Add the Galaxy A13 from Phone Link → Settings → Devices → Add new device, then pair it through Samsung’s Link to Windows app using the QR code rather than waiting for it to appear automatically.
Pair the Galaxy A13
- Connect the PC and phone to the same Wi-Fi network and keep both devices nearby.
- On the Galaxy A13, open Settings → Advanced features → Link to Windows.
- If that option is unavailable, install or open Link to Windows from the Google Play Store.
- Sign in with the same personal Microsoft account used by Phone Link on the PC. Phone Link does not support work/school accounts or multiple Android profiles.^1^
- On the Windows 11 PC, open Phone Link → Settings → Devices → Add new device → Android.
- Select I have the Link to Windows app ready, then Pair with QR code.
- On the phone, select Link your phone and PC → Continue, allow camera access, and scan the QR code displayed on the PC.
- Approve the requested permissions on the phone. After setup finishes, the Galaxy A13 should appear under Phone Link → Settings → Devices.^1^
If scanning is unavailable, select Pair manually on the PC and enter the displayed code on the phone.
If the phone still does not appear
Check these items in order:
- Accounts: In Phone Link, check the signed-in Microsoft account. On the Samsung phone, open Settings → Advanced features → Link to Windows and check the account there. Both must match.^2^
- Updates:
- PC: Phone Link → Settings → About → Updates
- Phone: Link to Windows → Settings → Check for updates
- Connectivity: Keep both devices online and on the same trusted Wi-Fi network. Turn off Battery Saver temporarily during pairing.^3^
- Permissions: On the phone, open Settings → Apps → Link to Windows and allow camera, notifications, and the other requested permissions.
Remove a stale link and pair again
If the Galaxy A13 was previously connected or appears on the phone but not the PC:
- On the phone, open Link to Windows.
- Select the Microsoft account under Linked Account.
- Open Account Settings → Sign out and unlink account → Unlink.
- Return to the PC and use Phone Link → Settings → Devices → Add new device.
- Complete QR-code pairing again.^3^
If pairing still will not start, close and reopen Phone Link. As a final app-level repair, search for Phone Link from Start, right-click it, choose App settings, and select Reset; this clears Phone Link’s local app data, so the phone must be paired again.^4^
References
- Android
- Frequently asked questions about the Phone Link | Microsoft Support
- Troubleshooting the Phone Link | Microsoft Support
- Link to Windows & Phone Link are not communicating - Microsoft Q&A