Microsoft’s Phone Link app has regained the ability to mirror sensitive notifications from Android devices to Windows PCs, a feature that had been curtailed following the Android 15 update. This update, aimed at enhancing security, classified two-factor authentication codes as sensitive, thereby blocking their visibility to most notification listeners, including Phone Link.
The Phone Link app serves as a bridge between Android phones and Windows PCs, allowing users to manage sound settings, send text messages, initiate calls, access photos, and receive notifications seamlessly. To facilitate notification mirroring, Phone Link utilizes Android’s notification listener API. However, the recent security measures implemented by Google restricted the app’s access to certain notifications, particularly those deemed sensitive.
Understanding the Changes
With the introduction of Android 15, Google fortified its security protocols, marking notifications containing two-factor authentication codes as sensitive. This designation prevents untrusted notification listener services from accessing their content, replacing it with a generic message indicating that the content is hidden for security reasons. While this enhancement protects users from potential threats, it inadvertently complicates the functionality of applications like Phone Link.
Android’s policy allows only trusted notification listener services to access sensitive notifications. To be considered trusted, an app must possess the RECEIVESENSITIVENOTIFICATIONS permission, which is typically granted to apps signed by the device vendor or those that serve as default system applications. Unfortunately, Phone Link does not meet these criteria unless it is preinstalled on the device.
For users of devices where Link to Windows is preinstalled, a notification will appear in the Phone Link app, prompting them to grant permission for the app to display sensitive notifications. This notification reads: “with the latest Android updates, Phone Link requires your permission to show notifications that are hidden for your protection.”
Granting Access
Upon clicking the “setup” button, users will be directed to a dialog on their Android device, requesting permission for Link to Windows to access various types of information, including notifications. By selecting “allow,” users can enable Phone Link to receive unredacted notifications, thus restoring its full functionality.
However, this capability is limited to devices that come with Link to Windows preinstalled, such as the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. For those using devices without this preinstalled app, potential workarounds include disabling Android System Intelligence notification processing or manually granting the necessary permissions to Link to Windows.
Microsoft’s proactive approach in addressing these challenges through updates and bug fixes is commendable. As Google continues to evolve Android, Microsoft remains committed to ensuring that Phone Link adapts accordingly. While the anticipated Android 16 update is not expected to disrupt the app’s functionality, ongoing vigilance will be essential to maintain seamless integration between Android and Windows platforms.
