A recent update from Microsoft now allows the Phone Link app to replicate certain secure alerts from Android devices to Windows computers. This development comes after a security enhancement in Android 15 restricted the mirroring of notifications containing two-factor authentication codes, labeling them as confidential. Although not all devices benefit from this new feature, Microsoft has devised a solution enabling access to these protected alerts.

The Phone Link application simplifies interactions between Android smartphones and Windows PCs by offering features such as sound control, text message display, call initiation, photo sharing, and notification synchronization. However, Google's latest changes to Android's notification listener API have posed challenges. Specifically, notifications marked as sensitive are hidden from unauthorized services, displaying only "sensitive notification content hidden." To overcome this limitation, Microsoft introduced an update that requests explicit user permission for accessing sensitive data. If granted, this permission allows the Phone Link app to bypass restrictions and fully synchronize notifications with the connected PC.

Devices with preinstalled versions of Link to Windows benefit most from this update, as they can automatically gain the necessary permissions to handle sensitive notifications. For other users, manual steps may be required to enable full functionality. This situation highlights Microsoft's dedication to maintaining compatibility and enhancing user experience despite ongoing platform modifications. By staying proactive, Microsoft ensures that Phone Link remains a valuable tool for cross-device integration, promoting productivity and convenience while respecting privacy concerns.