Android does not see the USB connection. Why doesn't the computer see the phone via USB? The computer does not see the Android phone via USB. What to do

Why doesn’t a laptop or computer running XP, windows 7, windows 8, windows 10 see via USB? xiaomi phone redmi, samsung galaxy, lg, htc, huawei, lenovo, meizu, sony xperia, asus, nokia, bq, fly, honor, alcatel one touch, mtp, dexp or mts with android 7.0, android 6.0, android 5.0, android 4.4 2 and so on.

Actually exist various ways connecting a mobile device to a computer in order to exchange files remotely, for example, via the cloud, we can also connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, an appropriate application, or do it the classic way using a USB cable.

But despite its simplicity, the last method (via USB) is sometimes the most problematic. When connecting to a computer or laptop, and more precisely the system Windows needs to find the appropriate drivers.

If they are not found, then the connected Android phone via USB will not be visible to them, but this is not the only reason. There may also be another error that is preventing the connection. Let's look at the main reasons why this happens.

NOTE: the pictures were taken on a Samsung Galaxy A3 with Android 7.0, but on others such as a5, s3, a3, s4, j1, s5, xiaomi redmi 4x, 3, mi5, 4a, and all the others, the differences are not big.

If your computer does not see photos, files, folders, music after flashing the firmware, the microsd flash drive is not visible or does not recognize it as a device, as a drive, as a modem, then the matter may be due to unsuccessful firmware, but most likely you did not enable the required protocol (how to enable more about it below).

The main reasons why a computer or laptop does not see an Android phone connected via USB and what to do

Samsung Galaxy phone, Lenovo, nokia lumia, Asus Zenfon, Meizu, Sony, Xiaomi, Huawei, Alcatel, Xiomi, Fly, Honor, Micromax, Sony Xperia, Philips, Prestige, like any other equipped USB port om may not be recognized if the device has been exposed to water, make sure the USB port is completely dry before connecting the USB cable.

For a smartphone or tablet to be visible to a computer or laptop, the device's screen must be unlocked and the USB connection must be enabled for file transfer. The connection mode is always set to charging only by default.

So that the computer can detect cell phone, select the connection mode to transfer files every time you connect the device to the PC.

Also, be sure to ensure that you are using the original USB cable specifically designed for this device and that it is properly connected to your computer.

If Windows still does not see the phone, try using another USB port on your computer, just do not use a hub or USB extension cable. Try using a different cable to make sure the one you are using is not damaged.

If your phone has a micro SD card, turn it off, remove the flash drive, and reinsert it. Restart your computer. Turn on your smartphone or tablet and connect it to your computer using a USB cable.

Is the problem still there? Try using another computer or look for a USB driver for the device you are using and look in Device Manager to see if there is a yellow sign.

If you are using Windows N or KN, download the Media Feature update package to enable file transfer. These Windows versions, do not support file transfer using MTP. For XP, you need to install the MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) protocol from the Microsoft website.

Five brief reasons why a computer / laptop does not see a smartphone / tablet when connected via a USB cable

Water got in.
The phone is locked.
The correct file transfer protocol is not enabled.
The USB cable you are using is not the original one.
Your computer or laptop does not support this protocol.

What to do to properly connect your smartphone via USB so that it is visible to your computer or laptop

Photos, videos, installing multiple applications or downloading music from the Internet - all these activities effectively exhaust the memory of your mobile phone.

In order to maximize the capabilities of your smartphone, you should periodically transfer the most important data to hard drive computer.

Archiving files helps to increase the security of files (as a backup) and allows you to practically not limit the memory of your smartphone.

Below you will find three simple steps on how to connect your phone to a personal computer.

Step 1 what to do – connect your smartphone or tablet

When you connect your smartphone or tablet to your computer with a USB cable, Windows will automatically detect new hardware and install the most necessary drivers.

Only with older versions software from Microsoft, for example, Windows XP may have problems. You will need to update Windows to latest version or download MTP protocol.

Step 2 what to do - setting up your phone

When connecting, you need to select the correct communication protocol - this is key to access various types files and programs. Below I will explain two options:

Media Device (MTP) allows you to access all media files such as photos, videos or music. MTP allows you to download and delete all the contents of your mobile phone.

Camera (PTP) - this option recognizes the phone as a camera and allows you to directly overwrite files in specialized programs that process graphics in RAW form. If you connect correctly, the phone will require permission - allow it.

NOTE: DO NOT remove important system Android files, placed in folders labeled "Android".

Step 3 what to do - transfer files from phone to computer

To view your device, launch My Computer. You should see your phone among the drives, and transferring files is very easy - you can just drag and drop files or copy and paste.

Usually the computer asks what you want to do. You can choose one of the options, but it is not required.

NOTE: in older versions of Android, there are more USB connection modes - optimal in USB usage Mass Storage. You can switch to it by clicking on the connection message in the notification area.

Why doesn't my phone connect via USB to my computer - it only charges?

The first thing you need to do is set the settings correctly in “Developer Options”. How to get there - .

If the phone is just charging, try connecting to another USB port. If you have 3.0 and 2.0, then try 2.0 first.

If you find other similar USB cables in the house from other devices in the house, try connecting with them.

Connect to another computer. If they also don't see the phone, then the problem is with the phone or the cable. If it does, there is a problem on your computer. Open Device Manager and disable Power Saver for Generic USB Hub.

IMPORTANT: new versions of Android are configured by default so that when connected via USB to a computer, the phone will only charge. You need to change USB mode from charging via USB to another.

In conclusion, I will repeat. If it is very important for you to transfer files to your computer, but it does not see your phone via USB, then you can use other methods: synchronization via Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Yandex Disk, AirDroid application, and also transfer them via wifi or bluetooth.

I'll wrap it up here, but remember - I'm always happy to quickly answer your questions in the comments below. Good luck.

If a situation arises where the computer through USB connection, the ability to move files from one device to another disappears.

The same problem also makes it impossible to flash the smartphone to get new features or restore functionality.

In order to solve the problem and restore the ability to connect your phone and PC, you first need to determine the cause of the problem.

And this can be done by first checking the functionality of the cable with which the connection is made, then the drivers, and, finally, the .

Priority user actions

Sometimes the problem can be solved within a few seconds. So, for example, it may disappear if the mobile gadget is blocked - both before and after connection.

Basically, when connecting, the computer automatically detects the new device, and a corresponding message appears on the smartphone with (or another operating system).

It is possible that the problem will be resolved if you connect to an unlocked phone.

In addition, in most cases, they automatically connect to the computer in charging mode.

This can be determined by the USB connection symbol at the top of the phone screen.

By clicking on it and selecting another mode (for example, "Media device"), a connection can be established to exchange data.

Rice. 2. Modes for connecting a smartphone to a computer.

The second reason, which can be eliminated in just a few seconds and a couple of taps on the smartphone screen, is.

Naturally, you cannot enable such a function by accident.

If the phone was used as a modem, to connect it to a PC and exchange files, the mode must be turned off.

And finally, the third option to solve the problem is to enable the debugging mode, which is required to connect to a computer on some phone models.

USB problems

The next step is to check the functionality of the cable that connects the smartphone to the computer. The problem may be that this part is worn out.

Situations often arise when the USB cable continues to charge the phone, but is no longer able to provide a connection.

The same can be observed when connecting using not a proprietary cable, but an inexpensive analogue.

You can determine whether the cord is the cause or whether the problem should be looked elsewhere by performing the following types of tests:

connect another device to the same computer port - for example, a mouse. If they work, then the problem is not with the connector. But if there is no response from new devices, the user will have to resolve the issue with a faulty USB port. And connect to other slots;
connect the same smartphone and cord to a second computer or. The absence of connection problems confirms the hypothesis of a malfunction on the PC side. If the problem recurs, the cause is the cord or the phone;
use another cord (if available), the performance of which is not in doubt. If there is no connection, the old cord is most likely working.

Rice. 3. Damaged USB – microUSB cable.

In some cases, cleaning the cable from dirt and dust (on each side) that can get into the connector helps solve the problem with the cable. Because of this, the cord can only charge the phone.

The cleaned cable connector is reconnected to the computer.

If nothing happens, the wire is most likely damaged.

After checking it again for a different connection option - for example, from a PC or another smartphone, or another PC - and making sure that it is not working, you should throw away the cable.

And the problem with the USB connector can be solved either by replacing it (more expensive and longer, but more convenient), or by using other connectors.

Important: You can also clean the connector on your phone. However, this should be done even more carefully and carefully than when working with a cord or computer. And in some cases, such cleaning is best done at a service center.

Driver problems

A common reason for the lack of connection between a computer and a smartphone is incorrect operation of the drivers or their complete absence.

This often happens if you connect to a PC that has not previously been connected to the same operating system.

And, if automatic connection does not occur, the user will have to configure the connection manually:

Connect your phone to your computer;
After a message appears about the impossibility of installing the driver, go to the device manager (“Start”, properties of the item “Computer”);
Find an unknown device in the list that opens (usually indicated by a yellow triangle);
Open the properties of the smartphone and try.

Rice. 4. Fixing the problem with missing drivers.

If the driver is installed, but the phone still does not connect, you should move on to other steps to solve the problem.

But, if the installation still does not happen - even manually - you will have to use the Internet and find suitable control programs by the name of the phone.

As a rule, the manufacturer stores such drivers for new models in open access. The old ones can be found there - or on thematic forums.

Rice. 5. Download the driver to connect the GSmart smartphone.

Outdated operating system

The cause can be identified almost immediately if the user's computer has an outdated operating system.

All attempts to establish a connection with a device running Windows 2000 or 98 platforms will not lead to a positive result.

And for Windows XP you will have to download from the official Microsoft resource and install the special MTP protocol on your computer.

Rice. 6. Download the MTP protocol.

Old phone

Despite the fact that the majority modern smartphones work on iOS or platforms; equipment with other operating systems also remains functional.

Advice: You should not use an antivirus program that is already installed on your PC and has proven to be ineffective. A good option would be “one-time” utilities like Dr. Web. Curelt or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.

Rice. 9. Useful and free utility Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.

Checking your system for viruses won't hurt, even if the reason for the lack of connection was not malicious code.

And while antivirus program scans your computer, you can perform the same check on your phone (for example, using free antiviruses from ).

Although the likelihood that the problem with the lack of communication is very small, these programs do other things.

Contacting service

The last option that the user is forced to turn to if there is no result from previous actions is contacting the service center.

If the smartphone is under warranty, you should contact the official service, in other cases - any service.

Based on the diagnostic results, the center’s staff will draw conclusions and offer various solutions.

It is possible that you will have to bring a computer, not a smartphone, to the service. Especially in cases where the phone easily connects to other PCs.

However, most often it is enough to simply reinstall the operating system.

And, if the reason for the lack of communication is damage to one USB input, and the others are already occupied (by the keyboard, mouse, etc.), it is worth purchasing a splitter and again increasing the number of ports to replace the broken one.

At the same time, both internal and external device This type is easy to install yourself.

Alternative ways to solve the problem

Having identified the problem and tried to fix it on their own or by contacting the service, the user can spend a few seconds, or may even lose a lot of time, fixing the problem.

And, if you need to connect your phone to your computer immediately, you should use one of alternative ways transferring data from one device to another:

synchronize data using cloud storage types;

Rice. 10. Cloud Google storage Drive, with which you can exchange data.

install and use an application such as AirDroid, which is intuitive to use, to transfer files;
creation on a smartphone to which you can connect a PC;
connection with using Wi-Fi(option suitable for laptop or desktop computer With ).

However, for an urgent solution to the problem, all these options may not be suitable, since they require an inexperienced user to spend quite a lot of time.

Sometimes it is much easier (although more dangerous if the files contain confidential information) use public repositories that don’t even require registration.

What to do if the laptop does not see the phone via USB? The reason may be several known factors that have very specific solutions.

Problems with the USB cable

Quite often, you cannot connect your device to your laptop due to a broken cable. Perhaps you did not use it very carefully, or your pets “helped” give it the proper condition. Take another known working wire from a friend, and then try to repeat the procedure. If the phone is detected, the problem is solved. You'll have to go to the store and buy a new USB cable, fortunately it's quite cheap.

Glitch in port operation

An old admin saying goes: “reboot the system to make it work.” The option remains relevant to this day for everyone who owns laptops with Windows pre-installed on board. Sometimes USB ports simply glitch, and after a reboot everything goes back to normal.

Another interesting feature is the port change. If the connection could not be achieved by inserting a cable into one port, it will certainly be possible when connecting to another. In extreme cases, you will need to reinstall the native USB drivers , which come with the motherboard.

Alternatively use the path:

"Start";
"Control Panel";
"System";
"Device Manager".

If you see a problematic port marked with a question mark or a red cross, update it if possible.

The reason lies in the phone itself

So, you are sure that everything is fine with your laptop. Then the reason may lie in the connected device itself. This could be either disabled synchronization, or glitches in the firmware, or something else. The easiest way is to restart your phone and repeat your attempts.

In more advanced cases, you need to remove the battery and wait 4 minutes. In the worst case scenario, you will need to reflash the device.

As an alternative, you can download special software for using your phone with a PC, like Nokia PC Suite, SE PC Companion, etc.

Virus

Trivial Trojan and malware can easily block the operation of USB ports, depriving the PC of the ability to connect external electronic devices. Similar problems can often be observed with ordinary flash drives, with which we walk around the institute from computer to computer in an attempt to find some useful report.

Use the services, just first update its database to the current state, if possible. Otherwise, no one can guarantee that you will thoroughly check and eliminate dangerous contents.

The most reliable option

Unfortunately, the repair service by a professional is paid and can range from several hundred to thousands of rubles, since the breakdown can be very different: from a bug in the firmware to a burnt-out USB hub.

Possible reasons include incorrect connection actions, outdated or incorrectly configured software, malfunctions of USB cables, ports, or the devices themselves.

Follow the tips listed below, they can save you from many connection problems.

How to properly connect Android devices to your computer via USB

If you have Windows, ignore this paragraph. If you're using macOS, install Android File Transfer.

Make sure your mobile device is turned on and connect it to your computer. Then lower the notification panel on the gadget - you will see a special switch. Click on it and select the “File Transfer” mode in the menu that appears. Mode names may differ depending on Android versions and device model.

After these steps, the computer should see the mobile device. On Windows it will appear in Explorer, on macOS it will appear in the Android File Transfer window. But in case of Mac you will need OS X 10.5 and Android 3.0 or higher later versions these OS, otherwise nothing will work.

How to properly connect iOS devices to your computer via USB

Make sure your mobile device is turned on and unlocked, then connect it to your computer. The first time, iOS will ask for permission to access media files and you will need to give it.

In the case of a Windows PC, the connected iPhone or iPad will appear in Explorer in the media devices section. They will appear as normal digital cameras- you can view and copy photos and videos. To access other data, you will have to use iTunes, which can be downloaded from the Apple website. The registration procedure will not cause any difficulties, you just need to follow the prompts of the setup wizard.

On Mac things are a little simpler. iTunes is already included with macOS, so it will launch automatically when iPhone connection or iPad. Interaction with content is carried out through a media harvester, but iTunes is not needed to access media files. It will help to view and import them standard application“Photos”, which also launches automatically when iOS devices are connected.

What to do if the computer does not see the USB device

1. Disconnect unnecessary USB devices from your computer.

2. Try connecting through a different cable or port.

3. Restart your computer and mobile device.

4. If you have Windows, update the driver required to recognize the USB device.

Run command line (Windows keys+ R), paste into it devmgmt.msc and press Enter. When Device Manager opens, find the connected gadget in the list of equipment.

Click on device right click mouse and select “Update driver” → “Browse this computer for drivers” → “Select a driver from the list of available drivers on your computer.”

In the list of drivers, check "USB MTP device" and click next to reinstall.

5. If your device doesn't show up in iTunes, please use Apple's guide to resolve the issue.

6. Update operating systems on your computer and mobile device to the latest versions. If you use Windows Vista or XP, first try installing the MTP protocol by downloading it from the Microsoft website.

7. Check the functionality of the port in the gadget by connecting it to another computer. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer's support team.

What to do if the computer does not see the device connected via Bluetooth

If you encounter visibility problems when connecting via Bluetooth, try the following measures. Do these steps one at a time and maybe one of them will help you.

1. Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on on both devices, and that visibility mode for all other devices is activated in the settings on each of them. On iOS, these settings are included in the AirDrop service, available in Control Center.

2. Place your tablet or smartphone closer to your computer.

3. Restart your computer and mobile device.

4. If the devices successfully connected to each other before, delete the saved pair in Bluetooth settings and try to reconnect.

5. Update bluetooth drivers on the computer.

6. Update your device operating systems to the latest versions.

Alternative connection methods

You always have a backup option - services with which you can transfer files between your computer and mobile device via the Internet. These are AirDroid, Pushbullet, and also cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox. They will allow you to do without Bluetooth and USB if these options do not work or are not suitable.

It's no secret that Samsung Galaxy there is a connector for microSD cards to increase memory capacity. However, some users still additionally transfer images, music and videos to their computer or laptop. But what to do if the computer does not see the Samsung Galaxy via USB?

First, to recognize a smartphone like the Galaxy S, your computer needs all the necessary drivers. Usually, when a device is connected to a computer, it finds it immediately, but if necessary drivers are not installed, this may not happen.

Drivers are special programs, helping to establish interaction between the phone and the computer. Most often they can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. If your computer does not recognize your Galaxy S7, immediately head to the Samsung website and download drivers. Here is the link for Galaxy S7/Edge. Mac owners will have to install in order for your Mac to communicate with your phone.

There is an alternative: you can simply download and install the program on your computer, thus making file sharing easier. It comes with all the necessary drivers, so after installation you can rest assured that the computer will recognize your device and file sharing will no longer be a problem.

Those Windows users Those who have just installed drivers for Samsung may find themselves having to uninstall the device before it is detected. You need to follow these steps:

Hold the button Windows and press R to call the command "Run."
Type “ devmgmt. msc“ and press “ Enter“.
Select “ Other devices" or " Portable devices”.
If the list contains “ SAMSUNG_ Android" or " Unknown device” with a yellow icon (!), right-click and select “ Uninstall “.
Right-click on the window " device Manager" and select " Scan for hardware changes“.

Basically after installation necessary drivers or programs, everything should work. But if the problem is not that the device is not recognized by the computer, you need to look for another method.

Why doesn't the computer see Samsung Galaxy via USB?

If the computer does not see the Samsung Galaxy when connected using the included USB cable, then you will have to troubleshoot problems in the computer itself. If you know that other computers can see the phone, the problem may be with the USB port.

If this is not the problem, then the problem may be with the cable or the port for charging the phone has become loose. Taking all this into account, here are a few steps to help fix this problem:

Step 1: Connect your phone to other USB ports on your computer

Simply connect your phone to your computer with a charging or data cable. If your phone remains invisible, try connecting it to a different port. Try one port at a time to see if this is the problem.

Step 2: Restart your computer if no USB ports work

There is also a possibility that your computer systemic problems, which prevent connected devices from being detected. While we don't know for sure whether this is a problem, it's worth restarting your computer and seeing if it works. If the problem remains after a reboot, it means that something is wrong not with the computer, but with the cable or phone.

Still, I advise you to try other devices, such as a flash drive that connects via a USB port. If the computer sees all devices except the phone, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Make sure the USB cable is not damaged

By inspecting the cable, you can check for visible damage. If you don't see any, try charging your phone with it. Inside the cable there are wires responsible for both charging and data transfer.

By charging your phone with it, you can understand whether it works or not. If there is damage, the phone may not charge, especially if some wire has come loose.

Another way to check is to use a different cable. If the phone works with it, then the original cable is simply broken. If this is really the problem, then you need to replace old cable to the worker.

Step 4: Make sure to connect the device as "storage device"

This is very important since phones are mostly connected to a computer to recharge. If so, then the computer may not see it, since data transfer is temporarily unavailable. Go to notifications and see if there is a selection icon for USB. If yes, then consider the problem already solved.

All you need to do is click on it and select “Data storage device”. If this is the first connection, then installing the drivers will take some time. But if you don’t have such an icon, try this:

Disconnect USB from Samsung.
Turn off your phone.
Wait 20 seconds.
Turn it on.
Connect the cable again.
Check to see if the options icon appears.

If it's not there, go to the next step.

Step 5: Check the charger socket

At a minimum, you need two cables to figure out if there is a problem with it. If your computer still doesn't see Samsung, it's time to check the charger port.

The connection may not be able to be established, or some debris, fiber, or dust may have gotten into the connector. A stream of compressed air will help get rid of the latter, but if the connection is loosened, you need to move on.

If contacts charging socket is in order and there is no dirt, connect the cable and check if the contact has come loose. If the cable fits in properly and the connection is not interrupted when it moves, then everything is fine.

Otherwise, you will have to purchase a cable that fits perfectly under the port. If a new cable does not help, then your device has much more serious problems.

Step 3: Reset your phone if the problem persists after installing KIES or Smart Switch

The second step is aimed at solving the problem with the drivers, but if this does not help, you need to back up all files and information and reset the settings to a working state.

Turn off your Samsung Galaxy.
Press and hold the Home, Volume Up, and Power buttons
When Samsung Galaxy appears on the screen, release "Power" but continue to hold the remaining two.
When the Android logo appears, release all buttons and wait 30-60 seconds.
Using the Volume Down button, toggle between options and select 'wipe data / factory reset.'
Click "Power" to confirm.
Then select ‘Yes - delete all user data’ using Volume Down and confirm by pressing Power.
Wait until the process is completed. Then select ‘Reboot system now’ and click “Power”.
The phone will take a little longer to reboot than usual.

If after this the problem is not solved, the help of a specialist is required. I hope this instruction will help you in one way or another. If you feel that you need additional help, contact us.