Phone Link Connected but Won't Sync

Jim Speiser 160 Reputation points
2026-09-16T18:58:21.59+00:00

My phone link says it is connected to my Pixel 8a, but it won't sync my messages. Everything is fully updated. I've tried resetting everything, to no avail. Any suggestions?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Connect Phone and PC
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  1. Paulo GM 72,390 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-16T19:55:35.7+00:00

    Hi,

    Could you confirm whether the messages you're seeing are recent? Currently, Phone Link only displays messages from the last 30 days due to security reasons. You may also check this article for other details:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/phonelink/troubleshooting-for-messages-in-the-phone-link

    If that limitation doesn't meet your needs, and since you're using a Pixel, you can try Google Messages on the web instead if you want to see all your messages from your computer.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-16T18:58:40.6066667+00:00

    Since everything is already updated and reset was already tried, focus on the message sync prerequisites and the Android-side settings that commonly block Phone Link message sync:

    1. Verify the same Microsoft account is signed in on both devices.
      • In Phone Link on the PC and Link to Windows on the Pixel 8a, confirm the same account is being used.
    2. Check Android permissions for Link to Windows.
      • On the phone, open Settings > Apps > Link to Windows > Permissions.
      • Make sure SMS-related access is allowed.
      • Also confirm notifications are enabled under Settings > Apps > Link to Windows.
    3. Turn off battery restrictions for Link to Windows.
      • On Android, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > App info > Link to Windows > Advanced > Battery > Manage Battery Usage > Battery optimization.
      • Find Link to Windows and set it to Don't optimize.
      • On some Android devices: Settings > Apps > Link to Windows > Battery > Optimize battery usage > All > Link to Windows > Off.
      • Battery optimization can interrupt the connection even when the app shows as connected.
    4. Make sure Do not disturb is off on the phone.
      • Go to Settings > Sounds or Sounds & Vibration / Sounds & Notifications and confirm Do not disturb is Off.
    5. Check that Phone Link can run in the background on the PC.
      • On Windows, open Start > Settings > Privacy > Background apps.
      • Ensure Phone Link is enabled.
    6. Check Windows shared experiences.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Shared experiences.
      • If Fix now appears under Accounts, select it and complete the prompts.
    7. Fully unlink and relink the phone instead of only resetting.
      • On the phone: open Link to Windows > tap the Microsoft account under Linked Account > Account Settings > Sign out and unlink account > confirm Unlink.
      • On the PC: open Phone Link > Settings > Devices > Add new device and pair the Pixel 8a again.
      • If reconnecting still fails, restart Phone Link on the PC after relinking.
    8. If the issue started after an Android update, recheck permissions specifically for messages and notifications.
      • On Android: Settings > App Info > See all apps > Link to Windows > Permissions.
      • Allow Storage, Contacts, SMS, Phone.
      • For notifications: search Notification access, turn Link to Windows off and back on, then select Allow.

    If messages still do not sync after those steps, send feedback from Phone Link > Settings > Feedback & Community > Send feedback so diagnostic data can be attached for investigation.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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