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USB Not recognized (Android Phone)

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Davidudu

PCHF Member
Oct 6, 2018
20
2
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Hello PCHF!
I've had a problem for about a week now and that's when I try to connect my android phone to my PC. When plug the USB cord in I get the error message "Usb not recognized/Device not recognized by windows". But it's strange because it worked fine just a week ago. I have not done anything on my PC or phone other than taking more photos with my android.

Things I have tried to fix the problem:
1. Deleted all USB drivers, restarted the PC and the reinstalled everything. (I also cut the power for about 10 minutes before restarting the pc)
2. Turned off all power save options in control panel and also the Root Hub power save option that allows windows to turn off USB's to save power.
3. Tried to install legacy USB options using Device Manager.
4. Installed Windows updates AND Android updates. (I had about 3 windows and 2 Android updates, still nothing)
5. Tried different USB cords and different outlets.
6. Turned on Developer mode on my Android and activated USB debugging.

All other USB's work fine. It's just my phone that won't connect so I'm assuming it's my phone that acts up. I want to mention that I have a LOT of photos on my phone and that may be the cause? It recently told me that my SD card is full and that it will continue to store on my phone. Is that an issue?
I get the USB connection sound on windows when I plug my phone in, but the phone won't show up under My computer. I just get the error message mentioned earlier.
 
Hello

Have you checked the usb port on your phone to make sure there is no lint/trash in the usb port? Mobile phones are bad about this..
I looked with a flashlight but it looked fine. Tried to clean a bit with a toothpick but it seems ok. No dust or lint what I can see.
 
What is the brand and model of your phone? (I usually search out manuals).

Settings -> Storage -> More -> USB computer connection -> Media device
make sure MTP is selected.
 
It's a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge I'm using and version 8.0.0 of Android.

I can't seem to find that option you mention plodr, but in the Developer mode I can see that MTP is selected.
 
All I found in the user guide was this
A connection is not established when you connect the device to a
computer
• Ensure that the USB cable you are using is compatible with your device.
• Ensure that you have the proper driver installed and updated on your computer.
• If you are a Windows XP user, ensure that you have Windows XP Service Pack 3 or higher
installed on your computer.

I downloaded it from here: https://www.galaxys7manual.com/

I have a cheap Galaxy J3 Emerge. It's running android 6. I haven't had a problem connecting it to my 2 Windows 7 computers and I think I helped someone troubleshoot by connecting it to an offline XP computer. I also have Developer mode showing.

I also have quite a few micro USB-USB cables and I just grab one of the longer ones I bought because the ones that come with the phone (and my Samsung tablet) are way too short.

I'd try it on a friend's computer just to see if it is recognized. If it is, then it is some change on your computer.
I have never changed anything with USB on any computer, other than to be sure that the USB ports don't shut down to save power.
 
When I try to update my drivers it says I already have the latest ones. I reinstall anyway.
I actually found a checkbox that I had missed that allowed the PC to shut down USB's to save power. I didn't do anything however.
It's so strange because it worked so well just a week ago. No problems what so ever, and I can't think of anything I've done on the PC or phone to make it like this.
I will go over to my neighbour when he comes home to try my phone there.

I also tried the Smart Switch program. Installed it on both my phone and PC to see if I could make it work. Unfortunately I couldn't transfer any files because the USB must be detected by the PC :/ I tried to reinstall the drivers in the app and plugged the USB into different ports but no...

I'll come back soon with an update!
 
What OS are you using on your pc? Make sure that your anti virus isn't blocking the usb. Also have you done any updates recently to your pc? Also make sure your OS isn't blocking any usb hook ups.
 
I'm running Windows 10. I have updated my PC recently but that was because I wanted to fix this problem :( I also don't have any anti-virus on my PC because I don't like having them.
 
When was the last time the phone was power cycled?

What security apps do you have running? See if it helps to disable them to test and see if they are hindering.

On mine with 8.0 to see if USB is connected check it with out being connected and then connected.
Go under Settings then Connected Devices and scroll to the bottom.

Computer go in to the device manager ans see if the phone is listed there? Withe the phone connected.
Is there a Red X or Yellow ?
You can also right click on the phone and select update driver and see if that helps.
usb phone and computer not communicating
 
When was the last time the phone was power cycled?

What security apps do you have running? See if it helps to disable them to test and see if they are hindering.

On mine with 8.0 to see if USB is connected check it with out being connected and then connected.
Go under Settings then Connected Devices and scroll to the bottom.

Computer go in to the device manager ans see if the phone is listed there? Withe the phone connected.
Is there a Red X or Yellow ?
You can also right click on the phone and select update driver and see if that helps.
usb phone and computer not communicating
I don't have any security apps. I can't seem to find "connected devices" that you talk about. I can find a list with all the programs I have on my phone but that's it.
And lastly, what do you mean by red and yellow X in device manager? When I connect my phone it's listed under "USB devices" but it doesn't recognize it. It just says "Unknown USB device".
 
red and yellow X in device manage
Is there anything with a Red color X on it and or Yellow color ? (question mark)

. I can't seem to find "connected devices" that you talk about.
That was where it was for my phone things are different depending on the manufacture.

When I connect my phone it's listed under "USB devices" but it doesn't recognize it. It just says "Unknown USB device".
See if this video helps.
How to solve USB not recognized - USB not working (windows 10/8/7)
 
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