how do i connect link to windows to Bluetooth. tried with Bluetooth app but it will not let me

Arthur Fox 0 Reputation points
2026-09-23T14:49:09.47+00:00

Just installed link to windows but bluetooth app will not let me connect it. HOw do i do this

* mod note: duplicate with & similar to keyboard will not connect to windows 11 & how do i connect link to windows to Bluetooth. tried with Bluetooth app but it will not let me

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-23T14:49:25.27+00:00

    For iPhone with Phone Link / Link to Windows, do not pair it manually from the Bluetooth settings app first. Start the connection from Phone Link on the Windows 11 PC instead.

    Steps:

    1. On the PC, open Phone Link.
    2. Choose iPhone when prompted.
    3. A QR code should appear.
    4. On the iPhone, open the Camera app and scan the QR code.
    5. Install or open Link to Windows on the iPhone, then follow the in-app pairing steps.
    6. Accept the Bluetooth pairing prompts on both devices.
    7. Allow the requested permissions on the iPhone, including notifications, messages, and contacts if prompted.

    If manual Bluetooth pairing was already attempted, remove the old pairing and start over:

    1. On the PC, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices and remove the iPhone.
    2. In Phone Link > Settings > My Devices, remove the iPhone if it appears there.
    3. On the iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the PC entry, and choose Forget This Device.
    4. Turn Bluetooth off on both devices, wait about 10 seconds, then turn Bluetooth back on.
    5. Open Phone Link on the PC and complete setup from there.

    Also verify these basics on Windows 11:

    • Bluetooth is turned on: Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
    • Airplane mode is off: use the taskbar quick settings.
    • If Bluetooth is not working generally, run Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Bluetooth > Run.
    • If needed, update the Bluetooth driver in Device Manager > Bluetooth > right-click adapter > Update driver.

    If the phone still does not appear during setup, remove the Bluetooth device and add it again from Windows:

    1. Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
    2. For the problem device, select More options > Remove device > Yes.
    3. Then retry the Phone Link setup flow.

    References:

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  2. GsN5034 - IA 78,075 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-23T15:41:08.5433333+00:00

    Hello,

    What exact error message do you receive when you try to connect your phone to the Windows PC using the Phone Link app?

    Turn off the Bluetooth services on both devices, then turn them back on. And, make sure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

    Restart the 'Phone Link' app on Windows and the 'Link to Windows' app on your Mobile'.

    On your Windows PC, launch the Phone Link app.

    1. On the Choose your device to get started page, select Android or iPhone.
    2. Scan the QR code on your Android device.
    3. You will be redirected to download the Link to Windows App.
    4. Sign in with the same Microsoft account in the app that you used in the Phone Link app on Windows. (Or) use the QR Code option.
    5. Enter the code displayed on your PC.
    6. Allow all permissions if asked.

    Your Mobile device will be linked to the Phone Link app on Windows.

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