- The integration between mobile and Windows allows you to manage notifications, messages and calls directly from your PC.
- There are native solutions such as Enlace Móvil and alternatives such as AirDroid or Intel Unison to synchronize devices.
- The depth of integration varies depending on the operating system and mobile brand, being Android and Samsung the most compatible.
If you've ever found yourself checking your phone every few minutes while working on your computer, you've probably wondered if there was a more convenient way to manage all those notifications, messages, or calls right from your PC. The reality is that Windows and the mobile devices They have been promoting integration for some time now between both worlds, allowing you to check and respond to notifications, messages or calls without having to unlock your phone every time.
In this article I will tell you clearly and completely How you can sync your phone – whether Android or iPhone – with any modern version of Windows, to receive and manage all notifications on your computer. You'll discover native solutions like Phone Link, as well as popular third-party alternatives like AirDroid or Intel Unison, and learn how to configure each option step by step.
Why sync your phone with Windows to receive notifications?
The convenience of seeing mobile notifications directly on your computer screen This is just one of the many reasons to make the switch to synchronization. In addition to saving time, you'll avoid distractions and have all your important functions at hand. smartphone, such as replying to messages, viewing recent photos, managing calls, and more, without taking your eyes off your PC.
Microsoft has hit the nail on the head by bringing its operating system closer to mobile devices, especially with the arrival of Mobile Link (previously known as 'Your Phone Companion' or 'Phone Link'), an application that has evolved a lot and currently allows deep integration with Android devices, Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo and also iPhone, although with certain differences depending on the platform.
How Mobile Link Works on Windows: The Official and Most Complete Option
The Mobile Link app comes pre-installed on most devices with Windows 10 and Windows 11If you can't find it, you can download it from the Microsoft Store. Allows you to manage notifications, messages, photos, calls and much more from the comfort of your desktop. Its features vary depending on whether you connect an Android device or iOS, and exploits its full potential with Samsung mobile phones thanks to special agreements between both companies.
Minimum requirements to sync your mobile with Windows
- A PC with Windows 10 (May 2019 Update or later) or Windows 11.
- On Android devices: Android 7.0 Nougat or higher (Android 10 or newer preferred for maximum compatibility).
- On iPhone/iOS: iOS 14 or later (some features require iOS 15 or later).
- Connect to the same Wi-Fi network on both devices (recommended for more stable and faster synchronization).
- Bluetooth active for calls and some advanced features (especially with iPhone).
Installation and first link
To start syncing your phone with Windows, just open Mobile Link from the PC's start menuIf it's not installed, type it in the search bar or go to the Microsoft Store to download it. On your Android phone, you'll need to install the app. Windows connection from Google Play or Galaxy Store (usually comes pre-installed on Samsung phones).
The process is very simple: open both apps (PC and mobile)Sign in to both with your Microsoft account and choose the linking method. The quickest option is to scan the QR code that appears on your PC using your phone's camera from the Link to Windows app. After granting the necessary permissions (access to notifications, contacts, photos, SMS, etc.), the sync will be complete and your phone will appear linked to your PC.
Key features you can enjoy with Mobile Link
- Reading and replying to SMS and RCS messages directly from the computer.
- Viewing recent photos and fast file transfer between mobile and PC (just drag and drop).
- Total notification management: Respond to, delete, or interact with notifications just like you would on your phone. When you delete a notification on your PC, it also disappears from your phone.
- Make and receive calls from the PC when the mobile is nearby, using the device's microphone and speakers (requires Bluetooth pairing).
- Quick access to the contact list and call log.
- View battery level, mobile coverage, and Wi-Fi status of the telephone.
- Quick Function Control: Turn Do Not Disturb mode on/off, mute sounds, control music, or find your device by ringing it.
- On Samsung, HONOR or similar devices: direct execution of mobile applications on the PC, sharing the clipboard, use of Instant Hotspot to connect your PC to the mobile data network directly, and the ability to pin mobile apps to the Windows taskbar.
Custom configuration and permission management
During the pairing process, your phone will ask you to grant various permissions for complete integration. Notification and file access permissions are essential to be able to read messages, interact with apps, and transfer photos or files. On Android 13 and higher, you need to explicitly approve notification permissions in system settings.
If you need to adjust which data or notifications are synced, simply go to the "Features" section of Mobile Link's settings on your PC and enable or disable the options according to your preferences.
Workarounds: AirDroid and other third-party apps
Microsoft isn't the only one that offers solutions for integrating mobile and PC. AirDroid is one of the most popular third-party applications to sync notifications, transfer files, and even control your phone remotely from your computer. You can also check out the complete guide for Turn your phone into a webcam for Windows.
The setup process is simple:
- Download AirDroid on your Android or iPhone and sign in (or use local connection mode if you prefer more privacy).
- From your PC browser, access web.airdroid.com and scan the QR code with the mobile app. You can also install the desktop client.
- Grant the app the necessary permissions on your phone to access notifications, files, SMS, etc.
- Activate the option Desktop Notif. from the mobile app menu to start receiving notifications on your computer.
- Customize which notifications you want to sync, and take advantage of extra features like remote mobile control, quick replies, access to storage and sending links between devices.
AirDroid stands out for its cross-platform compatibility (works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS), even allowing you to sync notifications between mobile phones or from mobile to Mac using the browser or the desktop app.
Intel Unison: Intel's proposal for multi-device synchronization
Intel also joins the trend with its application Intel Unison. Initially designed for EVO-certified devices, it's compatible with most Windows 11 PCs and any Android 9.0+ or iOS 15+ device. Unison allows for:
- Receive and respond notifications mobile phones on the PC.
- Synchronize messages, contacts, photos and calls.
- Transfer files between your mobile and computer quickly.
- Manually select which apps or data you want to sync.
The configuration is similar to other tools:
- Install Intel Unison on your PC (from the Microsoft Store) and mobile (Google Play or App Store).
- Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices.
- Pair both using a QR code or numeric code and grant the necessary permissions.
- Customize synchronization and preferences according to your needs.
Its interface is very simple and minimalist, making it ideal for users looking for agile integration without complications.
Differences between linking Android and iPhone with Windows
The experience is not the same with all mobile phones. With Android, the integration is much deeper: You can access notifications, reply to SMS and RCS, view and transfer photos or files, answer calls, use Instant Hotspot, open apps on your computer, and share your clipboard.
With the iPhone, the situation improves with each Windows and Phone Link update, but it's still more limited, though sufficient for most users. It allows:
- View notifications and messages (not all apps allow direct reply).
- Make and receive calls with your PC using Bluetooth.
- Check your phone's battery and control your music.
- Transfer files between iPhone and PC using the latest versions of Phone Link or Intel Unison.
In both cases, if the performance or features you need aren't covered, you can always turn to cross-platform apps like Pushbullet to bridge the gap.
Troubleshooting and practical tips
If after setting up sync you notice that you're not receiving notifications, experiencing delays, or experiencing connection issues, here are some tips:
- Make sure you have both apps updated (PC and mobile).
- Verify that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that Bluetooth is active.
- Check app permissions in system settings, especially access to notifications, storage, and background usage.
- Unpair and re-pair the devices if problems persist.
- On Samsung phones and other devices with exclusive features, make sure you have the latest version of the operating system and Microsoft apps.
On Android 13 and later, please note that you must manually enable notification permissions in your system settings for Phone Link to work properly.
Privacy is key: only grant permissions to strictly necessary apps and protect access with a PIN, fingerprint, or Face ID.
Is it possible to sync notifications between mobile phones?
In the case of Android, There is no native solution to sync notifications between two phones.. Even if you use the same Google account, notifications are not automatically replicated. There are parental control apps such as AirDroid Parental Control that allow parents to receive notifications from their children's cell phones on their own phone or tablet, but their use is focused on family supervision.
In the Apple ecosystem, Notifications do sync between iPhones, iPad and Mac as long as you use the same Apple ID and turn on iCloud, allowing you to respond to messages, calls, and manage notifications on any device.
For those who want to replicate this integration on Android or between Android and Mac, there are tools like Pushbullet that allow you to view cross-notifications between different systems, although they require granting advanced permissions.
Exclusive features for Samsung mobile phones and other associated brands
Microsoft maintains Special agreements with brands such as Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, vivo and ASUS that add extra functionality to Mobile Link:
- Running Android Apps on the Windows Desktop directly from your mobile.
- Instant Hotspot to connect your PC to mobile data without entering a password.
- Advanced File Synchronization and shared clipboard.
- Remote control of the mobile screen from the PC on some models.
These features may require updated system and app versions, and are only available on supported models (Samsung running OneUI 4.1.1 or later, etc.).
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