Microsoft’s Phone Link application has issued a cautionary note for users of Android smartphones operating on the latest Android 15 version. This alert, highlighted by tech journalist Mishaal Rahman and reported by Windows Central, indicates that certain notifications deemed “sensitive” will not be displayed on connected PCs.
Privacy vs. Convenience
This development stems from a new privacy feature in Android 15, which automatically classifies notifications—such as those containing two-factor authentication (2FA) codes—as sensitive. Consequently, third-party applications like Phone Link are restricted from accessing these notifications. While this enhancement bolsters user privacy, especially against potentially malicious applications, it poses a challenge for those who regularly depend on viewing 2FA codes on their computers through Phone Link.
Screenshot: Windows Phone Link warning
According to Rahman, Windows users should still be able to view sensitive notifications from Android devices that come preinstalled with Phone Link and have requested a “Companion Device Role.” This functionality is confirmed for Samsung devices running One UI 6.1.1, but does not extend to other Android models, such as Google Pixel or Nothing Phones, as noted by Windows Central.
In a previous update, Rahman suggested a workaround for users seeking to bypass the notification restrictions by disabling the “Enhanced Notifications” option within Android 15’s settings. However, this adjustment also disables features like reply suggestions and could inadvertently expose users to risks from malicious apps that might exploit access to all notifications.
