Microsoft Phone Link Reintroduces Secure Notification Mirroring for Certain Devices Only

Microsoft’s Phone Link app provides a practical solution for managing your Android phone directly from a Windows PC. This functionality includes handling notifications, making calls, and transferring files, allowing users to stay focused while remaining informed. However, the introduction of Android 15 brought a new privacy feature that limits the visibility of sensitive notification content, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, on connected devices, hindering Phone Link’s ability to mirror all notifications effectively.

A recent update to Phone Link has addressed this issue for users with the “Link to Windows” service pre-installed on their Android devices. To restore full notification mirroring, these users will need to grant permission one time. For others, manual adjustment of notification settings may be necessary.

For those of us who work on desktop PCs and prefer to keep our smartphones out of sight to minimize distractions, linking our devices can be valuable. While I keep my phone tucked away during work hours, I still want to be informed about important calls and notifications. Microsoft’s Link to Windows serves as the ideal compromise between avoiding distractions and staying updated.

Although it may not be as robust as Apple’s offerings, Phone Link is still a solid option. The application enables users to manage notifications, engage Do Not Disturb (DND) mode, transfer files, and monitor battery percentages. However, with Android 15’s privacy changes, sensitive notifications now appear obscured on untrusted devices.

As noted by Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority, the notification listeners depend on a unique permission that is typically reserved for trusted apps. Microsoft’s Link to Windows may not be recognized as a trusted source by Android by default. If Link to Windows is pre-installed on your device, you’re in luck.

Devices like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra can fully utilize Phone Link features, enabling access to all notifications, including sensitive ones. If your device doesn’t have this app pre-installed, consider turning off Enhanced Notifications in your settings. However, keep in mind that this may disable suggested actions and replies as well.