How to get Phone Link working again

Cheryl Kasson 20 Reputation points
2026-08-21T21:12:29.7966667+00:00

Up until today, Phone Link was working on my Windows 11 laptop to connect it to my Android phone. But it quit being connected when I logged in today. Phone Link comes up on the laptop and shows the correct Microsoft account, but when I press "Continue" nothing happens. It just stays on the opening window. I have tried all the fixes anyone online has suggested, including uninstalling and reinstalling Phone Link, but it still does not work.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Connect Phone and PC
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Answer accepted by question author
EmilyS726 265.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-08-21T21:48:21.34+00:00

This appears to be a widespread issue occurring today, August 21, rather than a problem specific to your PC or phone.

A rapidly growing number of users are reporting the exact same Phone Link behavior today: the Continue button does nothing, account switching does not work, and in some cases Link to Windows also fails to sign in. Users have already tried Repair, Reset, reinstalling Phone Link, clearing caches, and even testing different Windows profiles or PCs without success. See this other thread: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5982147/phone-link-stuck-on-use-your-mobile-device-from-yo

There are also independent reports from users in different locations experiencing the same failure today. https://www.reddit.com/r/PhoneLink/comments/1vu7wp9/phone_link_not_letting_me_sign_in (note, non-Microsoft source)

This strongly suggests a Microsoft-side Phone Link authentication/service issue. I have not found an official Microsoft acknowledgement yet, so I would avoid reinstalling Windows or making extensive system changes for now. Report the problem through Phone Link > Settings > Feedback & Community or Feedback Hub (Win+F) and wait for Microsoft to resolve or acknowledge the issue.

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  1. Cheryl Kasson 20 Reputation points
    2026-08-21T21:26:36.5266667+00:00

    There is no down arrow after the version or check for updates in the Phone Link settings. And I can't find anything that says check for updates in the phone app. I have tried everything else you suggested more than once, but I will save your answer and try again one more time.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-21T21:12:46.7833333+00:00

    Try this reset-and-relink sequence, since reinstalling already did not help:

    1. Verify both apps are fully updated.
      • On the PC, open Phone Link > Settings > General > select the down arrow after the version > Check for updates.
      • On the Android phone, open Link to Windows > Settings > About Link to Windows > Check for updates.
    2. Confirm the same Microsoft account is signed in on both devices.
      • On the phone, check Settings > Accounts or, on some devices, Settings > Advanced features > Link to Windows and review the Microsoft account.
      • On the PC, Phone Link should show the same account.
    3. Check the connection prerequisites.
      • PC and phone should be turned on and connected to the internet.
      • For the most reliable connection, connect both to the same trusted Wi‑Fi network.
      • Turn Battery saver off on both devices.
      • Turn Airplane mode off on the phone.
      • Turn Do not disturb off on the phone.
    4. On the PC, make sure Phone Link can run properly.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Privacy > Background apps and ensure Phone Link is enabled.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Shared experiences. If Fix now appears under Accounts, select it and complete the prompts.
    5. On the Android phone, disable battery optimization for Link to Windows.
      • Go to Android Settings > Apps & notifications > App info > Link to Windows > Advanced > Battery > Manage Battery Usage > Battery optimization.
      • Find Link to Windows and select Don't optimize.
      • On some devices: Android Settings > Apps > Link to Windows > Battery > Optimize battery usage > All > Link to Windows > Off.
    6. Sign out and unlink on the phone, then add the device again from the PC.
      • On Android: open Link to Windows.
      • Tap the Microsoft account under Linked Account.
      • Go to Account Settings > Sign out and unlink account.
      • Confirm Unlink.
      • On the PC: open Phone Link > Settings > Devices > Add new device.
      • Follow the on-screen steps to pair the phone again.
    7. If Phone Link shows a QR reconnection prompt, use that path.
      • Open the phone camera and scan the QR code shown in Phone Link.
      • Complete the prompts on both devices.
      • If needed, select the refresh button next to the connection status in Phone Link.
    8. If the app still opens but stays stuck on the opening screen, reset the app from Windows.
      • Search for Phone Link from Start.
      • Right-click it and open App settings.
      • Select Reset.
      • Then reopen Phone Link and relink the phone.
    9. If the issue continues after relinking, restart Phone Link on the PC and try again.

    Because the app was working until today and now stalls on Continue, the most relevant fixes are: updating both apps, checking Shared experiences, turning off Android battery optimization, then fully signing out/unlinking and pairing again.

    References:

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

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