How to Mirror Your Samsung Phone's Screen on Windows.
The screen of your phone on your Windows computer.
For Windows and Android users who have been longing for the iPhone's screen mirroring features on macOS, there is a similar feature that can be used, albeit with some limitations. The good news is that it is a free tool integrated into Windows 11, with no need for additional downloads. It is part of Phone Link, Microsoft’s app for syncing calls, photos, and contacts between your phone and the desktop operating system.
However, there is a downside: while many Phone Link functionalities, such as viewing messages or making calls, are compatible with any Android phone or iPhone, app mirroring in Windows is only compatible with a limited number of devices. Most recent Samsung Galaxy phones are supported, as well as certain models from OnePlus and Asus. Although a complete list is available, support is continuously expanding. If your current Android phone is not compatible, it is worth checking periodically to see if support for new devices has been added.
The advantages of this functionality are comparable to those of the iPhone: it allows you to use apps on a larger screen, using a mouse (or trackpad) and keyboard. If you're into gaming, photo editing, or extensive writing, this can make a significant difference.
If this feature is compatible with your phone, the steps to set it up are outlined below. These instructions are based on Windows 11 and a Galaxy S25 Ultra with One UI 7.0, although the process is similar for other devices.
First, you need to establish the Phone Link connection. This program comes pre-installed on Windows, and you can find it in the Start menu or search for it from the taskbar. When you open the app, you will be prompted to select your mobile device; choose the Android option.
Next, use your Android device's camera to scan the QR code that appears on Windows. This will open the Phone Link app on your phone (or prompt you to install it if it is not available). Once in the app, select “Sign In” and access it with the same Microsoft account you use on your PC. Alternatively, you may receive a code from your computer that you need to enter in the mobile app.
You will be asked for several permissions, such as allowing Link to Windows to send and view SMS messages, make and manage calls, access your contacts and call logs, take photos and record videos, access photos and videos on your device, receive notifications, and allow the app to run in the background. These permissions can be modified in the app's settings.
Once these steps are completed, you will be on the main Phone Link interface in Windows. As long as the Phone Link app is on your Android device, the connection will be established automatically. In the Phone Link app on Windows, you will see details of the connected phone in the upper-left corner. You can use the tabs at the top of the interface to access information and data from your phone: Messages, Photos, Apps, and Calls.
To run Android apps from your phone, go to the Apps tab in Phone Link on Windows. Here, you will have two options. If you select "Open Phone Screen," you will experience true screen mirroring: every action on your computer will be reflected on your phone and vice versa. You can also choose a shortcut to an app to use it without opening it on your phone (it will continue running in the background). In this second mode, if you try to open an app on Android that is already in use by Phone Link, you will receive an alert and an option to switch to the app on your phone or continue on Windows.
Choosing screen mirroring may be more practical if you frequently switch between devices; however, it will consume more battery. If you are not using your phone at that moment, opening apps via Phone Link is generally the better option.
Interactions on Windows are quite intuitive: a click registers a single tap, a long press registers a long tap, and a click and drag allows you to select content. You can also use the right button to go back to the previous screen. If you want to toggle between horizontal and vertical modes, this will be reflected on Windows. Additionally, you can maximize the screen from the Windows application (the square button in the upper right corner).
The audio playing on your phone should come through your PC. To change this and other settings, such as clipboard use between devices and notification syncing, click on the settings icon in the upper right corner of the Phone Link app in Windows. To close an Android app on the Windows screen, you can click the X in the upper right corner.
