Top 7 Ways to Fix Android Phone Not Connecting to PC

You can transfer data from your Android phone to a PC in different ways. Connecting your Android phone to a PC using a USB cable is the simplest and most convenient. But what if your computer can’t detect your Android phone and doesn’t show it in File Explorer? Here is how you can fix the problem when your Android phones won’t connect to PC.

You can always use cloud storage options like Google Drive, Google Photos or OneDrive to move data between Android and a PC. Of course, assuming you have a high-speed data connection and are willing to take the risk should the wireless continue to drop.

1. Check USB Cable

The first thing you can do is examine the data cable you are trying to use to establish a successful connection. If the USB cable has wear and tear on both sides, try another cable to connect your Android phone to Windows PC.

Even if you manage to connect your Android phone to a PC with a slightly torn data cable, there is a high probability of errors during the transfer process.

2. Check Port on Computer

Is the USB port on your computer faulty? In this case, it cannot establish a successful connection with the PC. Clean the port with a microfiber cloth and Iso Propyl alcohol. If you are still encountering errors, try using another port on your PC.

If your computer has a USB Type-C port, use a compatible cable to transfer data quickly.

3. Make Changes From Android Phone

When you connect your Android phone to a PC, it usually goes into charging mode. So the phone will charge itself from the Windows PC and nothing else. To transfer data, you need to make changes from the notification center.

Pull down the notification center from the top and check the notification from the Android system. Tap on it and it will give you the option to change from Charge only to Transfer data.

4. Restart Android Phone and Windows PC

This is another way to fix not connecting to PC error on Android phones. Restarting both devices fixes minor issues with them. Worth to try.

On Android, keep pressing the power button and use the Restart option to reboot the phone. In Windows, open the start menu and click the Power button. Use Restart from the context menu and you are good to go. Try connecting your Android phone to Windows PC again; You should see a successful connection.

5. Update USB Drivers

Windows comes with default Universal Serial Bus controllers (USB) drivers built in. If these drivers are corrupt or out of date, it can create problems with Android phone connection on PC. You need to update the USB drivers from the Device Manager menu. Here’s how.

Stage 1: Use the Windows key and start searching for Device Manager.

Step 2: Press enter and open the menu.

Stage 3: Scroll down to the Universal Serial Bus controllers menu. Expand it.

Step 4: Select the corresponding USB port that is giving you trouble.

Step 5: Right click on it and use Update driver from the context menu.

The Windows operating system will find and install the relevant USB drivers from the internet for you. Restart the computer and try to connect the Android phone to the computer again.

6. Update the Windows operating system

Android phone not connecting to PC could be caused by an outdated operating system on your computer. Microsoft usually fixes such problems quickly with Windows updates.

In Windows, open the Settings app (use Windows + I keys) and go to the Update & Security menu. Install the latest Windows build on your computer and connect your Android phone to the PC again.

7. Use Alternative Ways to Transfer Data

Still encountering an Android phone not connecting to a PC error? If you want to transfer data quickly, you can always use cloud storage services. However, as I mentioned above, cloud services also have their limits.

You can also use data transfer services like Xender to move files back and forth. If Xender is not available in your country, check our list of Xender alternatives and choose one according to your needs.

Connect Your Android Phone to PC

In most cases, the above troubleshooting options should fix the Android phone connection issue for you. If not, you will have to go for the seventh option we just mentioned. Which trick worked for you? Share your experience with other readers in the comments section below.