Phone Link

Question

Phone Link

Mark Jarrett 0

I've never experienced such a screwed-up, convoluted installation process.

I now have an 8-digit "one time password code" but no screen prompt to enter the number.

What a total screw-up this is...

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2 answers

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Answer 1

Vikki-T 10,375 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi Mark Jarrett,

I understand the confusion, especially when Phone Link generates a code but provides no place to enter it.

Since you are connecting an iPhone, please return to Phone Link on the PC and make sure iPhone is selected rather than Android. Turn on Bluetooth on both the iPhone and PC, then use the iPhone to scan the QR code displayed by Phone Link and approve the Bluetooth pairing request on both devices.

If the current setup is stuck, close and reopen Phone Link and start the pairing process again. You can also choose Continue without a QR code in the Link to Windows app on the iPhone and follow the manual pairing prompts instead.

Microsoft’s official iPhone setup guidance is available here: Phone Link requirements and setup

If the same eight-digit code returns, please let me know exactly where the code appears, on the PC or the iPhone, and share a screenshot with any personal information hidden. Thank you so much for your understanding.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Vikki-T 10,375 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-17T09:27:07.72+00:00

Hi Mark Jarrett,

It has been a while and I am writing to see how things are going with this issue.

Have you had a chance to check the replies provided?

Any update would be appreciated.
Mark Jarrett 0 Reputation points

2026-09-17T22:31:46.19+00:00

I appreciate your response, and I'll try to be very polite here!

I can't imagine anyone would sit holding their iPhone while trying to create a PhoneLink file-share connection, and select "Android" as one of two options listed on the install window.

I assure you I selected "iPhone" (multiple times) during the installation process.

I have successfully connected my iPhone to my Win11 laptop via bluetooth for messages and phone calls, but the file-share connection is the hurdle - and the install / connection process is simply ridiculous.
Vikki-T 10,375 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-18T13:07:09.8966667+00:00

Hi Mark Jarrett,

Thank you for clarifying. I understand that you selected iPhone and that the Bluetooth connection is already working correctly for messages and calls.

The remaining issue is specifically with file sharing, where the setup generates an eight-digit code but does not provide a place to enter it.

Could you let me know where the eight-digit code appears, such as in Phone Link on the PC, the Link to Windows app on the iPhone, or a browser window? Also, please check the Phone Link version under Phone Link > Settings > About and confirm whether any updates are available under Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates.

If everything is current and the setup still provides a code without an entry field, please report the behavior through Feedback Hub > Apps > Phone Link. Include the steps that lead to the code and a screenshot with any personal information hidden, as this may need to be reviewed by the Phone Link team.

Thank you for your patience, and I appreciate the additional details.
Vikki-T 10,375 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-09-19T10:48:09.3566667+00:00

Hi Mark Jarrett,

Is there any update from you?

If yes, please feel free to let me know.

Answer 2

Mark Jarrett 0

I do not need an Android solution...

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