When connecting an Android device to a computer, most owners, as a rule, expect to first use the function of transferring data from the device to the PC and vice versa. Charging the battery of a smartphone or tablet is of last interest to users.
However, sometimes a situation arises when connecting the gadget to a PC using a USB cable leads to nothing but charging the battery. A device based on the Android operating system does not connect to the computer; the user cannot get access to the physical memory of the device.
This can happen for several reasons, which can be divided into three main groups: user, software, hardware.
Custom reasons
A fairly common phenomenon, especially on versions of the Android OS over the past few years. Therefore, we will begin with it. For example, a gadget based on Android 8 does not connect to a computer, and no system errors are logged. This is due to banal carelessness: many, by connecting the cable to the USB port, simply do not look at the screen of their device, which, having found a connection with a PC, offers the user to activate one of the available connection modes (battery charging, modem mode, camera mode and data transfer mode ) By default, as a rule, it is the charging mode that is set in which data lines are not involved.
To activate the data transfer mode, you need to go to the gadget settings, tap on the "Memory" tab, then click the USB logo icon or classic ellipsis in the upper right corner (the specific display of this part of the menu depends on the device model, operating system version and current firmware).
In the menu that opens, select the line "Media device (MTP)". In addition, it will not be superfluous to check the function of the mobile USB modem in the "Connection" menu or in the "Wireless Networks" section: the function must be deactivated.
Program reasons
Often, problems in which a device with an Android OS does not connect to a computer via USB can be caused by various kinds of system failures. They can occur for several reasons. Let's consider each separately.
A one-time error of the device’s operating system itself
Since the system under study, which is known to be based on Linux, is quite stable and reliable, the likelihood that the Android phone does not connect to the computer due to such an error is extremely low. As a solution, you can reboot the device by long pressing the power button. Or, if the design of the smartphone allows, remove the battery for a couple of minutes. If the problem is a system error, these manipulations should help.
Severe system failure
It appears as a result of incorrect firmware changes, or, most likely, the use of so-called custom firmware, that is, adapted by technically savvy users for a specific device.
Any web resource from which such firmware can be downloaded necessarily contains a warning about the user's independent responsibility for manipulating the device and the absence of any guarantees. In case of problems there is a risk of getting a brick, bootloop (cyclic reboot) or the device switching to demo mode, in which the Android OS does not connect to the network at all. In this case, the problem of connecting the gadget to the computer will interest the user at the very last moment.
Therefore, if after installing such firmware the Android OS does not connect to the computer (and via WiFi as well), most likely you will have to perform a factory reset through the device recovery system.
To do this, you need to start the turned off device by simultaneously pressing the power button and one of the volume buttons (the specific way to enter the recovery mode depends on the model of the device). Then you should wait for the recovery environment to load, which may take a certain time, after which, using the volume keys, go to the Wipe Data / Factory Reset menu item and confirm the selection by pressing the power button.
It should be borne in mind that this procedure will lead to a complete update of the device and its return to the factory state, respectively, all user settings, applications and data from the phone’s memory will be deleted.
Windows build failed
Illegal versions of the most famous operating system are quite popular among users around the world, therefore, builds created by enthusiasts with various improvements are installed by PC owners quite often. In most cases, there are no problems with them.
However, the possibility of failures and errors cannot be completely ruled out. And the situation in which a smartphone or tablet with Android does not connect to the computer may be the result of such failures. The problem is solved by completely reinstalling the operating system on the PC. At the same time, it is recommended to use official licensed versions or assemblies, the quality and normal performance of which are repeatedly confirmed by other users.
Lack of drivers necessary for connecting the device to the PC
For users of Windows 7 SP1, as well as more modern versions of the operating system from Microsoft, this situation does not threaten. Those who still use Windows XP, and when they try to connect the phone to a PC, are faced with the fact that Android does not connect to the computer, it is necessary to download and install drivers and files of the MTP service from the official Microsoft website.
In addition, the drivers of the plug-in gadget itself may not be available on the PC. Since support for Windows XP at all official levels is no longer implemented, it is likely that you will have to look for the required driver on third-party resources. Most often you will have to work with English-language sites and files.
USB driver failure
Quite a rare but unpleasant situation in which any USB devices refuse to work. In this case, not only the Android phone does not connect to the computer, but also peripherals using the USB protocol. The solution is to reinstall the standard set of drivers for the current motherboard (from the original installation disk or from the official site). When using Windows 10, the cause of the connection failure can be caused by the incorrect operation of the MTP service. It is treated by installing the latest drivers for this service.
Viral activity
Moreover, both on the computer and on the mobile device itself. At the same time, incorrect operation of the device can occur not only when connected to a PC. Sometimes there are situations in which Android does not connect to Wi-Fi or the mobile Internet (devices with unlocked superuser rights are especially vulnerable).
The solution is to run a full scan using an anti-virus utility, since both paid and free versions are not a problem to download and install.
Hardware reasons
The inability to connect an Android device to a computer can be caused not only by software failures. The cause may be hardware problems. Most often, the user can handle them. Among them there are those that we will consider later.
Power problems
In this case, the USB port may generate an error. Most often, this may be due to poor contact quality inside the USB connector (especially when using various USB extension cords and splitters). In some fairly rare cases, an error may occur due to overload of the power supply.
Physical damage to the USB cable
This is the most common reason, since the connection to the computer is usually the same cable that is used for charging. And since many users charge their gadgets far more than once a day, constantly holding the charge with them, this cannot but affect the banal physical wear of the wire, especially at the places of connection with the plugs. Of course, one should not exclude mechanical damage that can be caused by a number of external causes.
Physical damage to wire connectors
The USB connector is the last thing concerned, since it is quite large and durable, in order to damage it, you need to try. But the connectors on the other end of the wire (for example, MicroUSB or Type-C) are much more susceptible to damage.
Damage to USB ports on a PC
This is especially true for those connectors that are located on the front panel and, as a result, are most susceptible to external influences.
For example, it’s quite simple to hook the connector of a wire connected to a computer, simply bypassing, thereby causing a violation of the integrity of the USB port. This can hardly be called a serious problem, since you can always use a working port or purchase a USB hub.
Bad port on device
This is already more difficult, since at home, and without special skills and tools, it will not work to eliminate a mechanical malfunction and restore the functionality of the connector.
Having studied this manual, each user who has problems connecting his gadget to a PC will be able to find the answer to the question why "Android" does not connect to the computer, "study the causes of the situation and determine the solution that suits you.