Apple is not famous for being nice to others. While its product ecosystem works perfectly, integrations with external devices are not the best. This can be a drawback if the iPhone is your daily driver, but you don’t want to switch from a Windows PC to a Mac.
By default, you can’t receive iPhone messages on a Windows PC. The good news is that there are some effective ways to fix this problem.
1. WhatsApp web/app for Windows
This method comes as close to the iPhone-Mac messaging integration as possible. That is, as long as you’re willing to settle for WhatsApp messages without SMS.
This is what you have to do.
- Gonna WhatsAppon the website on your PC and click whatsappweb in the top menu. The web app will launch immediately and show you a QR code.
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and tap the gear icon in the bottom right corner.
- Gonna Linked devices > Pair a device. When prompted to use Face ID/Touch IDtap OK.
- Point the camera at the QR code on your PC.
Your iPhone and PC will sync all WhatsApp messages, so you’ll see them immediately.
You can also download the WhatsApp app for Windows from the website. Gonna Dischargeand you will see the download button on the right. Once installed, the app will allow you to link accounts in the same way as explained above.
2. Email messages
Your iPhone enables email conversations through the Messages app. However, you can only export them one at a time. While it may not be the most convenient method, it can still be useful if you have specific conversations or messages that you would like to see on your PC.
You can send messages to each other by email by following these steps.
- Open Messages.
- Choose the conversation you want to send.
- Press and hold any of the messages in the conversation.
- Tap Furtherand tap the forward arrow button in the bottom right corner.
- Type your email address and tap the submit button.
Please note that this will only allow you to see the messages you have selected. You will not receive new messages from the conversation sent to you by email.
3. Chrome Remote Desktop
If you already have a Mac but also want to access your messages on a PC, there is a way to connect them. All you need is a simple Google Chrome Remote Desktop extension. Here’s how to install it.
- Open Google Chrome on your Windows device.
- Go to the Chrome Web Store and search Chrome Remote Desktop.
- When you find it, click Add to Chrome > Add extension.
- Repeat the above process on your Mac.
- On your Mac, click Remote Desktop icon in the upper right corner.
- Low Set up remote accessclick the blue download icon.
- Return to the Remote Desktop main menu and click Light. You will receive a code that you will enter into your PC.
- Open Remote Desktop on your PC and click Remote support. Enter the access code and click Connect.
Your PC and Mac will now be connected via Remote Desktop. When you receive a message on your iPhone, it will automatically appear on your Mac as usual, but now you’ll also see it on your PC.
4. Third party applications
There are many third-party applications that will allow you to connect your iPhone and your PC. Cydia is among the most popular options, although you will have to pay to receive messages on your PC. If you think it’s worth the investment, here’s how to use the feature. (Please note that you should use this method as a last resort. It will jailbreak your iPhone, voiding your warranty and exposing you to potential bugs or other problems.)
- Go to the CydiaFree website using the Safari browser on your iPhone.
- Tap Download Cydia. The website will automatically check if your iPhone is compatible with the app.
- Tap Install Cydiaand install the application.
- Open Cydia, then go to Settings > General.
- Create a new profile and log in.
- Open any browser on your PC and log in to the Cydia website.
- Enter your IP address and click Allow.
Connect your devices
Hopefully, this article helped you connect your iPhone and PC so that you can receive messages without having your phone with you at all times. While these methods may involve some effort, they will streamline your communication.
Have you found other methods to receive iPhone messages on your PC? Feel free to share them in the comments p below.
