You may come across the situation that your computer doesn't recognize your Android phone when you connect it to your PC from time to time. In this case, you can't read any data on your computer. Various reasons are possible to lead to this case, such as a hardware error on your Android phone, computer or the USB cable; the settings being wrong also result in this non-recognition of your PC. It can be really puzzling especially when you need to see the important documents on your Android phone.
- Transfer Files Between Android Phones
- Android File Transfer Not Recognizing Phones
- Android File Transfer Not Recognizing Phone
Because this is exactly what happens when you connect an Android phone in 'Charging only' mode: it becomes visible in Windows (e.g. In File Explorer), but shows as empty device - no file access. In standard cookie-cutter Android Marshmallow you are supposed to manually switch the phone to 'File transfer' mode every time you connect it to the. My phone can charge only while connected to my PC, but the PC won't recognize the phone. I want to transfer files from my phone to my PC. Does anyone know how to change the settings in this phone, so that it can charge as well as transfer files to PC's? If so please give a step by step account.
Then what can you do when your computer fails to identify your Android cell phone? Now you've come to the right spot. In this guide, you will get the trick to fix the problem when you encounter the fortunate trouble happened to your Android phone. Keep reading to learn the skills to solve it.
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What to Do If the PC Does Not Identify Android Phone
Solution 1. Check and Update Your Computer
Just enter Start < right-click Computer < Properties on your computer. Second, click Device Manager and then click your computer name at the top of the window. Third, click Scan for hardware changes on the Action menu. Then your Phone should be listed under 'Portable Devices' and you can double click the device and view the General tab. Finally, check the device status to confirm whether the device is working correctly or not.
Outdated computer system may not be able to recognize any connected USB device. So, it is a good idea to check and update your system. If your computer system is too old, you can update it.
Solution 2. Enable USB Debugging
It is another way to make your Android phone be recognized by the computer. First, you need to download the MobiKin Android Assistant Then launch the program to enable the USB debugging. Follow the steps below:
- For Android 2.3 or earlier: Enter 'Settings' < Click 'Applications' < Click 'Development' < Check 'USB debugging'.
- For Android 3.0 to 4.1: Enter 'Settings' < Click 'Developer options' < Check 'USB debugging'.
- For Android 4.2 or newer: Enter 'Settings' < Click 'About Phone' < Tap 'Build number' for several times until getting a note 'You are under developer mode' < Back to 'Settings' < Click 'Developer options' < Check 'USB debugging'.
After that, your computer will recognize your Android phone smoothly.
Note: The software mentioned in this solution not only has the USB debugging function, but also it allows you to transfer the data on your Android phone to the computer as backup. If you are interested in it, you can download a free trial version to have a try.
Solution 3: Try Another USB Port
To check whether the recognition failure is caused by the damaged USB cord, you can try another USB port, or try another computer or PC. If it is really because the USB hub is damaged and you want to fix this problem, you can purchase a new one from eBay (a new USB hub costs only $7) to replace the old one.
Related Articles
One of the quickest methods to transfer content from your Android phone to a PC or vice versa is by connection both devices using a USB cord. Most of the time the connection will work seamlessly however there are instances when the computer will not recognize the phone. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Android phone not showing up on PC issue.
If you have any issues with your computer or Android device then feel free to contact us using this form. We will be more than happy to assist you with any concerns that you may have with your device. This is a free service we are offering with no strings attached. We however ask that when you do contact us try to be as detailed as possible so that an accurate assessment can be made and the correct solution can be given.
How To Fix Android Phone Not Showing Up On PC Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it's best to restart your computer and Android phone first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
Try using a different USB cord
Transfer Files Between Android Phones
One of the common factors that can cause this problem is a faulty USB cord which is why you should eliminate this possibility first.
- Connect your phone to the computer using a different USB cord.
- Try connecting the phone to a different USB port.
Android File Transfer Not Recognizing Phones
File converter application. Check if the Android phone not showing up on PC issue still occurs.
Android File Transfer Not Recognizing Phone
Clean the USB port
Dirt or debris that could be stuck in the computer USB port can prevent any connection to be made between the phone and the computer. To check if this is what's causing the problem you should inspect the USB port of the computer and phone and if you find any debris present you can remove this using a toothpick.
Check if the Android phone not showing up on PC issue still occurs.
Check the connection mode
When you connect the Android phone to your computer there will be several connection modes available. Make sure to choose MTP, Transfer Files, or Device File Manager.
- Plug in your device to your PC.
- On your phone, pull down the notification windows and select the MTP select. Depending on the manufacturer, this option may have different names like Transfer files or Device File Manager.
Check if the Android phone not showing up on PC issue still occurs.
Update the MTP driver
You should check if the phone is correctly identified by your computer. Go to the Control Panel and proceed to Devices and Printers. If you manage to locate the name of your Android device, the MTP connection is working properly. If your device is named MTP or Unspecified, you'll need to update some drivers.
- Right-click on the Start button then click on Device Manager.
- Expand Portable devices and see if your device is located there. If it doesn't contain your device's real name or it has a yellow exclamation mark, right-click on it and tap on Update Driver.
- The Update Driver window will now ask you to either search for the driver automatically or to browse your computer manually for it. Choose the latter.
- Click on 'Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer'.
- Click on MTP USB Device to highlight it and then click Next.
- The old driver should be replaced with a new one. Wait until the process finishes. Your Android device should now be seen as a multimedia device in File Manager.
Check if the Android phone not showing up on PC issue still occurs.
