Microsoft Phone Link: Change Phone Settings from PC?

Yes, you can change some phone settings from your PC using the Microsoft Phone Link app (formerly Your Phone). The available settings are limited to a few key toggles like Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb, and mobile data, and they appear in the Phone Link settings panel after you connect your Android phone. This article explains exactly which settings you can control, how to set it up, and what you cannot do remotely.

What the Phone Link App Actually Lets You Change

Phone Link (on Windows) and the Link to Windows app (on your Android phone) create a connection between your PC and phone. Once paired, you can see notifications, make calls, send texts, view photos, and mirror your phone screen. The settings you can change from the PC are the ones that affect connectivity and notifications:

Wi‑Fi: Turn your phone’s Wi‑Fi on or off.
Bluetooth: Toggle Bluetooth on or off.
Do Not Disturb: Enable or disable Do Not Disturb mode.
Mobile data: Turn mobile data on or off (if your phone supports it).
Airplane mode: Toggle airplane mode on or off.
Battery saver: Switch battery saver on or off.

These toggles are found in the Phone Link settings page, usually under a “Phone” or “Settings” section. The exact list can vary by phone model and Windows version, but these are the most common ones.

How to Access Phone Settings from Your PC

To use these remote controls, you need to set up Phone Link correctly:

On your Windows PC, open the Phone Link app (it’s preinstalled on Windows 10 and 11). If you don’t have it, download it from the Microsoft Store.
On your Android phone, install the Link to Windows app from the Google Play Store.
Open Link to Windows and scan the QR code shown in Phone Link, or sign in with the same Microsoft account on both devices.
Follow the prompts to grant permissions: notifications, contacts, phone calls, and SMS.
Once connected, go to the Settings icon (gear) in Phone Link. Look for a section named “Phone” or “Device settings.”
You should see the toggles for Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, etc. Flip them, and the change happens on your phone.

If you don’t see these toggles, your phone model may not support remote settings, or you might need to update the Link to Windows app.

Why Only Some Settings Are Available

Microsoft designed Phone Link to work with Android phones, and the remote settings feature relies on a specific service built into the Link to Windows app. This service can only control system-level toggles that the Android operating system exposes to third-party apps. That’s why you can’t change things like screen brightness, volume, or individual app settings — those are not accessible through the public Android APIs that Microsoft uses.

Also, the feature is not available on all Android devices. Some manufacturers (like Samsung and Honor) have deeper integration, while others may not support the remote settings at all. If your phone is not on the supported list, you won’t see the toggles.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If the settings toggles are missing or don’t work, try these steps:

Update both apps: Make sure Phone Link and Link to Windows are up to date.
Check your phone model: Visit Microsoft’s official list of supported devices (search “Phone Link supported devices”). Not all Android phones qualify.
Re-pair the connection: Go to Phone Link settings and “Refresh” or “Reset” the connection. Then re-scan the QR code.
Enable the “Phone screen” feature: Some toggles only appear when screen mirroring is active. Try using the “Apps” or “Phone screen” tab first.
Restart both devices: A simple reboot often fixes sync issues.

If the toggles appear but don’t actually change the phone setting, check that your phone’s battery optimization isn’t killing the Link to Windows app in the background. Go to your phone’s battery settings and allow Link to Windows to run in the background.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Because Phone Link gives your PC control over your phone’s connectivity, it’s important to keep the connection secure:

Use a strong Microsoft account password and enable two-factor authentication.
Only connect to trusted PCs. If you use a shared computer, sign out of Phone Link when done.
Review permissions: In the Link to Windows app, you can revoke access to notifications, calls, and messages at any time.
Be careful on public Wi‑Fi: The connection between PC and phone is encrypted, but it still passes through your network. Avoid using Phone Link on open, unsecured networks if you’re handling sensitive data.

Microsoft states that the connection uses a secure channel, but you should treat it like any remote access tool.

Alternatives: Other Ways to Control Your Phone from PC

If Phone Link doesn’t meet your needs, there are other options:

Dell Mobile Connect: Similar to Phone Link, but works with Dell PCs and offers a few extra features.
Intel Unison: For Intel-based PCs, this app offers phone mirroring and file transfer.
KDE Connect: An open-source solution that works across platforms, including Linux. It lets you control media, send files, and even use your phone as a remote for presentations.
Scrcpy: A command-line tool that mirrors your Android screen and allows full control, including toggling settings, but it requires USB debugging and is more technical.

Each has its own setup requirements and feature set. Phone Link is the most integrated with Windows, but if you need deeper control, scrcpy is the most flexible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my phone’s wallpaper from my PC using Phone Link?
No. Phone Link does not offer wallpaper or display settings. You can only control the connectivity toggles listed earlier.

Does Phone Link work with iPhones?
Yes, but with very limited functionality. On iOS, Phone Link only supports phone calls and messages, not notifications or remote settings.

Why can’t I see the settings toggles on my Samsung phone?
Samsung phones generally support Phone Link well, but the toggles may be hidden if the Link to Windows app is not updated, or if the phone’s “Device and app management” permissions are restricted. Check that the app has “Modify system settings” permission.

Will using Phone Link drain my phone battery?
Yes, the constant connection can use some battery, especially if screen mirroring is active. You can reduce battery drain by turning off the “Always keep connected” option in Phone Link settings.

Can I turn off my phone’s mobile data from PC if I lose my phone?
No. Phone Link requires an active connection to your phone. If you lose the phone, you should use your carrier’s website or Google’s Find My Device to remotely lock or erase it.

Does Phone Link work over the internet, or only when both devices are on the same Wi‑Fi?
Phone Link can work over the internet as long as both devices are signed in to the same Microsoft account and have an internet connection. However, the remote settings toggles may be slower or less reliable over a cellular connection.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →