If you work long hours in front of a computer, you know how uncomfortable it is to be looking at his phone every other minute to check who has messaged you on WhatsApp, if an email has arrived, or if someone is calling you. The good news is that nowadays you can Receive your mobile notifications on your PC or tablet easily...and even answer messages, manage calls, and use your favorite apps without touching your phone.
In this article you will find a complete and very detailed guide With all the ways to view and manage your mobile notifications from other devices: from the official Microsoft tool for Windows, to apps like Pushbullet or AirDroid, including solutions for iPhone, Mac and even to monitor your children's mobile if you are a parent and want to be aware of what is happening on their device.
View mobile notifications on Windows with Mobile Link / Phone Link
Microsoft has made a strong commitment to integrating mobile with PC, and has done so with two applications that work together: Mobile Link (Phone Link) on the PC y Link to Windows on your Android phoneOn many computers with Windows 10 and Windows 11, the app comes pre-installed; if you can't find it, you can download it from the Microsoft Store by searching for "Mobile Link" or "Phone Link".
What can you do with Mobile Link?
With this official Microsoft solution you can integrate virtually everything important from your mobile device into your PCIts main functions include:
- View and manage notifications from your Android mobile directly to the computer screen.
- Read and reply to SMS from the PC using the physical keyboard.
- Make and receive calls from Windows, as long as your PC has Bluetooth.
- Access recent photos from the phone to copy, edit or drag them to folders on the PC.
- Using Android mobile apps on the PC screen (on compatible Samsung, HONOR and Microsoft Duo mobiles, Summary of AI notifications in One UI), with advanced features such as drag and drop files or copy and paste between devices.
- Synchronize clipboard and drag and drop files between your mobile device and PC on compatible models.
In addition to all this, the app allows you to see the battery status, Wi-Fi and network from your mobile phone, and even activate quick options like Do Not Disturb mode, Bluetooth or sound, without needing to touch the phone.
Basic requirements for using Mobile Link
Before you start working, make sure you meet the requirements, as your success depends on them. The connection between mobile and PC is stable.:
- A PC with Windows 10 (May 2019 Update or later) or Windows 11In recent versions, Mobile Link comes pre-installed; in the May 2019 version, you will have to install it from the Microsoft Store.
- An Android mobile with Android 7.0 Nougat or higher.
- La app Connection to Windows / Link to Windows installed on the phone (on many Samsung, HONOR and Microsoft Duo phones it already comes standard in the quick access bar).
- Internet connection (Wi-Fi or data) on both devices, and it is recommended that are on the same Wi-Fi network for smooth performance.
How to set up Mobile Link with an Android phone
The initial pairing only needs to be done once, but it's important to follow it carefully so that There should be no problems with permissions or notifications.You'll see that the process is quite guided.
Step 1: Configure the app on your PC
On your Windows 10 or 11 computer, search for the application "Mobile Link" or "Phone Link" from the Home menuIt may also appear as "Your Phone" in slightly older versions, although the modern name is Mobile Link.
The first time you open it, the app may ask you to Update it from the Microsoft StoreDo so if prompted; you'll have access to all the latest features, including notification and audio controls. After updating, you'll see a... Welcome screen explaining what you can doPress the "Introduction" button or similar to continue.
Next, the application will ask you to Sign in with your Microsoft accountIt's important to use the same account on both your PC and the mobile app. Enter your email and password, or use the sign-in method you normally use with Microsoft.
Step 2: Link the Android device using a QR code or SMS
Once you've logged in, you'll see a screen for pair the phoneDepending on the app version, there are two common paths:
- Link via QR codeOn your PC, navigate to the pairing section and confirm that the Connection to Windows app is ready on your mobile device. Click "Sync with QR code" to display a large code on your monitor. On your mobile device, open Connection to Windows, select "Link phone and PC," then "Continue," and scan the code with your camera. Accept any permissions that appear, and in a few seconds, the connection will be established. The mobile phone and the computer will be linked.
- Link via SMS (Classic Your Phone mode): On the PC, the app may ask you to Write your phone number to send you an SMS. That message includes a link to download the "Your Phone Companion" app or the modern version of Connection to Windows. When you receive the SMS on your mobile phone, open the link, install the app, and follow the on-screen instructions.
In both cases, the goal is to have the Microsoft app installed and paired on Android with the same Microsoft account you used on your PC.
Step 3: Grant permissions on the mobile device
When you first launch the app on your phone, a wizard will appear indicating that it needs several permits to operateAccess to photos, SMS, contacts, call history, microphone, etc. Tap "Continue" and grant each permission one by one by tapping "Allow" in each pop-up window.
These permissions are what make it possible for the PC to View your images, manage SMS messages, show calls, and read notifications.Without them, many of Mobile Link's interesting features will not be available, so it's worth reviewing them carefully.
View and manage Android notifications on your PC
Once the mobile phone and PC are linked, the key part arrives: Enable notifications so that everything that arrives on your phone is also seen on Windows.That way you won't have to pick up your phone from your desk every time it rings.
Step 1: Activate notifications in Mobile Link (PC)
On your computer, open Mobile Link and in the left sidebar Click on the bell icon or the "Notifications" tabThe first time, the app will most likely tell you that you need to grant notification access permission on your Android device.
On that screen you will see a button or link like this: "Introduction" or "Open settings on phone"Click and a notification will be sent to your mobile device so you can complete the process from there.
Step 2: Granting notification access permission on Android
On your Android phone, tapping the notification sent by your PC will directly open the notification access settings. If it doesn't open automatically, you can go there manually. Settings > Apps & notifications > Notifications > Notification access (The exact route may vary depending on the brand.)
Within that section, look for the Microsoft app you're using, normally "Connect to Windows", "Link to Windows" or "Your Phone Companion"Activate the checkbox or switch to grant access (if notifications are not received, see How to fix why you're not receiving notifications on AndroidYou will see a notification indicating that the app can see notifications received on the device; confirm by tapping "Allow" or similar.
From that moment on, the Microsoft app will be able to Read and replicate on your PC all the notifications you receive on your mobile phoneWhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, emails, reminders, missed calls, etc.
Step 3: Adjust how notifications are displayed in Windows
Back on your PC, within Mobile Link you can access Settings > Features > Notifications to customize the behavior. There you can:
- Activate or deactivate completely the phone's notification function.
- Choose if you want that are displayed as system banners in Windows or only within the app.
- Filter which Android apps can appear on the PC and which cannot, so that Avoid the noise from unimportant applications.
In previous versions (the old Your Phone app) there is an option called "Display in the Your Phone app", which must be enabled for you to see notifications, and another one for "Show notification banners" if you want balloons to pop up in the corner of Windows when you get something new.
In many cases you will be able to Dismiss notifications from the PC and that they also disappear from the mobile phone, and even reply directly to some messages (for example, SMS and certain chats like WhatsApp) from the Mobile Link interface itself.
Control mobile audio playback from your PC
In addition to notifications, Microsoft has added a very practical feature: audio controls in Mobile LinkThis allows you to control what's playing on your Android device from your computer, without having to lift your phone from the desk.
To use it, you need a version of Mobile Link. 1.20041.75.0 or later on your PC and make sure the Windows Connection app on your phone is up to date. It's worth checking for updates once a day, as Microsoft is constantly adding improvements.
Activate audio controls
On your Android phone, make sure the music or podcast app you want to control has notifications activatedGo to Settings > Notifications, find that app (Spotify, YouTube Music, etc.) and enable the option. «Show notifications»This is necessary because Mobile Link relies on playback notifications to display buttons on the PC.
On your PC, open the Mobile Link app and go to Settings> PersonalizationThere you'll find a switch that says something like "Show audio currently playing from my phone." Turn it on. From then on, when you start playing music, podcasts, or any audio on your Android device, you'll see a... mini player in the Mobile Link menu area.
From that player you can use the buttons to Previous, Play/Pause, and NextIn addition to switching between multiple audio sources if you have several apps playing at different times, you can use a dropdown menu to select the one you want to control in each case.
Using Mobile Link with iPhone: Basic notifications on Windows
The integration with iPhone has more limitations than with AndroidHowever, it's also possible to view iPhone notifications on your PC using Mobile Link. The process is similar, although permissions are granted via Bluetooth and through iOS settings.
Configure iPhone notifications on your PC
On your Windows computer, open Mobile Link and go to the section of NotificationsTap "Get Started" and follow the prompts to pair your iPhone. The process involves pairing your phone using Bluetooth with your PC, so that system notifications can be shared.
Once the pairing process is underway, the assistant will ask you to Allow iPhone permissionsThis is basically so that Windows can receive notifications from the phone. You can also review these options later in the Mobile Link settings panel.
Granting permissions on iPhone
On iPhone, go to Settings> Bluetooth Then find your PC's name in the list of linked devices. Tap on it and enable the option to "Share system notifications"By doing so, you will be allowing Windows to receive notifications sent to iOS.
Once this is done, Mobile Link will be able to Show and dismiss certain iPhone notifications on your PCIt's not as complete as on Android (you won't have the same level of interaction), but it's enough to find out from your computer what's happening on your mobile without having to hold it all the time.
Manage calls and SMS from Windows
One of the advantages of having your mobile phone connected to your PC is being able to Make and receive calls and SMS messages without touching the phone.With Mobile Link, this is possible especially on Android, where the integration is deeper.
Activate calls on Mobile Link
On your PC, open the tab "Calls" within Mobile Link and tap "Get Started". The wizard will guide you to Pair your mobile phone and computer via BluetoothA notification will appear on the phone to make the device discoverable and allow the connection.
Confirm the Bluetooth pairing code on both devices and activate the option to "Allow access to your contacts and call history" (If you have problems, consult) How to fix Bluetooth problems on Xiaomi phonesThis is what will allow you to see who is calling you in Windows, view your recent call log, and select contacts to call directly from your PC.
After this step, Mobile Link can request an additional permission to display recent callsWhen you tap "Send permission" on your PC, you'll see another notification on your Android device that will take you to the app's settings, where you'll need to enable that extra permission. Once you've done that, you'll be able to... View and make calls from your computer with the audio passing through the PC's speaker and microphone.
Third-party apps to receive mobile notifications on PC and tablet
In addition to official Microsoft solutions, there are several third-party applications that allow Sync notifications, messages, files, and more between your mobile phone and other devices. They are very useful if you don't want to rely solely on Mobile Link or if you work with other operating systems like Linux or macOS.
Pushbullet: notifications, files, and cross-device links
Pushbullet is one of the veterans and best-known. It was created to send content between mobile phones and PCs, but it has become a A very complete platform for keeping your devices synchronized. Its main functions include:
- Display mobile notifications on your PCSMS, WhatsApp messages, incoming calls, app notifications, etc.
- Sending and receiving files and links between devices, ideal for transferring documents, screenshots or URLs without using email.
- Browser extensions such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera to share content directly from the web.
With Pushbullet you can work comfortably with a single workspaceYou type on your computer, receive mobile notifications in a corner, answer quick messages from the physical keyboard, and continue with what you were doing without constant interruptions.
AirDroid: almost total control of Android from your computer
AirDroid is another very popular solution for Connect your Android mobile to your PC or MacIn addition to displaying notifications, it allows:
- Send and receive files no wires between the phone and the computer.
- Read and send SMS from the desktop.
- Manage notifications of apps, including messages and calls.
- With the additional AirMirror app, remotely control the mobile phone screen from the PC, as if the phone were "inside" the computer screen.
AirDroid is compatible with Android, but it also has a client for Windows and macOSand even allows access from the web. It's especially useful if you want more than just to see notifications and need interact thoroughly with the mobile phone from distance.
MightyText: focused on SMS and notifications
MightyText started as an app designed for Send and receive SMS messages from your computer It uses your mobile connection, but over time it has added other features. Today it allows you to:
- Manage all your SMS messages from the browser or from a desktop app.
- View call and message notifications that arrive on the phone.
- Receive notifications about the battery level of your mobile phone so you don't run out of battery unexpectedly.
- Send images or links to the phone from the PC.
It's a good tool if your priority is Keep SMS messages and basic notifications under control. and you want to keep your message history organized while you work on your computer.
Other interesting tools: LinConnect, Desktop Notifications, Pushline, Notifications+
If you're looking for something more specific, there are less well-known solutions but very useful:
- LinConnectDesigned for Linux users, it allows Receive Android notifications on your desktopAlthough the installation process is a bit more technical, it allows Android and Linux to coexist without compatibility issues and works with virtually any app.
- Desktop notificationsAs its name suggests, it focuses on display mobile notifications on the PC screenWith a simple interface, it uses extensions for Chrome and Firefox and opens a dedicated channel between devices to send information, including tablets.
- Pushline: It allows View and manage notifications, answer or reject calls, read and write SMS and messages...and even silence your phone from your PC. It requires no registration and emphasizes security, making it ideal for those who want something quick and easy.
- Notifications+It has a somewhat more professional approach. It allows Receive notifications from multiple Android phones on a single computerVery useful for work teams or people who use more than one phone. It includes privacy features like "work mode," where you see that there's a notification but Its content is not displayed on the screen, maintaining discretion.
Sync notifications between mobile devices and computers (Android, iOS, Windows and Mac)
In many cases you not only want to see mobile notifications on your PC, but also synchronize alerts between multiple phones or between mobile and other systemsThis is especially useful for parents who want to keep track of what's happening on their children's mobile phones, or for those who use both a personal and a work mobile phone.
Sync notifications between iOS devices
In the Apple ecosystem, iPhone and iPad are designed to work very closely together through Apple IDBy using the same iCloud account on both devices, many notifications from Apple apps (Mail, Messages, Calendar, Reminders, etc.) are automatically synced.
For this to work properly, check on both devices that you have logged in with the same Apple ID and that the apps you're interested in have iCloud syncing enabled. Also, make sure that Notifications must be enabled in Settings > Notifications on both the iPhone and the iPad.
Sync notifications between Android, or from Android to iPhone
Unlike iOS, Android does not include a built-in way to Sync notifications between two Android phones using only the same Google account. Even if you have the same account on both phones, that doesn't make notifications from one phone appear on the other.
If you need to see on your personal mobile what arrives on your children's mobile, or share notifications between two phones, you will have to use third-party control and monitoring applicationsOne example is AirDroid Parental Control, which allows parents Receive notifications on your Android or iPhone that arrive on your children's Android deviceMessages, activities, app notifications, etc.
These parental control tools typically include features such as Monitor phone usage, check which apps are being used, and receive specific alerts. and more. It is always advisable to use them responsibly and transparently, informing minors and respecting their privacy within reason.
Sync phone notifications with Windows, Mac, and other systems
In addition to what we've seen with Mobile Link, there are other ways to Bring mobile notifications to your desktop:
- Android or iPhone to Windows PCMicrosoft Phone Link (Mobile Link / Your Phone) is the most comprehensive option, as it integrates notifications, messages, calls, photos, and apps. Following the setup steps we've outlined, you can have it up and running in just a few minutes.
- iPhone to MacUsing iCloud, many notifications from Apple's native apps are synced between iPhone and Mac whenever use the same Apple ID on bothSimply activate the corresponding apps in iCloud and have notifications enabled in macOS.
- Android to MacOne commonly used option is PushbulletIt works on Mac through browser extensions or a desktop client. You'll see Android notifications on your Mac, be able to reply to some messages, view incoming calls, and manage alerts, all without looking at your phone.
Privacy, noise management, and problem solving
When you start to replicate notifications across multiple devicesThere are two key aspects you shouldn't overlook: privacy and the potential flood of duplicate notifications if you don't configure it properly.
Protect your privacy when sharing notifications
Whether you use Mobile Link, Pushbullet, or parental control tools, it is essential that double-check the permissions you grantApps should only have access to what is strictly necessary: ​​notifications, SMS, calls, etc. Avoid giving redundant permissions to multiple apps that do the same thing, because This increases the risk of information leaks and duplicate alerts. (consult Mobile phone hacking: common methods to know what risks exist and how to detect them).
If you're going to use apps to monitor your children's mobile phones, remember that privacy is still important: Explain what will be monitored and why.It limits access to what is necessary and protects all devices with passwords, PINs, Face ID, or biometric systems so that no unauthorized person can see other people's notifications.
Control the chaos of synchronized notifications
When you sync your mobile, PC, tablet, and maybe another phone, it's easy to end up receiving the same warning three or four timesTo avoid this chaos:
- Check in each sync app (Mobile Link, Pushbullet, etc.) which notification sources you have enabled.
- Disable duplicate functions if you use two sync apps for the same thing.
- Take advantage of modes like the Notifications+ "work mode"which shows that there is a notification but hides its content, ideal for screen sharing or meetings, or use tools to Block notifications with Game Launcher.
If you see repeated or duplicate notifications, check that You are not using multiple synchronization tools at the same time for the same purpose. In many cases, it is enough to leave only one active.
Common errors when syncing notifications and how to fix them
If something isn't working properly, it's usually due to connection or permission issues. Here are some points to check when... Notifications either don't arrive or arrive late are:
- Make sure that All devices have an internet connection stable (Wi-Fi or data).
- Check that you have logged in with the same account (Microsoft, Google, Apple, etc.) on the devices that need to be synchronized.
- Update your devices' operating system and sync apps to their latest version. latest version available.
- Check that the apps you want to receive notifications from have push notifications enabled On your mobile (if you use Xiaomi and are having problems with WhatsApp, check the article about WhatsApp notifications are not sounding on Xiaomi.).
- If you're getting duplicate notifications, disable any third-party sync apps if you're already using the official one.
With a good combination of official tools such as Mobile Link / Phone Link and third-party applications such as Pushbullet, AirDroid, MightyText or Notifications+It is possible to build a work environment where you can view and manage your mobile notifications on your PC or tablet very conveniently, maintaining control over your time and privacy and avoiding having all your devices on the table at the same time. Share this guide and more people will know how to receive their mobile notifications on a PC or tablet.