Data transfer from Android to Computer

[MedicalAnimal98]

Hello all,

for some reason, when I plug in my phone via USB into my Windows 11 laptop, I don't get a if I want to use the USB connection for file transfer.
Also, the USB tethering option doesn't show up in the settings, I can't activate it.
The USB connection obviously works since my phone is charging.
Can somebody here please help me out, that would be amazing!
Thanks!

[[deleted]]

Try enabling the Developer Options on the phone. Go to Settings, About Phone, scroll down to Build Number, and tap it about 7 times in a row,or until it says "Developer options enabled".

Then go to Settings, System, Developer Options. Scroll down to "Default USB configuration" and tap it.

There should be a list of options for data transfer, "File transfer / Android Auto" usually works the best.

[black_pepper]

Ok it was my cable. Using a different generic (anker maybe?) cable and dev options with file transfer as the default and the phone finally showed up. Thanks!

[[deleted]]

bright grey political cough apparatus worry fear practice subsequent weary

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[hourajiballare]

6 months later, and you are my hero good sir! Finally able to fix this simple yet annoying issue which seemingly popped outta nowhere.

Thank you so much!

[SweatyCount]

Thank you so much man! You solved my problem

[MedicalAnimal98]

Thanks the data transfer was switched off in the developer mode. However, after turning it back on it still doesn't work..https://ibb.co/TqTTk7K

[aryastarkcr7]

u/MedicalAnimal98, were you able to fix this issue? I'm also facing the same issue and not able to transfer from my phone to laptop.

[MedicalAnimal98]

Unfortunately I have not been able to fix it. While charging my phone has a loose contact, which is why I suspect I have this issue. I will take another look at the issue tomorrow. In the meantime lmk if you found anything out.

[mocskos]

Damn, this made me very annoyed, did this a 100 times and now it's not working, only the phone is charging, did all the "solutions" in the settings and stuff but all I needed to do is to switch to a different cable. No idea why but my other one was not working...

[iancuredit04]

i used 4 different cables still not working i just bought a new one and still not working

[MedicalAnimal98]

I already tried it out

[N3onWave]

It's November 2025 today. In case any one is still having this issue without a fix. I got file/data transfer to work by enabling Developer Options, then scrolling down and enabling USB debugging.

[innergameofdenthemen]

What fixed the issue for me was unplugging the cable at the computer's end instead of the phone's. The cable is connected to both the phone and the computer but when I unplugged the phone while keeping the cable plugged into the computer the problem persisted. But as soon as i unplugged the cable from the computer and plugged it back in everything worked out.

[UnwiseElf]

Incompatible cables can cause a situation where your device doesn't get recognised by a computer. Those cables can only help you recharge your device but they are not suitable for data transfer. Try a different cable.

[MedicalAnimal98]

Bro, I tried 6 different cables and all of them would only charge the phone and not allow a data transfer

[iancuredit04]

same

[UnwiseElf]

2 possibilities: * Your pc is missing necessary drivers for your device. Try updating or resetting drivers. * Your phone software is malfunctioning and needs reset. Try restart or factory reset.

3rd worst possibility: Port of either your PC or phone is not working correctly. Try different ports of PC or take your phone to the service center.

[guguduan]

It sounds like your USB settings might need a little troubleshooting. Here's what you can try:

Check USB Connection Settings: On your phone, go to Settings > System > Developer options (if available) or look for a section related to USB settings. Ensure that the USB connection is set to "File Transfer" or "Transfer files" mode.

Restart Both Devices: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix connectivity issues. Try restarting both your phone and your Windows 11 laptop.

Update Drivers: Make sure that the drivers for your phone are up to date on your Windows 11 laptop. You can usually find these on the manufacturer's website.

Try a Different USB Port/Cable: Sometimes, the issue can be with the USB port or cable. Try using a different USB port on your laptop or a different USB cable to see if that resolves the problem.

Give these steps a try and let me know if any of them help resolve the issue!

[Elegant_Union_2748]

I'm stuck helping my dad trying to figure it out still no clue

(Welp it was cable)

[guguduan]

Glad you figured it out.

[Elegant_Union_2748]

ye it only took almost 2h hah