The basic way to answer a call in Phone Link

When someone calls your Phone Link number, your computer or phone will show an incoming call notification. A window or banner appears on your screen with the caller's number (or name, if they are in your contacts). To answer, click the green phone icon or the "Answer" button in that notification. The call then connects and you can speak normally through your device's microphone and speakers.

If you do not answer within a few seconds, the call goes to voicemail if you have set one up. You can also decline a call by clicking the red phone icon or "Decline" button, which sends the caller to voicemail immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • An incoming call shows a notification window on your screen with the caller's number or name and green and red buttons to answer or decline.
  • Click the green "Answer" button to connect the call; click the red button to send it to voicemail.
  • Your microphone and speakers must be working and unmuted for the other person to hear you and for you to hear them.
  • You can mute your microphone, put the call on speaker, or transfer it to another device during an active call.

Making sure your microphone and speakers are ready

Before you answer a call, check that your device's microphone and speakers are not muted. On Windows, look at the taskbar at the bottom right of your screen. If you see a microphone icon with a line through it, your mic is muted—click it to turn it back on. The same applies to speaker volume: if the speaker icon shows a line through it, click it to unmute.

On a Mac, go to System Settings, then Sound, and check that your input device (microphone) and output device (speakers) are set to the correct hardware. If you are using external speakers or a headset, make sure it is plugged in or paired via Bluetooth before the call arrives.

Test your audio before an important call by opening Phone Link settings and selecting "Audio devices." Speak into your microphone and listen to the playback to confirm both are working.

Answering on a different device if you have Phone Link on multiple machines

If you have Phone Link installed on both your computer and your phone, an incoming call rings on both devices at the same time. You can answer on whichever one is most convenient. Once you answer on one device, the call stops ringing on the other.

If you answer on your phone but want to switch to your computer mid-call, most devices let you transfer the call. The exact steps depend on your phone model and operating system, but generally you can tap a "Switch" or "Transfer" option in the call screen. Check your device's Phone Link documentation for the specific button location.

Controlling the call once you have answered

After you answer, a call control panel appears on your screen. You can mute your microphone by clicking the microphone icon (useful if you need to cough, speak to someone else, or take a moment without the caller hearing). You can switch to speaker mode by clicking the speaker icon, which is helpful if you need both hands free or want others in the room to hear the conversation.

Most call screens also show a keypad icon. Click it if you need to enter numbers during the call—for example, when an automated system asks you to press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish. The numbers you press are sent to the other end just as they would be on a regular phone.

What to do if the notification does not appear

Sometimes an incoming call does not show a notification on your screen. This usually means Phone Link is not running in the background or your notification settings are turned off. Open Phone Link on your computer and make sure it is signed in with your Microsoft account. Then go to Windows Settings, select System, then Notifications, and scroll down to find Phone Link. Make sure notifications are turned on for that app.

If calls still do not appear, restart Phone Link completely. Close the app, wait a few seconds, and open it again. If the problem continues, check that your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, or that Bluetooth is enabled if that is how your devices are paired.

Answering calls when your computer is locked

Phone Link can show incoming call notifications even when your computer screen is locked. The notification appears on top of the lock screen, and you can click "Answer" without unlocking your computer. This is useful if you are away from your desk or your screen has gone to sleep.

However, if you want to decline a call or let it go to voicemail without waking your computer, you can do that from your phone instead. The call rings on both devices, so you have the option to answer from whichever is closest or most convenient at that moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I answer a call on my phone instead of my computer?

Yes. If Phone Link is set up on both devices, the call rings on both. You can answer on your phone, and the ringing stops on your computer. You can also transfer the call between devices during the conversation if you need to switch.

What happens if I do not answer within a few seconds?

The call goes to voicemail if you have set one up in Phone Link settings. The caller hears your voicemail greeting and can leave a message. You can listen to voicemails in the Phone Link app under the Calls or Voicemail section.

Can I answer a call if my computer is in sleep mode?

The notification may not wake your computer automatically, depending on your power settings. However, you can answer the call from your phone instead. To ensure your computer wakes for calls, go to Windows Settings, System, Power, and turn on "Allow wake timers."

What if the caller's name does not show up, only their number?

Phone Link displays the caller's name only if they are saved in your contacts. If the number is not in your phone's contact list, you see only the number. You can add them to your contacts after the call ends if you want their name to appear on future calls.

Can I answer a call while I am using another app?

Yes. The call notification appears on top of whatever you are doing. Click "Answer" and the call connects. You can keep using your other app, or switch to the Phone Link window to see call controls. The call continues in the background if you switch away.