There are several occasions when we need to connect our Android phones to the Windows 10 computer system. The reasons could be anything like transferring the clicked photos and video from phone to laptop, creating the phone’s backup, installing new ROM into the phone, exchanging the data, and many more.
However, at some points, it may happen with you that your phone failed to show up on PC. Even after trying multiple times removing and inserting, the phone is still unrecognized.
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It can be frustrating for you. There could be various causes for this problem to appear. However, it is not a very big issue and could be resolved with ease. Let us discuss the possible obstacles and their solutions.
1. Restart the Devices
It should have already done before coming to this guide. If not done, restart both of your devices, i.e., the Android phone and the Windows PC. Sometimes such a straightforward solution is overlooked.
2. Try Changing USB Cable
Another under-rated yet straightforward solution. Try a different USB cable. Some cables are designed just for charging a phone and not for file transfers. Unknowingly you might be using such cable for the data transfer. Change the cable, and maybe if your fortunes are right, your problem is solved. It is always recommended to use the original cable of your phone manufacturer.
3. Try Different USB Port
If changing the cable doesn’t work, now try using a different USB port for the data transfer. Maybe your Android phone does not support USB 3.0 or 2.0 port, and you are connecting via that exact port.
4. Check Whether your Phone is Connected as a Storage or Not
Whenever a phone is connected to the computer system, the USB setting is by default set to “Charge Only.”
You have to change the setting to “Transfer Files.”
That’s it your device should have appeared on the PC.
Note: The setting options may vary depending on the manufacturer or the Android version you are using. So look for similar options for your device.
5. Update Your ADB Interface
If, even after following the above step, your device is still not recognized by the computer, then your system ADB interface drivers might be outdated. ADB or Android Debugging Bridge drivers are essential for establishing a connection between a Mobile device and a PC.
You can update the ADB driver in simple steps.
-Open the Device Manager by right-clicking on the start menu button
-Under Android Phone option, look for ADB interface option then right-click on it for the Update
-You would get two options to choose from. Click on Browse my computer for driver software
-On the next Window, click on Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
-Now you are in the last step. Click on Android Composite ADB Interface.
The driver would now be updated.
After the installation of the driver, restart your device and try connecting the phone. Your problem should be solved by now.
6. Uninstall Android Drivers
Sometimes the drivers are not correctly installed, or due to some system error, they are not supporting your device.
-To fix this error, uninstall the Android drivers completely and install their fresh versions.
-Again go to Device Manager and look for your Android device.
-Right-click on it and select uninstall.
-After the drivers are uninstalled, disconnect your phone.
-Reconnect the phone, and wait for Windows 10 to install the drivers again automatically.
-After the completion of the installation, check if the phone is showing up on the PC or not.
7. Enable USB Debugging
Enabling the USB debugging option can sometimes solve the phone not connecting issue. For this, first, you have to enable the Developer Options on your phone if not already done.
- On your Android phone, go to settings and tap on About Phone.
- Now scroll down and look for the Build Number and tap it several times. A message would be displayed, indicating that you are now a Developer.
- Now in the settings, Developer Options would be unlocked. Open it and check the USB debugging option.
8. Turn ON the Airplane Mode
If still, the phone is not showing up on pc, then turn ON the Airplane mode and then try to connect. Many users have claimed that this trick has worked for them.
After the file transfer is completed, turn the Airplane mode OFF.
9. Update Your USB Driver
It might have happened that your computer’s USB drivers have got corrupted. Try updating or reinstalling them. This might solve your problem.
10. Reboot your phone into ODIN mode
This particular option is only for Samsung Android phones since they are the only ones that can access ODIN mode. However, before moving any further, you have to keep in mind that ODIN mode is responsible for flashing your Android phone. If not handled properly, you can cause permanent damage to the Operating System.
To access ODIN mode, follow these steps:
- Switch OFF your phone
- Press the Volume Down+Home+Power button together to turn ON your phone and enter the boot mode.
- Now connect your phone to PC and let it install the necessary drivers.
- Now start your phone usually and check if it got connected or not.
11. Connect Your Android Phone Directly to the PC
Many users use the USB hub to connect multiple USB devices to their computer systems. So, if your phone is not connecting via a USB hub, then instead, try connecting it directly to the PC. It is a relatively common problem among many users that their external hard disks and Android phone couldn’t connect with USB hubs. But, when they connect directly to the PC USB port, the problem doesn’t occur.
12. Delete cache and data for the External Storage and Media Storage system app
This method worked for many people who were dealing with- phone not connected to the PC problem. It is only for Android version 6 or above. However, others can also look for similar options on their phones.
-Go to your phone’s settings and look for Apps
-Tap on three-dot at the top-right corner and then go for Show System Processes.
-Now select the External Storage and Media Storage apps and delete their cache and data.
-After completing this process, restart your phone and try connecting it to the computer.
13. Install a PC Suite
PC suites are a bundle of software for different phone manufacturers. They are used to connect your phone to the PC. Installing a PC suite can solve the phone not recognized by the PC problem. PC suits of various mobile brands are readily available to download on the official sites of the brands.
14. Try the Bluetooth or other Third-Party Apps
If none of the above methods worked for you, then you have no other option other than using Bluetooth or third-party apps to connect your phone. Bluetooth is good, but the problem is, it is prolonged. For even a small data transfer, it takes much time. Alternatively, you can use third-party apps.
The applications like ShareIt, Zender uses the phone’s hotspot for the data transfer. It is by far the fastest way to transfer data, even faster than the cable transfer. They can also sync the data from your Android phone to your Windows 10 systems.
Conclusion
These are all the possible methods that we could find that can help you to fix the problem of Android phone not showing up on pc. However, it is worth mentioning that, apart from the software glitches, there might be a problem with your hardware.
Like maybe your laptop or CPUs USB port are all damaged. The hardware problem could also be with your phone. Your phone’s charging port might be damaged and stopped supporting the data transfer. There is a small wire around the charging port inside the phone, which is responsible for data transfer. Sometimes it gets loosens, and that can disable the data transfer.
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Peter is an Electrical Engineer whose primary interest is tinkering with his computer. He is passionate about Windows 10 Platform and enjoys writing tips and tutorials about it.
