My computer does not see the phone or tablet, and what to do

By connecting the gadget to the computer via USB or Bluetooth, you can transfer data from one device to another. But what, if Windows does not recognize or macOS connected device?

My computer can not detect your phone or tablet

Among the possible causes - incorrect action when you connect, outdated or improperly configured software malfunction USB-cable, ports, or the devices themselves.

Follow the tips listed below, they can save you a lot of problems when connecting.

How to connect to a computer Android-device via USB

If you have Windows you ignore this paragraph. If you are using MacOS, install the program Android File Transfer.

Ensure that your mobile device is on and connect it to your computer. Then lower the notification bar on the gadget - you will see a special switch. Click on it and from the menu select mode "File Transfer". The names of modes may vary depending on the version of Android and device model.

After these steps, the computer should see the mobile device. In Windows, it will be displayed in the "Explorer" in MacOS - in the Android File Transfer window. But in the case you'll need Mac OS X 10.5 and Android 3.0 or later versions of these operating systems, otherwise nothing will happen.

How to connect to iOS-devices to your computer via USB

Ensure that your mobile device is on and unlocked, and then connect it to your computer. For the first time iOS will ask for permission to access the media files and you will need to give it.

In the case of a PC on a Windows connected iPhone or iPad will appear in the "Explorer" in the section of media devices. They will appear as a normal digital camera - you can view and copy the pictures and video. To access other sources have to use iTunes, that can be download on the Apple site. The registration procedure will not be difficult, just need to follow the setup wizard prompts.

On a Mac, everything a little bit easier. iTunes is already part of the MacOS, so start automatically when you connect iPhone or iPad. Engage with your content through mediakombayn, but access to the iTunes media files are not needed. View and import them to help the standard application "Photo", which is also run automatically when the iOS-devices.

What should I do if my computer does not see the USB-device

We will assume that you did everything in the instructions above. If the computer still does not recognize the tablet or smartphone, perform the following steps in order. First does not help - go to the second and so on.

1. Disconnect from your computer the extra USB-device.

2. Try to connect through a different cable or port.

3. Restart your computer and mobile device.

4. If you have the Windows, update the drivers needed to recognize the USB-device.

Run command string (key Windows + R), to insert it devmgmt.msc and press Enter. When the "Device Manager", find the list of a connected equipment gadget.

Click on the device, right-click and select "Update Driver» → «Make a search for drivers on this computer» → «Select a driver from the list of available drivers on your computer."

In the drivers list select «USB-device MTP» and click Next to reinstall.

5. If the device does not appear in iTunes, use the leadership of Apple to solve this problem.

6. Update the operating system on your computer and your mobile device to the newest versions. If you are using Windows Vista or XP, first try to install MTP protocolBy downloading it from the Microsoft website.

7. Check the operation of the port in the gadget by connecting it to another computer. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer's support.

What should I do if my computer does not see any device that connects via Bluetooth

Faced with problems of visibility when connecting via Bluetooth, try the following steps. Follow these steps one by one, and maybe one of them will help you.

1. Make sure that both devices have enabled Bluetooth, and settings on each of them activate the visibility settings for all other devices. On iOS, these settings are included in the AirDrop service that is available in the "control points".

2. Place the tablet or smartphone closer to the computer.

3. Restart your computer and mobile device.

4. If before the device successfully connects to each other, delete the stored pair in the Bluetooth settings and try to reconnect.

5. Update the Bluetooth drivers on your computer.

6. Update the operating system of devices to the newest versions.

Alternative ways to connect

You always have a backup plan - a service through which you can transfer files between your computer and mobile device via the Internet. It AirDroid, Pushbullet, as well as cloud storage such as Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox. They will allow you to do without Bluetooth and USB, if these options do not work or are not suitable.

See also:

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