New issue with unlocking my Samsung phone via phone link app on PC

Clearly intentional. But sideloading older (November) versions of either the Android app or the Windows app used to restore the remote PIN unlock.

But since the recent OneUI 5.1 update on my S22 U, no combination of sideloading old Link to Windows app (Android) or Phone Link app on Windows works anymore - perhaps due to an updated Link to Windows Service (which can't be downgraded and sideloaded - as far as I can tell). Partial workaround is to setup Smart Lock for home location and my Smartwatch - which is even less secure than the remote PIN entry that's now blocked.

Semi-Off-thread: Typing this on my new Surface Laptop Studio that I bought because I am tired of Apple refusing to put a touch screen on their Macs, I can tell you Apple's stuff is _maybe_ less buggy than Microsoft, but not much (my M1 MacBook Pro had crashed and rebooted this morning when I went to it after just sitting there not doing anything for a couple of days). Their support is slightly better though.

On-thread: I'm experiencing this issue on a Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (Android 12), just in case anyone is wondering if it's Samsung-related or not (it's not). Too bad Phone Link has become useless though - I liked it while it lasted; hope they fix it, but the faux security warning looks pretty intentional. I've upvoted feedback, but I'm going to just delete it and go back to using my phone. :(

This no longer works. Thanks Microsoft :)

No matter how many people have an issue, Microsoft ignores it EVERY TIME. Not to mention the fact that I've spent nearly a month waiting to get a response for my Surface's USB Type C port not working anymore, despite the fact that it's been kept on the desk since I've purchased it, in Kyosk Mode, so it's in absolute perfect condition. On my 5'th attempt of explaining, the response was "It's gonna cost you $300", from a person that barely spoke English, and honestly made me feel like I was chatting with a Scam Call Center.

It's gonna be hard, but I'm buying a Mac and giving it a shot. I already have 2 phones, a Samsung and an iPhone, so I'm probably going to do a "Dual-Sim" thing with the iPhone and ditching everything Microsoft and Samsung related. That includes GamePass, Galaxy Watch (That overheats when in 4G mode), Xbox, 365 subscription... everything. I'm done. I'd rather have the limited functionality that comes with Apple's ecosystem, but hey... at least their stuff works.

There might be more to that. Android is heavily fragmented. You might have some other difference. Not enough info was presented actually. If your phone is even a year older or newer then differences could be presented.

I work on developing Android apps and its far more complicated than your post indicates :)

Phone Link on Samsung, not on Samsung, Samsung device, Samsung device year, Android version, Android Settings, Windows version, Windows Phone Link bugs, and more can yield differences.

It is possible these people don't update many of their device apps if they've never used Samsung Store. An older version could then have random issues. But, its the same if they disabled or don't do Windows updates, etc.

There's many possibilities.

"Earlier versions of Phone Link allow the user to use the PC keyboard to unlock their phone -- which means the user doesn't need the phone to be nearby to use the PC to access the phone"

This is how it works for me now. Phone screen comes up and I can type pin with keyboard. I do not need to have phone next to me.

The only time I need phone next to me is if I reset the phone. Then I will need to approve casting once and I won't have to do it again until I reset phone again.

Use phone link from Samsung store (if you have Samsung phone)