The computer does not show the phone via USB. The computer does not see the Android phone via USB. The culprit of the failure is the phone. What to do

It happens that when you try to file share, a problem occurs: the computer does not see the Android via the USB cable. This problem often bothers users. Fortunately, it can be fixed at home. Before we start, let's figure out why the Android device is not perceived by the computer as an external drive. There are several possible reasons:

1. Inappropriate settings on the smartphone;
2. Faulty Android device socket;
3. Non-working USB cable;
4. Broken or inappropriate port on the computer;
5. Lack or outdated PC drivers;
6. Other software problems.

Of course, it will not be possible to determine the cause so easily by eye, so we will act consistently, starting from the situation.

I must say right away that it is not necessary to use a USB cable to transfer data between devices - there are alternative ways:

• Bluetooth;
• Wi-Fi;
• Cloud storage. For example, DropBox, Mega, OneDrive, Box, pCloud;
• Alternative programs for file sharing via the Internet (AirDroid, Pushbullet);
• Equipment for reading data by a computer from a memory card.

If you wish, you can safely use one of the methods without having to deal with USB. Perhaps they will be more convenient for you specifically.

Consistently try solutions. The computer still does not see the Android phone via USB but is charging? Proceed to the next option. Most likely, the difficulties will be eliminated.

1. Do not forget to unlock your smartphone if it has a pattern, pin code or password. Without this, file transfer is not available for security reasons, only charging is in progress.
2. Make sure there are no pop-up settings on the curtain or immediately on the smartphone screen. There should be a notification like “USB connection established.” Click on it and turn on the drive.
3. The computer does not respond to a phone with a new firmware, because initially in the latest versions there is a "Charging only" mode. It is displayed on the taskbar (the same “curtain”). Tap the mode name and change it to “Disk Drive”.
4. Is there a notification that the smartphone is detected as a camera? Tap on it and change the mode to media device. In earlier firmware versions, “USB Mass Storage” is preferable, which can be selected there. After this, file transfer will be available, and not just charging.
5. Maybe your phone is in “USB modem” mode and is defined as a mobile hotspot? Change it and the problem will be solved. To do this, go to “Settings” – “Other networks” – “Modem and access point” and uncheck the box next to “USB modem”.
6. Try connecting your smartphone to another computer, two if possible. Did not work out? You need to contact the service. You can do the opposite - connect another device to your computer. If it does, the reason is not in the PC.
7. Activate debug mode. “Settings” – “Developer Options” (“Development”). In older versions, the path is different - “Settings” - “About the system”. Click on the build number 8 times. A notification appears indicating that development mode is enabled. In the settings, activate debugging mode.

Computer does not detect Android phone via USB

The computer does not see the internal memory of the smartphone

Does your personal computer display only the phone's flash drive without internal memory?

1. Check whether the device is recognized as a media device or data storage in the connection settings (more details in paragraph 4 of the previous instructions in the article).
2. Reset the settings to factory defaults (see step 5).
3. Enable ActiveSync by selecting “Settings” - “Connections” - “USB connection”.

There are some more general tips. Remove the smartphone battery and wait 10-15 minutes, try to connect again. Restart your PC and phone - will help when there is a small software glitch. What to do if the computer still does not see the Android phone via USB? Try to apply the methods from other subparagraphs of the article that do not describe your situation. Contact the workshop or use the alternative file transfer methods that were mentioned at the beginning of this article.

Some files and applications on an Android smartphone or tablet are much easier to manage through a personal computer. For example, programs that are too large can take a very long time to download directly to your phone or copy or transfer directly to your device. More advanced functions, such as device firmware, are also implemented through a connection to a computer. In the end, having a USB cable and a PC at hand, you can recharge your phone - at work, for example. However, when connecting an Android device to a computer, problems sometimes arise: the PC does not see the gadget, does not charge or does not display any specific files. How to deal with such problems?

Why doesn't the computer recognize the Android device?

When connecting an Android gadget via USB, something can go wrong, and you end up with a phone and cable that are completely useless when connected to a computer. In other words, we get a problem with controlling the device via a PC or a lack of recognition of the gadget at all. In most cases, this situation is completely correctable, and by using only one’s own strength. Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, you must first figure out what exactly the problem is and act by correcting it.

So why can't a computer or laptop see an Android tablet via USB? There are several variations for the connection problem. The inconsistency can be expressed in the computer completely ignoring the device, in a problem with displaying the internal or external memory of the phone, or only in charging, but not using the phone as a USB drive. It is much easier to consider possible types of problems separately from each other.

The phone charges when connected via USB, but the PC does not see it

The problem may be, for example, in the USB cable - this can be solved or checked by replacing the cord. Another option for localizing the problem is a broken USB port; this error goes away by connecting to another port. You can also try connecting your phone to another computer, if possible. If the problem does not go away, unfortunately, you won’t be able to solve it yourself. E sl and several computers do not recognize the device as a USB drive and only charge it, it is better to contact a specialist, since a malfunction with such symptoms can be eliminated by repair.

It’s worth starting with something else: check the settings for connecting your phone to your computer. If you select the “charge only” or “USB modem” options, it will be impossible to see files on the phone - to do this, you need to connect the phone as a storage device, as a camera (if you need photos) or in media data transfer mode. Another point that is important for devices with a graphic key installed: to open access to files, you need to unlock the phone connected to the computer.

The problem may be related to the drivers. Two possible exits:

• via Device Manager, update the driver for the device: either automatically search for the update on the Internet, or run a search for it on your computer;
• remove the existing driver, download a new one and install.

For owners of computers running Windows XP: unlike the seventh, eighth and tenth versions of the operating system, XP may require an additional protocol to work with Android devices. The Media Transfer Protocol, or MTP, can correct the situation. You can find a link to download it on the Internet in the public domain.

The gadget is not recognized and is not charging

The first thing to check is the cable and its connector. Something may be wrong with either the first (a hall, a rupture, the contacts coming off), or the second (the presence of dirt or dust on the connections, again the contacts coming out). The first is “treated” by replacing the cable, the second by carefully cleaning the connector with a brush (optionally with a toothpick with a piece of cotton wool wrapped around it), but if the connector is poorly secured, by repairing it at a service center. You can charge the battery for a while using a special adapter separately from the phone, but it will still be more convenient to repair it.

In addition to mechanical reasons, a malfunction can be caused by software problems. To avoid this, you should regularly use a program to clean your device from unnecessary processes and residual files: newer versions of Android have it natively, and there are many free applications for older ones. If the problem has already appeared, you can try two options:

• flash the device,
• do a hard reset - a complete reset of all user settings to factory settings.

The firmware must be carried out consciously; if the algorithm is incorrect, you can easily make a “brick” out of a smartphone.

The computer sees the flash drive, but does not connect to the internal memory

The most common option that causes such a failure to occur may be selecting the wrong item when connecting the device itself to the computer. By default, Android devices are usually connected in charging mode, sometimes as USB storage, which only gives access to a flash drive. To access the memory of the device itself, just switch to connection mode to transfer media data: you may need to disconnect the phone and connect again.

If it doesn’t help, you can try a radical method and hard reset the entire system, which consists of completely clearing the device from user settings and resetting it back to factory settings. This can be done through the settings, the “Personal data” block, the “Backup and reset” item.

If a complete reset does not work, it is better to contact the wizard, since the malfunction may be related to the software or firmware.

Files are not located on the tablet or phone (photos, videos, etc.)

It’s worth starting with the measures described in the previous paragraphs: check the cable, input, and pay special attention to the mode of connecting the phone to the computer. For free file management, you need a media data transfer mode, aka MTP, for photos, the option of connecting your phone as a camera may be suitable. Using a smartphone as a USB drive or connecting only for charging are the most common cases that lead to recognition problems and difficulties when working with files via a PC.

What to do to make sure everything connects correctly

The key to a successful tandem of a computer and a phone or tablet lies in the attentiveness of the owner. Making sure that the cable and its inputs are in good working order and especially connecting the phone through the desired mode in accordance with the task does not sound difficult, right? At worst, you can use the classic “disable and re-enable” approaches, or at most try resetting the phone data. In more serious cases, it is better to entrust the decision to a professional.

How to solve a problem connecting a tablet or smartphone to a computer: video

If you look into the possible causes of problems with such a connection, it becomes clear that most of them are not as complex and insoluble as it might seem at first glance. Nevertheless, it is better not to get carried away with independent work. If the problem is beyond your competence, contact a specialist so as not to complicate everything yourself.

If you want to transfer files from your phone to your computer, the easiest and fastest way is to use a USB connection. But even with this connection method, a number of problems may arise, and they can be related to both the computer and the phone.

Possible problems when connecting the device

If you suddenly encounter difficulties connecting your device to your computer via a USB port, before trying other ways to solve the problem, regardless of the version of your device, try restarting both the computer itself and your phone. A reboot updates the USB connector settings and after it the device can be detected. If this does not help, you should consider other connection problems.

The phone does not charge and the computer does not recognize the connected device

In order to determine the causes of the problem, it is worth asking yourself: after what events did your phone stop being detected by the computer. This will help save a lot of time in figuring out the real cause of your problem.

For example, Windows XP does not work well with modern phone models. Therefore, if the problem surfaced after replacing the device, then this is exactly the problem. In order for your Android phone to connect properly to Windows XP, you need to install the Media Transfer Protocol.

If the installation does not help, then the problem is probably in the connectors of the device or computer. When using modern operating systems, installing MTP does not make sense.

Video: reasons why the computer does not see the phone via USB

The phone is charging, but the computer does not recognize the connected device

If the device is connected and the device's battery is charging, but the computer does not detect it, you should try the following:

• connect the device through another USB port on your computer. If the other ports on the front panel give the same result, try using those on the back of your system unit;
• use another USB cable to check if the problem is a damaged cable;
• Check the cable connector on your device. Damage to the connector is a very common cause of problems with connecting a device;
• connect your phone via USB to another computer. If it doesn't work, the problem is in the phone. And if it does, then it’s worth checking the settings of your computer and, in particular, the USB connectors.

To check your computer settings:

The device connects, but the internal memory of the phone is not displayed

If the phone's memory is not displayed when connected, first of all you should make sure that the device is connected specifically as a data storage device.

Older versions of Android firmware may provide more connection options. The best connection for transferring files is USB Mass Storage. Choose it if you are offered this option.

Video: what to do if the device is connected, but the memory is not displayed

The device connects, but there are no certain files or photos

One of the reasons that files are not displayed on the connected phone may be problems with the memory card:

• try inserting the memory card into another phone and connecting it;
• make sure that the memory card slot is not dirty or visiblely damaged;
• remove and reinsert the memory card into the phone, then try connecting it again.

And also the reason may be some applications that have changed the standard location of files on the phone. For example, the QuickPic application can lead to just such a problem. You need to find out where the photos are stored now and look for them in the appropriate directory. You can usually find out the new location of the files in the program itself that moved them.

Methods that can help with connection problems

Several universal solutions that are worth trying in any case of breakdown:

Some Android devices have their own connection program. Installing such a program will automatically install the necessary drivers. For example, Samsung PC Studio for Samsung phones.

Phone won't turn on or charge via USB

If the smartphone does not respond to the connection in any way, the solution would be to first restore the device’s operation, for example, by charging it from the network, and not via USB. If the smartphone does not turn on for another reason, then this is a separate problem that can be helped by restoring the phone’s firmware. This can be done through the phone manufacturer's program, if your device model has such a program. For example, Kies Samsung program for Samsung phones or LG Mobile Support Tool for LG phones. Using the example of the last recovery action, it looks like this:

Of course, there can be many reasons for a device to malfunction, but they are rarely directly related to the reasons why the device does not connect via USB.

Video: fixing phone connection problem via USB

How to avoid problems in the future

To avoid problems in the future, just use a protective case and do not use the phone with dirty hands - then the USB connector will not become clogged. Do not bend or twist the cable. This way, you will avoid problems in the future due to broken cable contacts.

Problems may arise when connecting the device to a computer via a USB connection. Solving any difficulties will not be difficult if you carefully follow the setup instructions.

As a rule, if the computer does not see the Android phone connected to it, then the problem looks like this: the charging process is displayed on the smartphone screen, but there is no access to the files located on it and to the device itself. In this article, you will learn why the computer does not see the Samsung phone via USB.

The reasons may be the following:

Damage to the USB cable

A cable malfunction may not always be immediately visible. Very often, the charging wire can fail without obvious external signs. The reason for this is the low-quality devices that the market is teeming with.

To check the functionality of the USB cable, just connect it to another computer, and for greater reliability, to another phone. If these actions do not produce results, then the wire needs to be replaced.

Damage to the computer USB port

It is impossible to repair the port without the help of a specialist, but you can check it simply. If the computer does not recognize the smartphone, then you need to connect through another USB port. If it helps, it means the cause has been found, if not, let’s move on.

System problems in the phone

Sometimes the problem of lack of connection can be solved very simply: by turning off the smartphone, removing the battery from it for a few seconds, returning it to its place and turning on the device. Simple and effective.

Phone jack failure

If the phone has been damaged by water, or its connector has been mechanically damaged, then this may be the problem. Alas, if cleaning the socket does not give any results, then only replacing the damaged part will help.

Incorrect connection settings

In the device settings, you need to find the menu for USB connection to a computer. In many Samsung models, it is located at “Memory”> “Properties”. If by default the checkbox is next to using USB as a modem, uncheck it, find the “Media device” item and activate it.

Driver problems

They are solved by installing drivers from the “native” disk, or downloading them from the manufacturer’s official website.

Also, the problem may be that power is turned off on some ports on the computer. You can check this by going to the “Control Panel”, finding the item “Hardware and Sound”> “Power Options”> “Power”. Next, open the appropriate settings and click on change additional parameters. In the menu that opens, open the USB options, and then the options for temporarily disabling the USB port. Change its value to “Disabled” and activate it with the “Apply” button.

Problems with device drivers

In the "Device Manager" item "Portable devices" should be without any warning signs. You should also check the functionality of the device through “Properties”. If it is not there, then you need to reinstall the corresponding driver.

Another solution would be to update your smartphone drivers. On the Samsung Galaxy A5, as well as on other models of the brand, this can be done using the Samsung Kies software.

Android OS malfunction or viruses

In this case, cleaning the phone with an antivirus, resetting it to factory settings, or completely flashing it can help.

As you can see, there can be a lot of options for why the connected Samsung phone is not a computer, so you need to be patient to find a solution. We hope everything works out for you!

Although mobile phones have long become quite common communication devices, many people periodically encounter various problems when using mobile phones. One of them is that the computing system does not see the phone via USB.

That is, when you connect a mobile phone to a free one using a special cable, the drive letter does not appear in the operating system - the flash memory card (built-in or user-installed) is not mounted. And if you can work with an additional flash card using an external card reader, then access to the built-in partitions is impossible. As a result, the convenience of using the phone is significantly reduced. So, why does it happen that the computer does not see the USB port of the mobile phone?

Standards and features

Many people are accustomed to the fact that all the key functions of any device should work out of the box, that is, not require any special settings. In other words, the phone is expected to automatically display a dialog when it is connected to a computer, suggesting operating modes (charging, modem, storage, etc.) on the touch screen. However, in some models this does not happen, and the owner concludes that it is via USB. In particular, users of some Samsung smartphones encountered this.

Therefore, before you panic because the computer does not see the phone via USB, you need to carefully review all the settings of your smartphone. So, in the mentioned Samsung models, before connecting, you should go to “Settings”, select “Network” and activate the item that turns on the USB storage mode.

Chinese wires

The next problem due to which the computer does not see the phone via USB is the owner using a low-quality cord to connect the devices. Suspiciously cheap cords have long been known for the fact that the wire cores inside do not meet the requirements for resistance (cross-section, material), so sometimes when connected, the computer does not see the phone via USB. In addition, soldering in connectors and poor quality sliding contact material further reduce reliability. Therefore, it is recommended to use the wire that comes with the device, or purchase a high-quality one. In this case, an attempt to save on “trifles” leads to subsequent problems when using the phone.

Changing the port

Despite the abundance of USB connectors on motherboards and laptops, they are all connected to just a few controllers. These chips (or blocks), in particular, control power to the ports. So, for standard 2.0, the maximum port current is 500 mA. However, due to the fact that gradually the parameters of electronic components begin to “float” (capacitors lose capacity, coil short circuits appear in coils, etc.), problems may arise when connecting power-demanding devices. That is, if a modem (current 500 mA) is connected to one USB connector, and a telephone is connected to the one next to it, then the controller may not be able to cope with the load. The solution is simple: if you have problems detecting a connected mobile phone, you should switch it to another free port.

Software glitches

Sometimes the connection is blocked by the antivirus installed on the computer. It needs to be disabled temporarily. And finally, many users claim that a simple reboot of the phone and computer helped them - after which the drive was detected in the system.