How to control your Android phone from your PC using Microsoft Copilot

The integration between mobile devices and personal computers have taken a significant qualitative leap thanks to Microsoft Copilot. Now, Android users can perform actions on their phones without taking their hands off the PC keyboard. It seems like something from the future, but it's already a reality. This feature opens new doors to productivity, especially in work environments or for those looking to simplify everyday tasks without unnecessary distractions.

This advancement comes with the implementation of the "Phone Connection" feature in Copilot, which combines the Artificial Intelligence with remote access to your phone. The result is a coherent and integrated experience that allows you to run commands on Windows Mobile, such as sending messages, setting reminders, or searching for locations, without having to touch the device.

What is Phone Connection and how does it work with Copilot?

Phone Connection is a new feature in Copilot for Windows that lets you interact with your Android phone using natural language commands. Unlike the previous solution, known as Phone Link, which focused on replicating basic functions such as viewing notifications or manually replying to messages from your PC, Phone Connection allows you to use Copilot as a personal assistant fully connected to your device.

Thanks to the power of artificial intelligence and natural language understanding, you can type commands like “Set an alarm for tomorrow at 7:00” or “Text Ana saying I’m running late,” and Copilot will execute them on your phone, just as if you had done it yourself from the device. All this, of course, as long as both devices are properly linked and updated.

What do you need to use Copilot with your Android phone?

Before you begin using this powerful feature, it is essential to meet several technical requirements. Not all devices and operating system versions are supported yet., so it is important to review the following points:

• Your phone must be running Android 14 or higher..
• You must have the Phone Link app configured on your PC and mobile.This app is essential for establishing a connection between both devices.
• The latest version of the Copilot app installed on your PCYou can get it or update it from the Microsoft Store.
• Use the same Microsoft account on both devicesThis syncs the experience and ensures Copilot correctly recognizes your paired phone.

Once you're all set up, just open Copilot, go to your profile settings, and make sure Phone Connection is enabled. If your phone is connected properly, you should be able to start interacting with it from your PC.

First steps to activate the Phone Connection feature

Activation is simple, but requires several steps on both devices. On your Android phone:

• Open the app Link to Windows (or Phone Link).
• Sign in with your Microsoft account.
• Follow the wizard's instructions to pair your phone.

On your Windows computer:

• Open the Copilot app or visit copilot.microsoft.com.
• Sign in with the same Microsoft account you used on your mobile.
• Go to Profile > Account within Copilot and activate the option Phone connection.

Once configured, you can now take advantage of all the benefits of controlling your phone from your PC.

What can you do from Copilot with this integration?

The possibilities with Phone Connection are numerous, although they currently focus on basic, useful, everyday functions. Here's a list of the main commands and functions:

• Send messages: You can type “Send a message to Laura that says 'On my way'” and Copilot will execute it on your phone.
• set alarms: Type “Set an alarm for tomorrow at 8:00” and it will activate in your phone’s clock app.
• Create timers: Ask “Set a 20-minute timer” and Copilot will do it for you.
• Find locations: Commands like “Find the nearest pharmacy” will activate the search in your phone’s Maps app (this feature is limited to some Samsung devices).
• Check contacts or messages: You can say, “Do I have any new messages today?” or ask, “What’s John’s number?” and Copilot will search for it in your saved contacts.
• start navigation: Commands like “Guide me to my favorite coffee shop” are also supported on select Samsung phones.
• Cancel timers or alarms: You can also ask Copilot to “cancel the 7:00 alarm” or “stop the timer,” another feature exclusive to select Samsung devices with apps updated.

Interaction is done entirely in writing for now, as Copilot does not yet accept voice commands in this feature.This limits the experience somewhat, especially for those who prefer to speak rather than type.

Current limitations of the Phone Connection feature

Like any emerging technology, there are details that are still in development or early stages. Some of the most notable limitations as of today they are:

• It is only available in the desktop version of Copilot, not in the mobile app or its web version.
• Not compatible with devices iPhoneThis feature is exclusive to Android.
• Some commands require manual confirmation from the mobile, which can slow down the process.
• Voice cannot be used as input.; all commands must be typed.
• You can only connect one Android phone at a time.If you want to change devices, you'll need to redo the pairing process.

Microsoft has indicated that the availability of this feature is being implemented progressively. and is expected to be available to most users by February 2025 at the latest. Future updates are also expected to expand capabilities and support for more device types.

What if I want to disable the phone connection?

If you prefer not to use this feature or simply turn off your phone, you can easily do so from Copilot. Just go to Profile > Account and turn off "Phone Connection." Simple as that.

Is it worth using Copilot to control your phone?

The short answer is yes, especially if you're someone who spends long hours in front of a computer and wants to avoid distractions from your phone. With Copilot, you can reply to messages, manage alarms, or find a pharmacy without taking your eyes off the screen., which represents a significant increase in productivity. If you want to read more about the advantages of controlling your Android phone from your PC, you can check out this article on alternatives to remote controls.

While it is not a perfect solution and still has aspects to improve, this Microsoft feature represents a significant step forward towards the full integration of our digital devices. With There, Copilot is likely to become the intelligent control center for our entire personal and work ecosystem.

Everything indicates that Microsoft is betting heavily on a seamless experience between PC and mobile, and this new feature is just the beginning. The key to success will depend on how the features evolve, the stability of the connection, and the ability to integrate with other apps and services. For now, Phone Connection is a tool that, while discreet, promises to make numerous everyday tasks easier quickly and easily.

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Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.