Android devices can be connected to computers via USB, but users need to jump through a few hoops to set to their preferred USB configuration. In the early days of Android, users could simply hook their smartphone up to their computer via a USB cable to transfer files from one device to another. However, Google changed that in newer versions of the OS for the sake of security.
When an Android device is connected to a PC, the default USB setting is 'No Data Transfer,' which prevents users from transferring files, documents, music, photos, or videos from one device to another. However, users can change that to get their preferred USB mode as default on their Android device. The method is fairly easy but involves a few critical steps. To change the USB settings on Android, the device first needs to have a hidden setting enabled. It's called 'Developer Mode' and can only be enabled manually.
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Enable Developer Mode To Change USB Settings
The process is the same on all Android devices, but the location of the settings may differ slightly based on the manufacturer. To enable Developer Mode on Android, open the Settings app and then scroll down to the bottom on the next page. There, tap on 'About Phone' or 'System,' and then on the next page, tap on 'Build Number' seven times in quick succession. If the Build Number option is not visible, expand the 'Advanced Settings' menu to find it.
Users may have to provide a PIN or password if one is set, but if not, simply tapping on the build number seven times quickly will enable Developer Options. Once that happens, users will see a message that says, 'You are now a developer.' If the Developer Mode is already enabled on the device, users will see the message 'No need, you're already a developer.' Once Developer Mode is enabled, users will find a new entry called 'Developer Options' on the About page in Settings. On some devices, it might be accessible from Settings > System > Advanced. Either way, once on the Developer Options page, scroll down a bit and tap on 'Default USB Configuration.'
As mentioned already, the default USB setting is 'No Data Transfer,' but users can change that to one of many other options — including File Transfer, USB Tethering, MIDI, PTP, etc. To transfer files, select 'File Transfer.' To tether the phone's mobile connection with a computer, select 'USB Tethering.' Overall, the process is fairly easy, but one needs to know where to look to be able to change the setting. As for the Developer Mode, it offers access to a plethora of other advanced settings that power users and developers may sometimes require, but don't need to be tampered with for the average user.
Transfer Files To Windows or Mac PCs Over USB
Once the USB settings on an Android phone have been changed, users can now connect their smartphone to their computer to transfer files using a compatible USB cable. If connected to a Windows laptop or PC, users will need to tap the 'Charging this device via USB' notification on their Android phone, and then select 'File Transfer' under 'Use USB For.' A file transfer window will now appear on the computer, and users can drag and drop files between their phone and PC. Once done, eject the phone and unplug the cable. The same method can be used to transfer files to a Chromebook.
On Mac, users will need to download an app called 'Android File Transfer' to enable file sharing from their Android device. The app will need to be manually opened on the Mac the first time, after which it will automatically open whenever an Android phone is connected. Once the phone is hooked up to the Mac via USB, enable the 'File Transfer' mode as explained above which will open an Android File Transfer window. Files can now be dragged and dropped between the Mac and Android phone.
Fix Android USB Connection Issues With Your PC
Even after selecting the right USB setting, users may have trouble transferring files from their Android phone to their PC. If this happens, the first thing to do is check that the Android phone is updated to the latest version. If the software is up-to-date, try restarting the phone and connecting again. Very often, the culprit is the USB cable. Not all USB cables can transfer files, and even the ones that do might not be compatible with some Android phones. Try connecting with a different USB cable, preferably one that came in the box of the Android phone.
If that doesn't work, users can try connecting their phone to a different PC to make sure that the USB cable isn't the problem. Alternatively, try connecting to a different USB port on the same PC. If using a Windows PC, a simple restart might solve the issue and cause the Android phone to be detected. On a Mac, users can do the same thing, while also making sure that their software is updated to the latest macOS version and checking that Android File Transfer has been installed on their device.
