If you use a Windows-based PC or laptop and own a smartphone, you may – like many people – have wondered whether you can access and use your iMessage account on your device. The answer is sort of yes – and sort of no. The newly updated Microsoft Phone Link app allows you to sync your PC with your iMessage account, but there are limitations. Find out everything you need to know below, as well as information about the next alternative option.
Microsoft’s New Phone Link App
May 2023 saw the extension of Microsoft’s Phone Link app, making it available for iPhone users for the first time. This update means that if you have an iPhone, you can now link your device to a Windows 11 PC to send and receive messages via iMessage, as well as make and receive calls. Users will also be able to view their phone app notifications on their laptop or PC.
While this app is a useful tool, it does have limitations. For example, users won’t be able to take part in group iMessage chats or view full chat histories, and there’s no facility for photo integration using Phone Link.
What Can I Sync and Control from a PC Using Phone Link?
Here’s the complete list of what you can currently use Phone Link to sync and control via your Windows PC
- Make and receive phone calls on cellular networks
- View your photo gallery
- Compose and reply to SMS text messages, send photos, GIFs, emojis, and media content
- Access your phone’s contact list
- View, pin, dismiss, or clear notifications
- Place your phone in Do Not Disturb mode
- Mute your phone (if the sound is playing from it at the time)
- Play, pause, and skip songs currently playing
- View battery percentage, current Wifi network connectivity (if Bluetooth is turned on), and current mobile data network
How to Use the Updated Phone Link App
If you already have the Phone Link app, the update should be available automatically. Alternatively, head to the Microsoft Store app in Windows 11 to access the update.
You’ll need to install the Microsoft Phone Link app on your Windows PC and also install the Link to Windows app that’s available in the App Store on your iPhone. Next, on your Windows device, open the Microsoft Phone Link app. When asked to Pick Your Phone, choose the iPhone option.
The next step is to sign in to your Microsoft account on both your iPhone and Windows PC. On your iPhone, open the Link to Windows app and scan the QR code that will appear on the screen of your Windows device. Finally, confirm that you want to Link to Windows app access to Bluetooth when prompted and allow other permission as necessary. And you’re done and ready to access your iMessage account on your Windows PC.
And if you wish to unlink your smartphone? This is super easy to do, too. Simply head to Settings, then My Devices on the Phone Link app on your PC or laptop. You’ll see a list of linked devices – just remove the relevant one. Once your devices are unpaired, your personal content will not remain anywhere on your PC.
Why Might I Need Phone Link?
Given that your phone is with you most of the time, you may be wondering when you’d need Phone Link. For example, perhaps you’re in a meeting with your laptop in front of you but can’t have your phone out – Phone Link means that you can still see any important notifications or messages as they come in. Or maybe your phone needs charging and needs to remain plugged into the power outlet – accessing Phone Link means you can take your laptop out and about and still have access to your messages.
Plus, it’s a way of making your day run a little more smoothly – if you’re already working at your PC, there’s no need to break from what you’re doing to grab your phone and log on to check your notifications.
Is There Another Way to Use iMessage on a PC?
If you love the ease of use of iMessaging but also need the functionality and tools of a regular email platform, why not choose an iMessage for PC alternative – a platform that combines the best bits of both options?
Spike offers an innovative new email proposition that does exactly this: messaging that does away with annoying repeating signatures, headers, and footers so that threads are easy to read and get involved in. Plus, you can switch with ease between messaging, audio calling, and video messaging, all in-app, without losing any of the advanced tools and features you’d expect from a high-quality email client.
The Takeaway: iMessaging and Windows PCs and Laptops
So, you’ve got two options when it comes to accessing iMessage from your Windows device. You can either install Phone Link onto your smartphone and PC or laptop, using the guide above or choose an alternative platform that combines the best bits of messaging and email and is available on and can integrate with all devices. The choice is yours!
