Do you often message links or notes to yourself just to get them onto your computer? Opening a chat app, pasting, and sending text every time gets tedious. What if copying something on your phone meant you could immediately press Ctrl + V on your PC to paste it?
Quick Summary
- Feature: Copy on your smartphone and immediately paste on your PC with ‘Ctrl + V’
- Requirements: Windows 10 (22H2 or later) or Windows 11 / Android 10 or later (Samsung One UI 2.1 or later)
- Setup: PC ‘Phone Link’ app → Settings → Features → Turn on ‘Cross-device copy and paste’
- Note: Must be signed into the same Microsoft account / iPhone (iOS) clipboard sharing is not officially supported
How Cross-Device Copy and Paste Works Without Messaging Apps
Clipboard sharing between your PC and smartphone works through Windows’ built-in Phone Link app. Your smartphone needs the Link to Windows feature built in or installed.
When enabled, text or images copied on your phone transfer instantly to your PC over the network. It works just like sharing a single real-time clipboard between both devices on your desk.
Data syncs over Wi-Fi or mobile data regardless of Bluetooth status, completely eliminating the need to send notes through chat apps.
System Requirements and Supported Devices
To use real-time clipboard sharing, both your PC and mobile device must meet specific OS and manufacturer requirements. Here are the system requirements:
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| PC OS | Windows 10 (22H2 or later / including Oct 2022 update), Windows 11 |
| Smartphone OS | Android 10 or later (Samsung One UI 2.1 or later) |
| Supported Brands | Samsung, Surface Duo, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo, Xiaomi |
| Account Requirement | Both devices signed in to the same Microsoft account |
One important note: While iPhones (iOS) support calls and messages via the Phone Link app, cross-device copy and paste is not officially supported on iOS.
How to Enable Cross-Device Copy and Paste in 1 Minute
If both devices are signed in with the same Microsoft account, you only need to turn on a single toggle in your PC settings.
- In Phone Link app: Open
Phone Linkon your PC → ClickSettings(gear icon) in the top right → Go toFeatures→ Turn on ‘Cross-device copy and paste’ (Allow this app to copy and paste content between my devices). - In Windows Settings: Go to Windows
Settings→Bluetooth & devices→Mobile devices→ Manage mobile devices → Turn onCross-device copy and paste.
By default, both devices should be on the same Wi-Fi network. However, turning on ‘Use mobile data’ in your phone’s Link to Windows settings lets you copy and paste freely even when away from home.
Similar Settings to Avoid and Troubleshooting Tips
A few Windows and Samsung settings have similar names, so make sure not to confuse them:
- Sync across your devices (
Windows Settings > System > Clipboard): This syncs clipboard history only between Windows PCs (PC ↔ PC), not with your phone. - Continue apps on other devices (
Samsung Settings > Connected devices): This is a Samsung-exclusive feature that works across Galaxy phones, tablets, and Galaxy Books using a Samsung account.
In recent Windows 11 updates, the cross-device copy and paste toggle moved into the ‘Mobile devices’ section. If clipboard sharing stops syncing or drops connection, check your device connection settings again in Phone Link.
Open Phone Link on your PC and toggle on cross-device copy and paste today. You will never have to message links to yourself again.