Having trouble connecting your Samsumng Galaxy S3 to a computer running Windows? The causes of the problem can come from several factors, but in most cases it will only take a few minutes to find the correct solution. There are several methods to solve the problem while preserving the data on the device, continue reading the article to learn more.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Basic Solutions
Step 1. Restart your smartphone and computer
Sometimes a simple restart of the devices can fix the problem. Restart both, then try connecting again.
Step 2. Make sure your smartphone screen is unlocked
If it is blocked, you may not be able to connect it to your computer. Take steps to unlock the screen after connecting it to your computer.
Step 3. Try using a new USB cable and a different connection port from the old one
The cable you are using may not be a suitable data transfer cable, which is only useful for charging the device. To connect, you need to use a USB cable with 5 connection terminals. You can check the type of cable by looking closely and very carefully at the end with the mini-USB connector. If you only see 4 metal contacts, it means it's not a USB data transfer cable. If it is an older connecting cable, consider purchasing a new one with a mini-USB connector.
Some users have experienced connection problems connecting their S3s to USB 3.0 ports. If that's the case, try using a USB 2.0 port
Step 4. Check the Galaxy S3 USB settings using the notification bar
To successfully connect, you need to set "Connected as a media device" mode via the notification bar:
- While the smartphone is connected to the computer, slide your finger across the screen, from top to bottom.
- Tap "Connect As", then choose the "Media Device" option. At this point your smartphone should be detected by Windows.
Step 5. Check the version of Windows Media Player installed on your computer
The Galaxy S3 cannot connect to the computer in "Media Device" mode unless you are using Windows Media Player 10 or later. You can install the latest available version of Windows Media Player using the Windows Update service.
You can check the version of Windows Media Player installed on your system by accessing the "Help" menu (?) And choosing "About Windows Media Player"
Part 2 of 5: Reinstall the SIM card
Step 1. Turn off your S3 and disconnect it from the computer
Many users have reported that by removing and reinstalling the phone's SIM card the problems with the USB connection disappear. By performing this step you will not lose any personal data stored on the device. Before proceeding, make sure the S3 is completely turned off. To do this, press and hold the power button, then choose "Shutdown" from the menu that appears.
Step 2. Remove the back cover of the smartphone
This way you will have access to the battery compartment.
Step 3. Remove the battery from the phone
To do this, push the bottom of the battery lightly towards the top of the phone, then lift it carefully.
Step 4. To remove the SIM card, push it slightly into its slot
Once the finger is removed it should be automatically ejected.
Step 5. Wait at least 30 seconds
Make sure your phone is off, the battery is not in its slot, then let the indicated time elapse before proceeding further.
Step 6. Reinstall the SIM card
Push it into its housing until you hear the locking system snap into place that holds it in place.
Step 7. Reinstall the battery and mount the back cover
Make sure you insert the battery into its slot respecting the correct polarity, then replace the phone cover.
Step 8. Turn on your smartphone and connect it to your computer
Wait for the mobile device to complete the power up procedure before connecting it to the computer; also check that the screen is not locked.
Step 9. Select the "Media Device" connection mode using the notification bar
This way you will be able to access files stored on your device directly from your computer.
Part 3 of 5: Boot the S3 into Download Mode
Step 1. Download and install Samsung USB Drivers
Sometimes the drivers that manage the connection of the S3 to the computer can get corrupted. The "Download" mode allows you to restore the connection between the mobile device and the computer. In order to perform this procedure, you need to install the official USB drivers by downloading them from the Samsung website.
You can download the USB drivers from the official Samsung support webpage. Select the "USB (ENGLISH)" link, then run its installation file after the download is complete
Step 2. Turn off the S3 completely and disconnect it from the computer
To do this, press and hold the power key, then choose the "Power off" option from the menu that appears. Before proceeding, wait for your phone to shut down, then disconnect it from your computer.
Step 3. Press and hold the "Home", "Volume -" and "Power" buttons at the same time
Start by holding down the "Home" button, then hold the key to turn the volume down. While continuing to hold both buttons, press the Power key as well. You will know that you have performed the sequence correctly when you see the "!" Symbol appear on the screen. yellow in color.
Step 4. Press the volume up button to start "Download" mode when prompted
This will start the S3 in "Download" mode.
Step 5. Connect your Galaxy S3 to the computer
At this point Windows should be able to automatically detect the device by installing the necessary files for the connection.
Step 6. Once the drivers have finished loading, disconnect the S3 from your computer
Windows should only take a few moments to complete the installation. Check the taskbar to see if the installation was successful.
Step 7. Press and hold the "Home" and "Power" buttons
Press and hold both keys at the same time for about 10 seconds, so that the smartphone restarts normally.
If you can't get your S3 out of "Download" mode, take the battery out of its compartment, wait a few seconds, then reinstall it
Step 8. Try connecting the S3 to your computer again
After your phone has finished restarting to normal use, try connecting it to your computer. Normally, after performing this procedure, your smartphone should be detected by Windows without difficulty.
Part 4 of 5: Forcing MTP Mode
Step 1. Launch your S3's "Phone" application
Sometimes forcing the smartphone to enter "MTP" mode (from English Media Transfer Protocol), by giving commands via the "Phone" application, could solve the problems encountered while connecting the device to the computer.
Step 2. Enter the code to access the command menu
Use the following codes based on the version of Android installed:
- Android 4.3: Enter the code * # 0808 # using the numeric keypad of the "Phone" app.
- Android 4.2: Enter the code * # 7284 # using the numeric keypad of the "Phone" app.
- In the case of smartphones purchased in the USA, enter the code * # 22745927, select the "Hidden Menu Disabled" item, then select the "Enable" option. At this point it will be possible to use the codes related to the version of the operating system installed on the device.
Step 3. Choose the "PDA" option from the appeared menu
A list of advanced options will be displayed.
Step 4. Select the "Qualcomm USB Setting" option
A menu with several selectable items will be displayed.
Step 5. Choose the "MTP + ADB" option, then press the "OK" button
This will force the activation of the "MTP" mode of the smartphone.
Step 6. Try to connect the phone to the computer again
Many users reported that this procedure was able to fix their USB connectivity issues.
Part 5 of 5: Backing Up and Restoring Factory Settings
Step 1. Insert a blank SD card into the phone
If all the solutions proposed so far have not solved the problems that prevent your S3 from successfully connecting to the computer, your last option is to factory reset the device. This procedure deletes any data in it, so you must first back up all your personal files by copying them to an SD card.
To install an SD card on a Samsung Galaxy S3, you need to remove the back cover and take out the battery to be able to access the SD slot
Step 2. Launch the "Archive" application
This will display the list of all the folders and files on the smartphone.
Step 3. Press the "All Files" button
This step allows you to view all the folders stored on your S3.
Step 4. Select the "sdcard0" folder
It is a virtual SD card, in which all the files present in the smartphone are stored, represents the internal memory of the device.
Step 5. Press the "Menu" button, then choose "Select All" from the context menu that appeared
This will automatically select all files and folders on your device, ensuring you don't overlook any items.
Step 6. Press the "Menu" button again, then choose the "Copy" option
All the items selected in the previous step will be prepared for copying, so that they can be transferred to the new previously installed SD card.
Step 7. Tap the "extSdCard" entry
This way you will have access to the SD card you installed in your phone at the beginning of the procedure.
Step 8. Select "Paste here", then wait for all items to be copied to the card
This step may take some time to complete if the number of files to be copied is very large.
Step 9. Back up your contacts
After completing the copying of your personal files, you can proceed with exporting the contacts to the SD card:
- Start the "Address Book" application;
- Press the "Menu" button, then choose the "Import / Export" option;
- Choose the item "Export to SD card", then press the "OK" button.
Step 10. Launch the Settings application
At the end of the backup of all your personal data (files and contacts in the address book), you can proceed in total safety to restore your phone. To do this, you need to use the Android Settings application.
Step 11. Go to the "Accounts" tab, then select the "Backup and Restore" item
This will bring up the menu from which you can perform a factory reset.
Step 12. Select the "Factory data reset" option, then press the "Reset device" button
After confirming your willingness to proceed, all data on your smartphone will be erased and the original factory settings will be restored. This step may take some time to complete.
Step 13. Set up your phone
After the reset process is complete, you will need to do the initial device setup again. Log into your Google and Samsung accounts to be able to use your smartphone again.
Step 14. Try connecting it to your computer
After turning on your S3 and logging into your accounts, you can try connecting it to your computer via USB cable. If even then the device fails to connect, and you have already tried all the other methods described in this article, it is very likely that you need to replace your defective S3.
