Connecting your Android device to a Windows computer can be very useful, both for sharing files between the two devices and for simply charging the smartphone's battery. Normally, the procedure for connecting an Android device to a computer is quick and easy, but it can sometimes cause problems and become frustrating, especially when the computer cannot detect the mobile device. In this article, you will find complete instructions for connecting an Android device to a Windows system using a standard USB data cable, as well as a series of steps to solve the most common problems that can arise.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Connect an Android Device to a Windows Computer
Step 1. Turn on the Android device
This is a critical step for the computer to properly detect the device.
To turn on your Android smartphone or tablet, press the "Power" button
Step 2. Connect via USB cable
While file and document sharing can be done using clouding services, such as DropBox, using a standard USB data cable has the advantage of charging the device's battery while you're working; also, it does not require an internet connection.
Plug the micro-USB connector into the appropriate port on your Android device, then plug the other end of the cable into a free USB port on your computer
Step 3. Select the connection mode
You can choose to connect the device simply to recharge the battery or to delete, transfer or share files with your Windows computer.
- Access the Android notification bar by sliding your finger across the device screen from top to bottom.
- Choose the most appropriate connection mode (connected as a multimedia device, USB storage medium or simply in battery charging mode). Depending on the model and manufacturer of your Android device, these options or other additional features may be present.
Step 4. Connect to share data
Now that the Android device and computer are connected to each other, you can choose to transfer new files to Android, delete some of the existing ones or create a copy on Windows.
To access the Android device, expand the section Devices and units from the Windows "File Explorer" window, select the icon for the Android device, then start transferring the files you want to or from your smartphone.
Method 2 of 3: Troubleshoot Connection Issues
Step 1. Start by checking out the most obvious aspects
Often the most obvious cause of a problem is not even considered; for this reason, the staff of any customer assistance service always starts with the most obvious questions, for example asking if the computer is connected to the network and is switched on or to restart the modem that manages the internet connection.
Check that the Android device is turned on, working, and that the USB cable is connected correctly and securely to both the smartphone and the computer
Step 2. Check the Android configuration settings
If the problem is not with the connecting cable, it could be caused by an incorrect configuration setting.
- Launch the app Settings of Android.
- Select the item Memory.
- Choose the option USB computer connection located in the upper right corner of the screen to access the connection configuration options.
- Make sure the "Media Device (MTP)" option is selected.
Step 3. Check that the problem is not caused by the drivers installed on the computer
If neither the USB connection cable nor the incorrect configuration of the Android device is the cause of the connection problem, then it may be in the outdated drivers used by Windows to establish the connection.
- Access the section Devices and printers in the Windows "Control Panel".
- If your Android device is listed in this window, in the "Unspecified" section, use the "Eject" function of the hardware removal wizard, whose icon is placed on the Windows notification bar next to system clock, to disconnect it from your computer, then read the next section of the article to find out how to update your Windows drivers.
Method 3 of 3: Update Windows Drivers
Step 1. Enter the "Device Manager" window
This Windows feature allows you to view and control all peripherals connected to your computer.
You can access the window Device management Windows via the Control Panel.
Step 2. Locate your device
Most likely, the Android device is detected by the Windows operating system, which however cannot establish a connection.
Within the list that appeared, you should see the icon of your Android device characterized by a small yellow triangle with an exclamation point in the center, which indicates that the operating system detects the device but is unable to communicate effectively with it
Step 3. Update the drivers
Drivers are small software whose purpose is to establish and manage communication between the operating system and all peripherals connected to the computer, such as an Android smartphone.
- After locating your device in the "Device Manager" window, expand the section where it is listed by selecting the small arrow icon on the left of its name.
- Select the device icon with the right mouse button, then choose the item Driver software update. This will bring up the window Driver software update.
- When prompted to specify how to search for the new driver, choose the option Browse, it will take you to the next step of the update procedure.
- When given the option, select the "Manually choose from a list of device drivers on my computer" option, then press the "Next" button.
- Choose the item "USB MTP Device" from the list of available options, then press the button Come on.
- The selected updated driver will be automatically installed on your computer and your Android device will be recognized as a multimedia device by Windows.
