Solving problems connecting Android devices via USB. Connecting an Android smartphone to a computer

How to connect telephone to a computer via USB, if it is not connected as a removable storage device, but only charged? A very common problem for users who use Android devices. Let's consider separately each possible cause of the breakdown and ways to solve it.

I can’t connect my mobile phone to my laptop, how can I solve the problem? There are actually several reasons why this happens. First, you need to make sure that you have enabled all the necessary settings on your device. If after connection smartphone from the PC, a message appears on the taskbar stating that the device is recognized and the drivers have been successfully installed, go to the phone settings.

In this case, the battery charge should be visible on the cell phone display. Enable the removable storage function in the settings and reconnect. In this case, there is no connection problem; the drive settings may have been changed due to the installation of an update or anti-virus software. Connect the device as a drive for your computer. To do this, click on the corresponding key in the pop-up window or use the phone settings.

Solution #1. Port incompatibility

If the connection previously worked without interruptions, but now the mobile phone does not connect, it is possible that you not only did not enable the storage mode in the smartphone settings. The problem may be port incompatibility. Try connecting the device to a different USB port on your PC. It is advisable to use USB version 2.0.

Also try changing the connection wire. In some cases, smartphones from Samsung and can continue charging even if the cable breaks slightly. Also among the physical problems can be noted a damaged phone socket. Because of this, the phone may charge, but the window for setting up the drive will not appear.

To solve the problem, you need to change the wire or, if you are sure of its functionality, run the error and troubleshooting wizard on your computer.

• Click on "device settings". Next, the system utility will launch to automatically detect problems. If any problems with the connected smartphone are detected, the application will correct them on its own;

• Reboot your device;
• Try connecting it in storage mode again, the problem should go away.

Solution #2. Device version conflict

I can’t connect my smartphone to Windows XP, what should I do? If you recently purchased an Android smartphone and cannot connect it to a computer running Windows XP, the problem is caused by a conflict between the OS versions of the two devices. As a rule, devices from the company are incompatible with this operating system HTC, however, there is one way to solve the problem.

Follow the instructions to resolve the issue:

• From your computer, go to the official Microsoft website page at microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=19153 - this is a direct link to the page with the utility for installing the MTP protocol. This protocol is necessary for organizing work and further correct functioning of the operating system and the user’s smartphone;
• Download and install the utility on your PC or laptop;

• After restarting your computer, try connecting the device again as a drive. It should be detected by the computer without any problems. If this does not happen, you need to reinstall the Android OS version on your phone.

Solution #3. Graphic key

An important point in the process of correctly connecting a smartphone to a computer is the presence of a pattern key on the smartphone or other additional unlocking methods. Because of them, the connection may not occur correctly.

Important! Make sure that after you connect the device to the PC, you enter the pattern or password.

Also check to see if your device notifies you that it has been connected to your computer. The connection information is displayed on the taskbar as shown in the image below:

Try connecting the device not only in storage mode, but also in modem mode. To do this, go to settings, find the “Modem Mode” tab and activate the slider, as shown in the figure below:

After connecting this option, the phone should be recognized by the computer without problems.

Other ways to synchronize data

If the cause of the connection failure is a physical component (for example, a broken wire), and files between devices need to be transferred urgently, use the following transfer methods:

1. Set up a connection between your phone and PC via any of the cloud storage services. As a rule, HTC and Samsung phones already have One Drive software reinstalled. Connect it and move the necessary files. Then go to your storage account on your computer and download the documents you need;
2. Use AirDroid or its equivalent. With its help, you can control the device through your computer browser. You don't need a wired connection for this. However, the speed of information transfer in this case depends on the speed of the Internet connection;
3. Creating an FTP server (this option is suitable for advanced users). In the future, the created server can be used as a removable disk for the Windows operating system.

Thematic video:

Technology is constantly evolving, and mobile devices are a clear example of this. A modern mobile phone is not just a means of voice communication, but also has a lot of additional functions, such as Internet surfing, games and all kinds of entertainment, a camera, a navigator and much more. In this regard, many users have a question: how to connect a smartphone to a computer?

Just think, relatively recently few people had the opportunity to purchase a regular phone that performs one single function - voice communication. And at the moment we cannot even imagine life without a modern mobile phone - a smartphone.

In everyday life, these devices are indispensable assistants, as well as an excellent means of spending leisure time. But let's look at options for connecting a smartphone to a PC.

1. How to connect a smartphone to a computer

First, you need to decide why you want to connect your smartphone to your PC. For example, the phone can be used as a Webcam for video communication using programs, for example, Skype. In addition, the smartphone can play the role of a regular memory drive, and users can transfer files from the PC to the device or vice versa. Another function of the smartphone is that it can be used as a modem for a wireless Internet connection.

Modern smartphones provide a lot of possibilities, and depending on the purpose of use, the connection method also differs. At the moment, there are several methods for connecting your phone to a PC:

• USB connection;
• Wireless Wi-Fi connection;
• HDMI connection.

Let's look at all these methods, their capabilities and advantages.

1.1. How to connect a smartphone to a computer via Wi Fi

A wireless connection via Wi-Fi is the most convenient method, but not all smartphone capabilities are available; for example, the device cannot be used as a modem. Typically, such a connection is used to simply transfer data from a PC to a phone and vice versa.

In addition, using a wireless connection, the smartphone can be used as a webcam for video calls via Skype.

The first thing to note is that to create such a connection you must have a Wi-Fi router. However, even if you don't have a router, you can use an external Wi-Fi adapter. The connection principle is the same in any case.

Connecting a smartphone to a PC via Wi-Fi can also be done in several ways. The simplest method is to use an application that is installed on your smartphone. It doesn't matter what operating system you have installed. The principle of operation is the same for both Android and IOS.

Let's look at connecting a smartphone to a computer via Wi-Fi using the FTP server application as an example. This is a free program that can be downloaded from the play store. After installing the program, all you have to do is launch the application and press the button to launch (the big red button). After this, an IP address will appear on the screen, which must be entered in the status bar of a standard file explorer (for example, “my documents”). In other words, in my documents, instead of the file address in the top line (where the path to the file is written, for example, libraries/documents... and so on), you just need to enter the address specified in the application on your smartphone.

After this, the computer will detect the files on your phone, after which you can work with them - copy, delete, and so on. The program has flexible settings. It is worth noting that many smartphones have not only internal memory, but also a removable flash drive. Depending on where the desired files are stored, you need to specify the path in the program settings.

This method is the answer to the question of how to connect a smartphone to a laptop via Wi-Fi. In principle, almost all applications for wirelessly connecting your phone to a PC operate in the same way, so you should not have any problems.

1.2. How to connect a smartphone to a laptop via USB

I would like to say right away that it is the USB connection that opens up the greatest range of possibilities for the user. This connection combines all the capabilities of a wireless connection and all additional functions, such as using a smartphone as a modem, a webcam, working simultaneously with files on a flash card and in internal memory, and so on. Only USB allows you to fully use all the capabilities of your smartphone when connected.

However, unlike a wireless connection, when connected via USB, your device will be tied to the PC. That is, you will not be able to leave with the phone, which is very inconvenient, for example, if they call you while connecting.

So, how to connect a smartphone to a computer via USB. Everything is also simple here. To transfer data, you just need to connect a special cable (micro-USB/USB) to the corresponding connectors on your phone and PC. It is worth noting that in the vast majority of cases, you do not need to install any drivers for simple data transfer (if you are using Windows 7 or 8). The system automatically detects the device as a removable disk.

In some cases (depending on the mobile device model), you may need to make some settings on your smartphone. On older models, you must enable USB debugging in the application settings. After that, in the “USB connections” tab, you need to click the “connect USB drive” button. Also, on some models, when you connect a USB cable, a window may appear with a choice of connection option, among which you need to select the desired option - working with files or a USB modem.

2. How to connect Android to PC via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB cable: Video

However, in some cases you will still need to install special drivers, but there are no problems with this, since they are easy to find on the Internet. You just need to enter your phone model in the search engine and download the required driver. After installing the driver, additional options open up, such as flashing the phone's firmware using special programs. However, this is not recommended, as there is a risk of turning the device into a “brick”. Also, after installing the driver, it becomes possible to use the smartphone as a 3G/4G modem to access the Internet.

As you can see, connecting a smartphone to a PC is a simple task that should not cause difficulties. As mentioned above, you should choose a connection method depending on what goals you are pursuing. In any case, there are advantages and disadvantages. For example, connecting a smartphone and PC via Wi-Fi allows you to move freely within the coverage area. That is, within an apartment or house. However, such a connection limits the capabilities of the smartphone, that is, you will not be able to use it as a modem and so on.

The advantage of a USB connection is that you get a full range of functions and capabilities. However, the phone is tied to the PC and you have no freedom of action. Now you know how to connect your smartphone to your PC. It's worth remembering that there are different wireless connection methods, as well as many different applications, both paid and free. However, they all have the same operating principle. Follow the prompts on the screen and you won't have any problems.

We suggest you familiarize yourself with the instructions for connecting your smartphone or tablet to a desktop computer in various possible ways. Connect android to computer you can via USB, Internet or Wi-Fi, as well as via Bluetooth.

Connecting a smartphone to a computer

Connecting your smartphone to your home equipment will allow you to gain the necessary access to the internal storage media. To do this, you need to download and install an individual program, both on your personal computer and on your phone. There are a considerable number of them, each has its own advantages and disadvantages - choose the one that is more acceptable to you.

Next, you select the required option for connecting the devices to each other - USB cable, wi-fi or bluetooth - and click “ok”. For example, we will use android -USB, included with your smartphone. Using a cable we connect both selected devices.

After the connection, a special information message will be displayed on the screen stating that a new device has been detected by the system, and the installation of the necessary drivers will be offered. This action is optional, so you click the “cancel” button.

Pick up your smartphone, click on the USB icon and select the “USB connection established” command, then perform the “turn on USB drive” operation.

Your smartphone will then prompt you which installation programs you need to select - you click “ok”. Now your phone is ready to work through your home PC. It will be available to you in Explorer as a new connected device with the name smartphone.

Another interesting way is using a Bluetooth connection. This method has been proven for a long time, and most importantly, it will be easy for everyone to understand.
We connect the Bluetooth function on the computer and on your smartphone, then look for the device.

Now you need to go to the settings and check the activation of our connection - select the desired device and confirm your choice.

We enter similar data on the second device, now we have successfully established a data exchange channel.

Connecting your tablet to your computer

The very first action of the owner of a new tablet is to connect it to the home server. Sometimes problems arise with direct connection, so we will tell you about a couple more possible methods.

Computer connecting to android Through the cable, it happens approximately the same way with a smartphone or with a tablet. Therefore, let's look at the possibilities of connecting our device to a personal computer using wi-fi and via the Internet.

Initially, we need to download and install the program on the tablet OnAir.

The next step is to check whether there is an ftp manager on our computer, if not, then install it too. Next, we enter the same data in ftp mode both on the tablet and on the personal computer.

Users regularly connect modern Android smartphones to a laptop or PC to dump music, photos or other necessary files. In some situations, the computer does not detect the phone via USB, which makes working with it very difficult. There is a certain list of reasons that prevent the device from being recognized.

The computer does not recognize the phone via USB - reasons

All possible problems that users encounter can be divided into software or hardware. In the first option, the problem is in the settings, drivers or computer system, in the second - in the cable, USB port of the smartphone or laptop. Almost all problems can be fixed, but before you try to fix connecting your phone to your computer via USB, try restarting your PC and device. This simple procedure often helps, especially with device models from Lenovo, Samsung, HTC, FLY, LG, Nokia.

The phone does not connect via USB to the computer, but is charging

A very common problem with devices is when the phone is not displayed on the computer via USB, but the battery charge indicator is on. The smartphone responds to the connection, but the system does not want to display it. To identify the cause of the failure, you can do the following:

1. Move the power cord to a different port on the laptop. Now most models are already equipped with version 3.0 connectors (blue), but you need to use 2.0. For stationary versions, the connection should be made from the back of the case, and not from the front panel.
2. Try using a different cord if the sockets are the same. This will help identify problems with the cable. If one of the twisted pair wires breaks, the smartphone may continue to charge, but not be detected.
3. Inspect the device socket to see if there is any debris or dirt inside that disrupts the connection of the contacts and makes it difficult to find the device.
4. Try connecting the device to another PC. If it is detected there, then the problem is definitely in your system: there are no drivers, a virus, or the power supply on the laptop is incorrectly configured. This problem will be described in more detail below.

The computer stopped seeing the phone via USB

It often happens that the device was previously detected, but for some reason it suddenly stopped. A common reason why the computer does not see the phone via USB is that the port drivers have crashed. Due to software glitches, the latter stop functioning correctly and are unable to find any connected devices. In this case, there is no need to reboot the device. You need to do the following:

1. Find the “native” drive for the motherboard. The set must contain all system files for the correct operation of the USB ports.
2. If the disk is lost, find the developer’s website on the Internet. Manufacturers, as a rule, make all the necessary software freely available.
3. Reinstall the drivers.

After the PC has finished installing the files, you need to restart the computer. Only at this moment is it time to check whether the system can recognize the device. If these steps do not help, make additional settings:

1. In the Control Panel, go to the "Power" section.
2. Select "Set up power plan" (for laptops).
3. Click "Change advanced settings..."
4. From the list, select “USB Settings” and click the plus sign.
5. Then expand the “Temporarily disable USB port option” section.
6. Set to “Disabled” for battery or mains operation.
7. Click “Apply” and “Ok”.

In addition to problems with port drivers, files for the Android device itself may be lost. To check this, you should open the device manager and see if there is an exclamation mark in the “Portable devices” section. Check the list for your phone. If it is not there or there is a warning sign, you should do the following:

• open the device and click “Uninstall driver”;
• turn off your mobile device;
• connect it again;
• wait until the system installs the connected device again.

The computer does not find the phone via USB

Sometimes the situation is such that the laptop initially does not find the device. If the reason is not a broken cord or port, then you should carefully check why the computer does not see the phone via USB. The causes of problems may include the following:

1. Android system settings. Modern mobile devices have several connection options: charging only, storage, modem. By default, most of them are set to the first value from the list. As a result, the device is charging, but is not displayed by the system. As a rule, the top menu of the device when connected suggests changing the connection type; you just need to select the required option. If this does not happen automatically, you need to follow the following path: Settings -> Memory -> Properties. Here you must set the required connection type.
2. Sometimes a smartphone is used as a modem, which prevents it from being recognized as a storage device. Disable this option through Settings.
3. Turn on Windows Update, which will allow the PC to download fresh, up-to-date drivers for all connected devices. When connecting, do not forget to unlock your mobile device.
4. When sold together with the smartphone, a disk is provided that contains a program for connecting the phone to a computer via USB. Use it to discover your device.

The computer does not recognize the phone via USB - viruses

Malicious programs that have entered a PC system can behave in completely different ways. Sometimes they become the reason why the computer still does not see the phone via USB. Virus scripts disrupt the operation of various devices, remove drivers, and block data transfer. The risk of infecting a smartphone is extremely low, because viruses for Android are written extremely rarely. However, to protect yourself from infection, you should check Windows using specialized programs:

• Dr.Web;
• Antivirus Kaspersky;
• Malwarebyte.

What to do if your phone does not connect to your computer via USB

If your system, after all the steps described above, still does not see the device, but you are 100% sure that the problem is not in the USB cord or socket, the device was previously detected, there is only one way out - Hard Reset. A hard reboot will lose all data from the phone's internal memory and reset it to factory settings. This will eliminate the possibility of a software failure on the part of the mobile phone.

All data that you save on the SD card or cloud services will remain unharmed. This option should be used as a last resort - provided that all other methods did not give the desired result, and you are sure that the problem is in the settings of the device, but not the PC. For each model, be it Samsung or NTS, the manufacturer has programmed hardware buttons that make it possible to perform a hard reboot. You can enable it from the settings, if the device turns on and you have access to them.

Video: how to connect your phone to a computer via a USB cable

In this article we will figure out how to connect Android to a computer/laptop via USB as a flash drive and be able to transfer information without using a classic flash drive.

This article is suitable for all brands that produce phones on Android 9/8/7/6: Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, LG, Sony, ZTE, Huawei, Meizu, Fly, Alcatel, Xiaomi, Nokia and others. We are not responsible for your actions.

Before Android 4.4 KitKat, it was possible to connect via USB as a flash drive. The PC saw the device as a removable disk and provided the same rights: the user could also perform other actions.

Then, in new versions of Android, the USB mode was replaced by MTP, in which only the data transfer function remained, and the same formatting did not work.

Setting up a USB connection

To manage the connection to a computer via USB, you need. To do this, add the “For Developers” section to the Android settings (if it doesn’t exist):

1. Open settings.
2. Go to the "About phone" or "About device" section.
3. "Build number" or "MIUI version".
4. Press (click) on this item until you see a message that you have become a developer (usually 7-10 clicks are enough).

After the developer section appears in the settings, you can enable USB debugging. The item is called that way, so you just need to move the slider to the “On” position and confirm the resolution.

Now you can connect the device to your computer via USB and select the operating mode. In the latest versions of Android, the most used ones are:

• MTP - transfer any files from computer to phone and vice versa.
• PTP - transfer of photos, as well as transfer of files not supported in MTP mode.
• Charging only.

Connecting in USB storage mode

If you can't get used to using the media player, go back to using USB storage mode. For this you will need:

• USB MASS STORAGE Enabler installed.

Using this method may damage system files. In this case, you will have to reflash Android.

To connect Android to your computer as a drive:

1. Launch USB MASS STORAGE Enabler.
2. Grant superuser rights and agree to change how Selinux works.
3. If the device is supported, the main application menu will open.
4. Click "Enable USB MASS STORAGE".

Now, when connected to a PC, the phone or tablet will appear as a drive. To connect in MTP or PTP mode, just restart the device. Once you're done with mass storage mode, go back into the app and disable USB MASS STORAGE.