How To Fix ‘Computer Not Recognizing Android Device’ Problem

Regardless of the operating system, Mac, Windows or Linux, computer not recognizing your Android smartphone or tablet is a pretty common issue. Thankfully though, there are multiple effective ways of dealing with it.

In this tutorial, we are going to be guiding you through the process of figuring out why your Android device fails to connect to your computer.

Method #1: Try another port or cable

While it sounds too obvious, sometimes the issue can be attributed to a malfunctioning USB port or a USB cable that has been designed just for charging. The latter is a pretty rare phenomenon, it is worth considering though.

Method #2: Make sure you have selected the right connection setting

For those unfamiliar, when an Android device is connected to a computer, three connection options are available; ‘Charging’, ‘Transfer files’ and ‘Transfer photos’. Usually ‘Charging’ is the default one.

In order to have your phone show up on your computer, though, you need to select the second one.

1. Unlock your phone
2. Slide your finger down from the top, in order for the notifications menu to emerge
3. Tap on the ‘Android System’ box
4. Select ‘Transfer files’

Method #3: Enable USB Debugging

Another way of dealing with the issue via your Android is device, is by enabling USB debugging mode. While the particular option is primarily used when one needs to operate his or her device via the computer, plenty of users have reported that it could be a workaround for this problem as well.

1. Disconnect your Android device from the computer
2. Go to Settings
3. Find ‘Developer Options’
4. Enable ‘USB Debugging’
5. If you receive a warning message, tap OK
6. Reconnect your Android device to the computer

 

Method #4: Try updating or reinstalling your device’s driver

Another common culprit for the issue at hand is the device’s USB drivers. Updating it could fix the connection problem.

1. Press Windows Key and X
2. Select ‘Device Manager’ from the Menu
3. Click on the ‘Portable Device’ section
4. Click on your device’s name
5. Click on ‘Update Driver Software’
6. Click on ‘Browse my computer for driver software’
7. Click on ‘Let me pick…’
8. Select the MTP USB Device option and click ‘Next’

Method #5: Try uninstalling your device’s driver

A similar method with the above is to actually uninstall your device’s driver and disconnect it from your computer. Then reconnect the device to the computer, and the latter will reinstall the drivers.

1. Press Windows Key and X
2. Select ‘Device Manager’ from the Menu
3. Click on the ‘Portable Device’ section
4. Click on your device’s name
5. Click on ‘Uninstall’
6. Click on ‘OK’

 

If you encounter any problems while trying out the above or have a recommendation to make, feel free to shoot a comment down below.

Orestes Papanastassiou
Categories: Computers
Tags: Android, USB