. You can install and setup both apps and then switch between them depending on what you need.
Ravi Teja KNTS
Tech writer with over 4 years of experience at TechWiser, where he has authored more than 700 articles on AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. His journey started with a passion for discussing technology and helping others in online forums, which naturally grew into a career in tech journalism. Ravi’s writing focuses on simplifying technology, making it accessible and jargon-free for readers. When he’s not breaking down the latest tech, he’s often immersed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.
Written By
published
February 28, 2023
As announced today by Panos, we are beginning an early preview of Phone Link for iOS on Windows 11 with Windows Insiders.
The preview will begin rolling out to Insiders who have opted in their device into one of the 3 Insider Channels via Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program. If you are new to the Windows Insider Program, you can go here to get started. We are beginning this preview with a small percentage of Insiders at first throughout this week, which means not all Insiders will see the preview right away. We will increase the availability of the preview to more Insiders over time and based on feedback we receive with this first set of Insiders. The preview will require Phone Link app version 1.23012.169.0 and higher but the preview itself be controlled via the cloud.
Getting started for Insiders who receive the preview
If you are an Insider who receives the preview of Phone Link for iOS, you will see the option to pick your iPhone on the Phone Link homepage (in addition to choosing an Android device). If you see the iPhone button greyed out with a coming soon message, that means you are not yet in the preview.
After choosing iPhone, the guided installation will kick off to pair your iPhone. You will be directed to follow a set of steps that will guide you to pair your iPhone and PC over Bluetooth. This will initiate after you scan a QR code shown on your screen, and then move on to the confirmation steps that helps us confirm the phone and PC are in range.
During this step, you will be asked to confirm the code in Phone Link matches the code shown on your iPhone. Once you complete pairing, you’ll be asked to grant a set of permissions that allow us to get all your favorite content sync’d over to Phone Link.
This is the final step. Phone Link will direct you to give permissions on your iPhone in your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings. This is an important step in getting notifications and contacts to show correctly in Phone Link from your iPhone.
Once the guided installation completes and your iPhone is paired to your PC and the right permissions given, Phone Link will deliver basic iOS support for calls, messages, and contacts. This means you will be notified directly through your Windows notifications. Phone Link does not support replying to group messages or sending media in messages.
As you try out this experience with your iPhone, if you run into any issues make sure you submit feedback via Feedback Hub under Apps > Phone Link. To see a list of known issues and to troubleshoot issues with the Phone Link Team – click here to visit this Microsoft Tech Community forum post.
Thanks,
Brandon
Make and receive calls with Phone Link, or sync files through the Apple Devices app
Updated on October 9, 2024
What to Know
- Use your iPhone on Windows 11 with Phone Link (for calls and texts) or Apple Devices or iTunes (for backups).
- Phone Link: Select iPhone, scan the QR code using your phone, and then follow the prompts to complete the setup.
- Apple Devices and iTunes are similar. Open the app on your PC, plug in your iPhone, and tap Trust to get started.
This article explains how to connect an iPhone to Windows 11. It covers how this works with Phone Link, Apple Devices, and iTunes.
Use Your iPhone With Windows 11 Through Phone Link
Windows 11 has a feature called Phone Link that lets you connect your phone to your computer. Although originally only available for Android phones, it also works with iPhones. Use it to access text messages, see your notifications, and make calls from your computer.
Here’s how to link an iPhone to Windows 11 with this app:
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Search for and open Phone Link from the Start menu.
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Select iPhone.
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Using your phone, scan the QR code that’s displayed on your monitor.
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On your phone, tap Pair your devices > Open.
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Tap Link to Windows.
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Tap Get to download and install the app, then open it.
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Tap Scan QR Code.
If prompted, scan the QR code that’s on your PC again. If not prompted, you can continue to the next step.
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Tap OK to give the app permission to use your camera.
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Tap Continue > OK when asked about Bluetooth.
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Take note of the code displayed on your PC, and tap Pair.
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Tap Pair on your phone as well.
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Tap Allow when asked about access to notifications.
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Tap Done.
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Tap Accept to share usage data, or Decline to keep your data private.
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Open Settings, and tap Bluetooth.
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Tap your Windows PC in the list of Bluetooth connections.
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Turn on the Show Notifications and Sync Contacts toggle switches.
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On your PC, tap Continue, and then Continue again.
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Your iPhone is now linked, allowing you to make and receive calls and texts on your PC. Use the dialer to input a number manually, or select a contact. You can also click Messages to view your text messages.
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You can send and receive text messages by clicking one of your contacts. To view phone notifications, click >.
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Your iPhone notifications are displayed in this menu.
Connect an iPhone to Windows 11 With Apple Devices or iTunes
The other way to connect an iPhone to a Windows 11 PC is with Apple Devices or iTunes. Apple Devices lets you sync music, movies, and shows to your iPhone and back it up, update it, and restore it from your computer. iTunes is available if you want to manage audiobooks and free podcasts.
Some steps are similar between these apps, so here’s how to get started no matter which one you choose to use:
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Download the app to your computer from the Microsoft Store.
Download Apple Devices
Download iTunes
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Connect your iPhone to your Windows 11 computer using its USB cable.
You might need an adapter, depending on your iPhone’s port type and the available USB ports on your computer. For example, some iPhones connect over USB-C; if you have that port on your PC, just connect the two with that cable.
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Tap Trust on your iPhone. You might also need to provide your passcode.
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If you see a prompt on your computer, such as in iTunes, select Continue.
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Your iPhone now appears on the left side of the app. Select a category, such as Movies or Music, to view those items that are stored on your phone.
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The General (Apple Devices) and Summary (iTunes) sections provide information about your phone and let you back it up directly to your Windows 11 PC.
FAQ
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Once your iPhone is unlocked, open the Photos app on your PC. Then click Import (found at the top of the window) and select your iPhone from the list.
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Your iPhone has to be on and unlocked so that Windows can see it. If this is the first time you are trying this, you’ll need to accept some permissions on the iPhone to allow the iPhone to talk to the Windows 11 PC.
Thanks for letting us know!
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