Why can not I connect the phone to the computer. What to do if the computer does not see the phone via a USB cable

Why does a laptop or computer running on XP, windows 7, windows 8, windows 10 not see through usb phone  xiaomi redmi, samsung galaxy, lg, htc, huawei, lenovo, meizu, sony xperia, asus, nokia, bq, fly, honor, alcatel one touch, mtp, dexp or pay with android 7.0, android 6.0, android 5.0, android 4.4 2 and so on.

In fact, there are various ways to connect a mobile device with a computer to exchange files remotely, for example, through the clouds, we can also connect via wi-fi, bluetooth, the corresponding application or do it in the classic way using a USB cable.

Only in spite of its simplicity, the latter method (through yusb) is sometimes the most problematic. When connected to a computer or laptop, or rather windows system  You need to find the appropriate drivers.

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

NOTE: the pictures are made on the 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 rest the differences are not big.

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

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

Phone samsung galaxy lenovo nokia Lumia, Asus Zenfon, Meizu, Sony, Xiaomi, Huawei, Alcatel, Xiaomi, Fly, Honor, Micromax, Sony Xperia, Philips, prestige, like any other equipped USB portit may not be recognized if the device has been exposed to water, make sure the USB port is completely dry before plugging in the USB cable.

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

So that the computer can detect cellular telephone, select the connection mode to transfer files each time you connect the device to a PC.

Also, be sure to use the original USB cable specifically designed for this device and that it is correctly connected to the computer.


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

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

Problem still exists? Try using a different computer or look for the USB driver for the device you are using, see in the device manager for a yellow sign.

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


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

  1. Water has entered.
  2. The phone is locked.
  3. The correct file transfer protocol is not enabled.
  4. A non-original USB cable is used.
  5. A computer or laptop does not support such a protocol.

What to do to properly connect the smartphone via USB so that it is visible to the 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 increase the capabilities of your smartphone, you must periodically transfer the most important data to hDD  a computer.

Archiving files helps increase file security (as a backup) and allows you to practically limit the smartphone’s memory.

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

Step 1 what to do - connect a smartphone or tablet

When connecting a smartphone or tablet to a computer usb cable, Windows will automatically detect new hardware and install the most necessary drivers.

Only older versions of Microsoft software, such as Windows XP, can cause problems. You will need to update windows to latest version  or download the MTP protocol.

Step 2 what to do - setup your phone

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

Media device (MTP) - allows you to access all multimedia 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 the form of RAW. If connected correctly, the phone will require permission - allow.

NOTE: DO NOT remove important system files  Android located in folders labeled “Android.”

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

To view your device, launch My Computer. Among the disks, you should see your phone, and file transfer is very simple - you can simply 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 not necessarily.


NOTE: in older versions of android, there are more USB connection modes - optimal for using USB Mass Storage (Data Storage). You can switch to it by clicking with your finger on the connection message in the notification area.

Why the phone does not connect via USB to the computer - it only charges

The first thing to do is to correctly set the settings in the "Developer Parameters". How to get there.

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

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

Connect to another computer. If they also do not see the phone, then the problem is in the phone or cable. If it sees, there is a problem on your computer. Open Device Manager and turn off power saving for the 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 the USB mode from charging via USB to another.


  In conclusion, I repeat. If it’s very important for you to transfer files to a computer, but it doesn’t see the phone, you can use other methods: synchronization via Google drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Yandex Disk, AirDroid app, and also transfer them via wifi or bluetooth.

I conclude this, but remember - I will always be happy to quickly answer your questions in the comments below. Successes.

Among possible reasons  - Incorrect actions during connection, outdated or incorrectly configured software, malfunctions of USB cables, ports or devices themselves.

Follow the tips below, they can save you a lot of connectivity issues.

How to properly connect Android devices to a computer via USB

If you have Windows, ignore this paragraph. If using macOS, install the Android File Transfer program.

Make sure the mobile device is turned on and connect it to the 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. The mode names may vary. android version  and model of the device.

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

How to properly connect iOS devices to a computer via USB

Make sure your mobile device is turned on and unlocked, then connect it to your computer. For 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 the “Explorer” in the media section. They will be displayed like ordinary 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 difficulties, you just need to follow the prompts of the setup wizard.







On a Mac, things are a bit simpler. iTunes is already part of macOS, so it will start automatically when you connect your iPhone or iPad. Interaction with content is carried out through a media combine, but iTunes is not needed to access media files. View and import them will help the standard application "Photos", which also starts automatically when you connect iOS devices.

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

1. Disconnect unnecessary USB devices from the computer.

2. Try connecting through a different cable or port.

3. Reboot the computer and mobile device.

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

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


Right-click on the device and select "Update driver" → "Search for drivers on this computer" → "Select a driver from the list of available drivers on the computer."


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

5. If the device does not appear in iTunes, use the Apple Guide to resolve this issue.

6. Update operating Systems  on computer and mobile device up current versions. If using Windows Vista  or XP, first try installing the MTP protocol by downloading it from the Microsoft website.

7. Verify that the port in the gadget is working by connecting it to another computer. If the problem persists, contact manufacturer support.

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

Faced with visibility problems when connecting via Bluetooth, try the following measures. Follow these steps in turn, and perhaps one of them will help you.

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

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

3. Restart your computer and mobile device.

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

5. Update the Bluetooth drivers on the computer.

6. Update device operating systems to the latest versions.

Alternative connection methods

You always have a fallback - services with which you can transfer files between your computer and mobile device via the Internet. These are AirDroid, Pushbullet, and 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 do not fit.

The current level of development of smartphones, personal computers and tablets are amazing. However, a set of all kinds of functions and options does not guarantee the gadget a hundred percent serviceability. Quite often, users encounter a problem when the computer does not see the phone via usb. Before you rush and rashly troubleshoot a malfunction, it's worth figuring out its cause. The main ones will be considered below.

The main reasons for the lack of contact between the phone and the computer

One of the main causes of such a malfunction may be the mismatch of the software that is installed on the computer and the phone. Ideally, if before connecting the gadget to the computer, you must first install on it a program that matches your phone.

Many personal computer users neglect additional settings, not considering them to be necessary. However, you should understand that they greatly facilitate the interaction of the computer and the phone, without exposing either gadget to unforeseen risks. Therefore, it is always better to spend the extra half an hour to install software that matches the phone than subsequently contact expensive specialists, or not be able to set up contact between devices at all.

In the event that the smartphone manager is installed on the computer, but you still do not see the connection, try to restart both gadgets at the same time.

Bad usb wire or connector


Another fairly common reason why the connection between the two devices cannot be established is the failure of the connectors.

If the connector on the computer is in working condition, then pay attention to the usb cable. It is difficult to find damage with the naked eye, even if it is. Therefore, try connecting any other device to the computer. If the connection is not established, then the reason for the lack of contact between your phone and computer is a malfunction in the cord. In this case, you will just need to buy a new one.

Another option is also possible. You connected your smartphone to some other device, and the connection was established. In this case, things are much worse, because you need the help of a professional, without a proper education, you are unlikely to be able to fix the malfunction yourself.

Computer viruses

A strong virus can disable an entire system. The virus can spread to drivers - programs that are responsible for a functional connection. Accordingly, another reason that the computer does not see the phone via usb may be a virus infection.

Better prevention of this kind of difficulties can be antivirus programs that are systematically updated and treat viruses, if any. Therefore, if there is no contact connection between the equipment, then check for viruses and both equipment.

If viruses are detected, they must be immediately eliminated and then the gadgets reloaded.

Firmware or driver malfunction

In most cases, drivers can solve the problem that the computer cannot see the phone via usb. There is a possibility that during the installation of drivers any errors were made, which entailed such consequences.

After making sure that the drivers are in good condition, examine the firmware of your phone for relevance. Perhaps it is outdated and needs to be updated accordingly. Do it yourself or consult a specialist.

How to prevent a malfunction

Above were listed the main cases in which connection failure may occur. In fact, there are many more, and they are conditionally divided into those that you can handle on your own and those that only professionals can eliminate.

By taking certain measures in advance, you can prevent a similar situation:

  1. Check your computer and phone for viruses in a timely manner and, if necessary, treat them. If you are unable to cope with this problem on your own, take the gadget to a service, preferably branded.
  2. Avoid getting water in the connector or on the usb cable. Otherwise, thoroughly blow dry the equipment. Also take care of your mobile devices  from direct sunlight, they contribute to the rapid deterioration of your property.
  3. Make sure that your computer or smartphone always has the latest update.
  4. Before connecting new phone  to the computer, pre-install on it softwarecorresponding to the firm of the smartphone.
  5. Install drivers that match your work equipment.

What to do if the computer does not see the phone

No matter how trite it may sound, but the very first thing that needs to be done in case of such a situation is to reboot both devices, having previously disconnected one from the other.

If branded software that matches the manufacturer of the smartphone is not installed on your PC, then bother installing it. As mentioned earlier, this can greatly facilitate the interaction of devices.
  If you found that the reason why the phone does not interact with the computer is in the usb cable, then change it. Quite often, in order to save some amount of money, users purchase Chinese wires. Them main characteristic  lies in the fact that they simultaneously fit all computers and do not fit any. If you purchased such a wire, and it does not “contact” with your computer, then you are unlikely to be able to do something about it.

It is likely that the reason for the lack of contact between the devices lies in something more complex, which you will not be able to handle on your own. There is a chance that this is a global computer breakdown, and here you definitely need a professional.