If your Realme 16 refuses to connect to your Windows PC, you cannot sync notifications, messages, or photos. That breaks the whole purpose of Link to Windows. The issue is usually caused by connection settings, account mismatches, or background restrictions, and you can fix it in a few minutes.
Why Your Realme 16 Link to Windows Is Not Working
- The phone and PC are not signed into the same Microsoft account.
- Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is turned off on one of the devices.
- Link to Windows app permissions are restricted.
- Battery optimization is limiting background activity.
- The PC’s Phone Link app is outdated.
Check If Both Devices Use the Same Microsoft Account
Link to Windows will not work if your phone and PC use different accounts. They must be signed into the same Microsoft account for syncing to function properly.
On your Realme 16, open Settings, and then tap Connected devices.
Tap Link to Windows, and then confirm the signed-in Microsoft account.
On your PC, open the Phone Link app, and then verify the same account is logged in.
Make Sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Are Enabled
Link to Windows depends on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for pairing and syncing. If either one is off, the connection may fail or disconnect frequently.
On your Realme 16, swipe down to open Quick Settings, and then enable Wi-Fi.
Tap Bluetooth, and then make sure it is turned on.
On your PC, open Settings, and then check that Bluetooth is enabled.
Restart Both Devices
Temporary communication errors can prevent the phone and PC from recognizing each other. A quick restart refreshes the connection modules.
On your Realme 16, press and hold the Power button, and then tap Restart.
On your PC, click Start, and then select Restart.
After both devices reboot, open Link to Windows again and try reconnecting.
Allow All Required Permissions
If Link to Windows lacks permissions, it cannot sync calls, messages, or notifications. Granting full access ensures the app runs properly in the background.
Open Settings on your Realme 16, and then tap Apps.
Tap Link to Windows, and then select Permissions.
Allow access to Notifications, Contacts, and Phone.
Disable Battery Optimization for Link to Windows
Battery saving features can silently restrict background apps. This often causes Link to Windows to disconnect after a few minutes.
Open Settings, and then tap Battery.
Tap App battery management, and then find Link to Windows.
Select Allow background activity, and then disable any battery restrictions.
Update the Phone Link App on Windows
Outdated versions of the Phone Link app can cause pairing errors. Keeping it updated ensures compatibility with your Realme 16.
On your PC, open the Microsoft Store, and then search for Phone Link.
Click Update if available, and then relaunch the app.
Try reconnecting your phone afterward.
Most Link to Windows problems come down to account mismatches or background restrictions. Once both devices share the same account and permissions are properly enabled, the connection should remain stable.
FAQs
Why does Link to Windows keep disconnecting on my Realme 16?
This usually happens when battery optimization restricts the app or when Wi-Fi signals are unstable. Disabling background restrictions often fixes the issue.
Do I need Bluetooth for Link to Windows to work?
Yes. Bluetooth is required for initial pairing and certain features, even though data syncing mainly uses Wi-Fi.
Can I use Link to Windows without a Microsoft account?
No. A Microsoft account is required to connect your Realme 16 to the Phone Link app on Windows.
