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Despite the fact that modern phones have long been fully usable without connecting to a computer, sometimes such a need may still arise. For example, if you need to transfer files to a device that is not connected to the Internet.
If we approach the problem of connecting a PC and a phone globally, then all cases when the computer does not see the phone via USB can be divided into three large categories – phone problems, computer problems or wire problems. In our material, we will explain in an accessible way how to fix these problems on our own.
Android connection issues
Before reinstalling anything, try simply restarting your computer or smartphone itself. If the computer still does not see the phone via USB, proceed to the next step. The reasons may be as follows.
Cable problems
When connecting a smartphone to a PC, it is advisable to use the original cable for charging and synchronization. If you don’t have one, try to find another wire that came with another phone (watch for compatible charging connectors!). If you can’t find one, go to your nearest electronics store and buy a new one. It makes no sense to spend money on the most expensive cable, but you don’t need to buy outright garbage for 50 rubles. Also avoid “3-in-1 cables” with one USB and multiple smartphone plugs. The best option is a simple wire 0,5 – 1 meter in a soft plastic braid.
The wire itself should be free of breaks and cracks. If there is dust or dirt on the cable pins, blow it with air or try to clean it with a dry soft cloth. The main thing is not to rub too hard and do not try to clean the connector with something hard.
Computer problems
On all, even very old versions of operating systems, drivers for connecting Android smartphones are installed automatically. In fact, the PC sees the smartphone as a regular flash drive.
If for some reason this did not happen, then first of all try connecting the phone via a different USB connector. It is advisable to use those that are located on the back of the system unit – there they are installed directly on the motherboard.
If the PC continues to ignore a smartphone connected via USB, then reinstalling the drivers may help. With the smartphone connected, right-click on the “My Computer” icon and click “Properties”. In the open window, launch the “Device Manager”. After that, a list of all devices connected to the PC motherboard will open. Problematic ones are highlighted with a yellow exclamation point.
Right-click on the desired device (usually the name is similar to the model of your smartphone) and select “Properties”. Go to the “Drivers” tab and select “Update Driver”. Try to do it automatically and be sure to restart your computer.
It is possible that your old device needs separate drivers – they were usually written to the disk that came with the smartphone. In this case, install them manually in the “Drivers” tab, specifying the location of the files you need.
The smartphone can also be blocked by computer security programs. If you are sure that there are no viruses on the phone, then disable the anti-malware software and reconnect the smartphone to the PC.
Smartphone problems
Sometimes the computer does not see the phone via USB due to problems with the Android smartphone itself. Let’s try to figure out what could go wrong. Let’s start simple.
Problems can arise due to poor contact between the wire and the connector inside the phone. Blow the area gently with air, but don’t try to clean it with something hard!
Also, problems can occur due to the fact that the wrong mode for connecting a smartphone to a computer is selected by default. Immediately after the connection, the smartphone will prompt you to select the mode in which it will work (in different phones they are called differently, but the essence remains the same) – “Charging only/No file transfer”, “Photo transfer” or “File Transfer”. Of course, we are interested in the last option – choose only it.
The tethering mode on your phone may interfere with the proper operation of your PC and smartphone. Make sure to disable this feature before connecting your Android smartphone to your computer. Also, the phone must be unlocked – because of this, the computer may not see the phone.
iPhone connection issues
Apple has its own vision of how to connect their devices to computers. Most of the actions can be performed only through one program – iTunes. To some extent, this simplifies everything, but some points remain similar to Android phones.
Cable problems
As we explained above, the first step is to examine the lighting cable for damage. It should not have any breaks or cracks. If you are not sure about the quality of your cable, then buy a new one. Again, you should not look for a good lighting wire in underground passages or at bus stops. Go to the nearest electronics store and buy a good one from a reputable manufacturer if you can’t afford an original Apple lightning cable.
Computer problems
All actions for working with an iOS smartphone in a “big” computer must be performed through iTunes. The program itself installs all the necessary drivers and checks their relevance, the user only needs to connect the phone to the PC.
Most problems with connecting an iPhone to a computer can be solved by simply reinstalling iTunes. After uninstalling the previous version, be sure to restart your PC.
As in the case of Android, when connecting iOS devices, it is better to use the connectors on the back of the system unit.
Smartphone problems
The iPhone does not have any special settings for selecting the operating mode of the smartphone and PC. When you connect the lightning cable of your smartphone and computer, automatic synchronization starts. The phone must be unlocked. If connection problems persist after carefully cleaning the phone connector and rebooting, then you should contact the service center.
Alternatives to wired connection of phone to computer
If you need to transfer files to your smartphone, and there is no time to deal with wired connection problems, then you can get around this problem using the Internet.
The easiest way is to use cloud file storage. As a rule, users have access to an average of 10 GB immediately after registering and installing the program on a computer and smartphone. Synchronization occurs automatically.
If the file size is small, then the easiest way is to send them to yourself by mail or in instant messengers (there is such a function in Telegram or VK).
It is also possible to synchronize files via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi through special programs for smartphones and PCs. For example, AirDroid or Wi-Fi File Transfer for Android smartphones.