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Why can’t I see my Android photos in the Phone Link app anymore?
The Shift in Photo Management
Microsoft is fundamentally changing how you access Android media on Windows 11. The dedicated “Photos” tab within the Phone Link app is being deprecated. You must now utilize File Explorer to view, manage, and transfer images from your mobile device. This transition is mandatory. While the legacy feature may still appear for some users, Microsoft has confirmed its removal to ensure platform consistency. Note that this integration strictly supports Android devices; iOS support remains unavailable for this specific feature.
Essential Configuration Steps
To ensure uninterrupted access to your media, you must verify your system settings immediately. The File Explorer integration requires specific permissions to function correctly.
- Navigate to Settings on your Windows 11 PC.
- Select Bluetooth & devices.
- Click on Mobile devices.
- Select Manage mobile devices and ensure your Android phone is toggled On.
Once active, your phone will appear in the left sidebar of File Explorer, similar to a USB drive or network location.
Operational Trade-offs and Workflow
Microsoft positions this move as a way to standardize the experience across all Android handsets, rather than limiting features to specific models. However, you should anticipate a significant shift in user experience compared to the Phone Link app.
The Advantages of the Old Phone Link
- Unified Feed: Phone Link aggregated all images (camera roll, WhatsApp, screenshots) into a single, chronological timeline.
- Speed: Images synced almost instantly with a reliable refresh function.
The Reality of File Explorer
- Folder Segregation: File Explorer treats your phone like physical storage. You must navigate specific directories (e.g., DCIM for camera, Pictures for screenshots) to locate files. There is no “recent photos” aggregate view.
- Sync Latency: Users frequently report synchronization delays. The interface may hang on “syncing” status longer than the Phone Link app did.
You should adapt your workflow to browse by folder rather than by timeline. While File Explorer offers granular control over file management, it lacks the visual simplicity of the deprecated Phone Link interface.