How to connect iPhone to a Windows laptop

If you are an iPhone user trying to figure out ways to manage your calls or texts or transfer files to your Windows laptop, we have got you. Whether you wish to back up your favourite memories from your last vacation or manage your iMessage on a big screen, you can do them all with a few steps.  

Wondering how to connect your iPhone to a Windows laptop? Let’s check out the different ways. 

Connecting iPhone to Windows laptop using charging cable

You can transfer files including pictures, videos, and apps from your iPhone to your laptop and vice versa using your iPhone charging cable. To do that, you need a laptop with USB-A port or USB-C port and an operating system of Windows 7 or later. 

iPhone 15 series users can connect their phone directly to a Windows laptop with their USB-C to USB-C charging port. On the other hand, if you are using an iPhone 14 series or older, you need to have a Type-A to Lightning Cable separately for connecting your mobile to a laptop. 

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Once you connect the two devices, a “Trust This Computer” pop-up will appear on your iPhone screen. Once you select the Trust option, your iPhone is now connected to your computer. You can open and navigate iTunes from your laptop now to transfer photos, videos, and music. You can even back up and update your iPhone. 

Connecting iPhone to Windows laptop using Phone Link

If you want to opt for the wireless method, you need to have a laptop with Windows 11 and an iPhone with iOS 14 or later. On your laptop, look for the Microsoft Phone Link app. With this app, you can manage your iMessage, calls, and notifications without accessing your phone. Usually, it comes preinstalled, but in case you cannot find it, here’s the link to the Phone Link app for Windows. Once you enter this app, you will find an option to select your device under the “Ready to link another device” banner. Tap on the iPhone option, and a QR will appear on the screen. 

Now, download the Link to Windows app on your iPhone from the App Store. Once you launch the app and enter, you will find a Scan QR Code option. Click on it and scan the QR code on your computer. You will get a Bluetooth pairing request on your iPhone. Tap on Pair, and you will get a contact and notifications access request. Select Allow, and this will sync your contacts, calls, and iMessage. Click on Continue, and you are done.  

With these few simple steps, you can connect your iPhone to your Windows computer.