Apple is steadily bringing its apps and services to Windows. However, the company doesn’t seem to have any intention of launching iMessage on Windows PCs orAndroid phones. If you use an iPhone with Windows, Microsoft has a workaround for sending or receiving iMessages from your computer. When working on the desktop, reaching for your iPhone for incoming iMessages isn’t productive. Microsoft’s Phone Link app on Windows connects your iPhone to Windows and manages your iMessages like a pro.
What is Phone Link?
Microsoft Phone Link isn’t Apple-level, but it’s still pretty good!
Use iMessage on Windows PCs using Phone Link
Formerly known as Link to Windows, Phone Link is your one-stop solution for managing your Android phone and iPhone on Windows. You can connect your device to Phone Link over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and unlock several features on Windows. While it was designed for Android phones, Microsoft eventually added support for the iPhone.
Manage iMessage on Windows: Requirements
Before we start, update your Windows PC to the latest version. You can launch Windows Settings and go to theWindows Updatemenu to install the latest build.
After your PC is up to date,install the Phone Link app on WindowsandiPhone(it’s called Link to Windows on iOS). If Phone Link is downloaded on Windows, confirm it runs 1.23012.169.0 or later. Your iPhone also needs to run iOS 14.0 or later.
Set up Phone Link using iPhone
Now that you have followed the requirements above, link your iPhone to Windows. Go through the steps below.
1.LaunchPhone Linkon Windows and selectiPhone.
2.Scan theQR codewith your iPhone camera and allow the app to use Bluetooth. The QR code expires in three minutes.
3.OpenCameraon your iPhone and scan theQR code. It shows a prompt to open it in the Link to Windows app.
4.Follow the on-screen instructions. Check the Bluetooth pair code on both devices and selectPair.
5.After your iPhone is paired, openSettingsand go to theBluetoothmenu. Allow your Windows PC to receive your iPhone notifications.
6.Tap theibutton beside your Windows PC.
7.Turn on theShow Notifications,Sync Contacts,andShare System Notifications toggles.
8.ClickContinueon PC.
Phone Link app syncs your notifications, messages, call history, and battery level on the PC.
Use iMessage on Windows
After the Phone Link app syncs the messages on Windows, use the steps below to compose an iMessage.
1.OpenPhone Linkand confirm theConnectedstatus from the upper-left corner.
2.Move to theMessagestab and click thecompose buttonat the top.
3.Start a message with an existing contact or phone number. Phone Link doesn’t support group messages.
4.Send a text message. You can also share reactions with an emoji picker menu.
The Phone Link app doesn’t show a Read status on Windows. It only displays a checkmark below a message. When the recipient replies, check them in the same conversation.
Customize iPhone notifications on Windows
By default, Phone Link activates notifications for your iPhone apps, which can be distracting. Here’s how to customize your iPhone alerts on Windows.
1.LaunchPhone Linkand click theSettingsgear in the upper-right corner.
2.Move to theFeaturesmenu on the sidebar.
3.ExpandNotificationsand expandChoose which apps I get notifications from.
4.Turn off alerts for irrelevant iPhone apps on Windows.
You can turn off alerts for calls from the same menu.
Using iMessage on Windows: Our observations
Using iMessage on Windows via the Phone Link app isn’t perfect. Here are some of our observations after using the Phone Link app on Windows.
Explore iMessage in the Windows ecosystem
With Apple’s current stance on iMessage for rival platforms, don’t expect an iMessage app for Windows anytime soon. While Phone Link doesn’t offer the best iMessage experience, it’s still good enough to keep your iPhone away from the desk.
iMessage isn’t the only end-to-end encrypted messaging app. There are plenty ofcross-platform secure solutionsto stay in touch with friends and family.
