Related
Got my new GS6 a week ago and now i went to transfer some images and when i connect it to the computer it makes the USB connected sound and suddenly starts disconnecting and reconnecting like crazy, has anyone else experienced this? gotta get my hand on a replacement cable just in case thats the problem..
Yeah it's the cable
soapBro said:
Got my new GS6 a week ago and now i went to transfer some images and when i connect it to the computer it makes the USB connected sound and suddenly starts disconnecting and reconnecting like crazy, has anyone else experienced this? gotta get my hand on a replacement cable just in case thats the problem..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem here and mine s6 is only 26 days old.... support told me it's the cable but refused a replacement... what the hell right?
I have the same thing and have tried a few cables. Did you get to the bottom of the issue? My laptop is a dell xps15 and it happens with W8.1 and Mint17 (on the same laptop).
soapBro said:
Got my new GS6 a week ago and now i went to transfer some images and when i connect it to the computer it makes the USB connected sound and suddenly starts disconnecting and reconnecting like crazy, has anyone else experienced this? gotta get my hand on a replacement cable just in case thats the problem..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its the cable.. same issue here..when I use a ps4 controller-cable i have no problem
Yea... I think it has a lot to do with the placement of the port on the phone and and a filmsy input. I tried tried a sturdier cable and it works waaaaay better.
Samsung support did offer to send me a prepaid envelope for my cable. ... then wait 2 weeks for testing... then if it was found to be defective a replacement would be shipped free of charge, but if it was defective due to user abuse then they said they'd send me a repair bill........... SERIOUSLY wtf?
I'm not kidding, this was their solution when I spoke to support.
Well it really was the cable, went out and bought a new one, exactly the same and it works fine, so the one i got in the box was faulty, after some googling it seems this has happened to a fair bit a of people already,
i still use the crappy cable to charge with... although it did stop charging half way through once :silly:
It's a USB Power setting
1. Go to Power Options on your computer
2. Click 'Change plan setting' on your chosen plan.
3. Click 'Change advanced power setting' on your chosen plan.
4. Expand 'USB Settings' .
5. Expand 'USB selective suspend setting' and change it to disabled.for On battery and Plugged In
[email protected] said:
It's a USB Power setting
1. Go to Power Options on your computer
2. Click 'Change plan setting' on your chosen plan.
3. Click 'Change advanced power setting' on your chosen plan.
4. Expand 'USB Settings' .
5. Expand 'USB selective suspend setting' and change it to disabled.for On battery and Plugged In
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this and still it doesnt work. I changed the cables , I changed the PC which I am connecting to and still no fix. I keep getting disconnected continuously.
I'm having the same problem with Galaxy S7. It keeps disconnecting data after it has been plugged in a few seconds. It's not a cable issue, I've checked on 8 different cables.
BaconMage said:
I'm having the same problem with Galaxy S7. It keeps disconnecting data after it has been plugged in a few seconds. It's not a cable issue, I've checked on 8 different cables.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash a different ROM. I had this on my s6 e+ on stock nougat. I went to Dr ketan ROM and it stopped
I heard it could be due to using a fast charging cable. The phone attempts to draw out more current than the USB port of the computer allows, forcing it to disconnect/reconnect repeatedly. Try using an older/less-current-rated cable. Alternatively, if you don't actually need to access the files and are just charging the phone, you can go to Window's Auto Play (search in start menu) and set your phone to "Take No Action"
I wanted to throw out a few other tricks to try, for whoever comes across this old thread when googling.
I don't 100% have an idea of why this happens, or why this worked, but it did.
First thing is, the cable really does matter. If you're using a cheapo cable that doesn't do fast charging, or a data-only cable, get a nice cable. If you're using a nice cable, try a non-fast-charge cable or the one that came with the phone.
My fast-charging cable has worked for a while but I recently tried to transfer a large 2 gig movie to the phone's secondary SD card, and it kept disconnecting / timing out.
What worked for me is go to developer options (google it, there's some code you have to enter to unlock these settings) and then usb debugging. It was disabled and I enabled it. The transfer then worked smoothly.
Weirdly, another transfer right after did NOT go smoothly, and the fix for me was to disable usb debugging, then enable it again. Then the file transferred normally, even though it took a few minutes.
Lastly, one file refused to transfer that was sitting in a particular folder. I'd get an error instantly. The folder was the cache folder for a popular video downloading app. Even a tiny text file from that folder, refused to copy. But files from other folders worked. I finally figured out that for whatever reason, the phone (or maybe windows) didn't like copying straight from this folder. Not sure why. Some permissions thing? Anyway - I copied the file I wanted from the cache folder, to a folder I use all the time. Then from this new folder to the phone. Worked smoothly, no error.
Hope these tricks help someone.
My computer for some reason reminded itself of not recognizing my Idol 3 5'5 6045k. Two days ago it was all fine and now everytime i connect it to the computer it only charges. I've tried everything from changing usb cables to unistalling andthen installing the device drivers, enabling debugging, restaring either smartphone and computer. Everything I can think of. Please help me out, I'm trying to root the smartphone and without it recognizing I can't do anything, not even transfer files. :crying:
sdfg said:
My computer for some reason reminded itself of not recognizing my Idol 3 5'5 6045k. Two days ago it was all fine and now everytime i connect it to the computer it only charges. I've tried everything from changing usb cables to unistalling andthen installing the device drivers, enabling debugging, restaring either smartphone and computer. Everything I can think of. Please help me out, I'm trying to root the smartphone and without it recognizing I can't do anything, not even transfer files. :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obvious Question #1: Did you check the phone notification dropdown area to verify the phone is in MTP or PTP mode so it will show up on the pc? As for transfering files...you do have the option of loading up a microsd card with whatever files or installing a wifi adb app to connect wirelessly. You could even use an app like airdroid to let you do all sorts of things.
famewolf said:
Obvious Question #1: Did you check the phone notification dropdown area to verify the phone is in MTP or PTP mode so it will show up on the pc? As for transfering files...you do have the option of loading up a microsd card with whatever files or installing a wifi adb app to connect wirelessly. You could even use an app like airdroid to let you do all sorts of things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Therre's no notification after connecting the usb, it just charges the phone, seriously, I've tried everything to enable MTP but nothing does the job. And what do you mean by using an adb app? Can I root my smartphone by a wireless connection?
sdfg said:
Therre's no notification after connecting the usb, it just charges the phone, seriously, I've tried everything to enable MTP but nothing does the job. And what do you mean by using an adb app? Can I root my smartphone by a wireless connection?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are overcomplicating things. 1st...there is ALWAYS a notification in the dropdown that says what mode the phone is in....mtp, ptp, charge only or "cdrom mode" which installs the usb drivers. Pressing on that notification allows you to change the mode the device is in.
As for rooting....all you need to do that is to flash or boot TWRP (details on booting it are in the system image thread) and then flash the supersu zip from inside twrp to your device...reboot and done...but I think in the newer TWRP's they even offer options to root automatically...ie the zip is already built in. After rebooting to your phone you install the supersu apk from google play so you can configure what apps have superuser access.
famewolf said:
You are overcomplicating things. 1st...there is ALWAYS a notification in the dropdown that says what mode the phone is in....mtp, ptp, charge only or "cdrom mode" which installs the usb drivers. Pressing on that notification allows you to change the mode the device is in.
As for rooting....all you need to do that is to flash or boot TWRP (details on booting it are in the system image thread) and then flash the supersu zip from inside twrp to your device...reboot and done...but I think in the newer TWRP's they even offer options to root automatically...ie the zip is already built in. After rebooting to your phone you install the supersu apk from google play so you can configure what apps have superuser access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm telling you, everytime i try to connect my smartphone to the pc nothing shows up, i only notice the device is charging, there's no option anywhere to change it to MTP or Camera or CD ROM... And I've tried 2 different pc's
sdfg said:
I'm telling you, everytime i try to connect my smartphone to the pc nothing shows up, i only notice the device is charging, there's no option anywhere to change it to MTP or Camera or CD ROM... And I've tried 2 different pc's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your telling me when the phone is plugged into the pc you don't see the notifications below or some version of them at all? If so then you need to fully uninstall the devices in device manager including remove the drivers...then use the drivers in the system image thread (since you obviously can't use the ones from "cd rom mode" which would be the best solution). USB debugging isn't even an issue yet...your phone should still show up to the pc as a camera device (ptp) under just about ANY scenario using even built in windows drivers.
famewolf said:
Your telling me when the phone is plugged into the pc you don't see the notifications below or some version of them at all? If so then you need to fully uninstall the devices in device manager including remove the drivers...then use the drivers in the system image thread (since you obviously can't use the ones from "cd rom mode" which would be the best solution). USB debugging isn't even an issue yet...your phone should still show up to the pc as a camera device (ptp) under just about ANY scenario using even built in windows drivers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all those tips, but I already tried that out aswell, 2 times to be precise, deleted all the drivers, rebooted pc and smartphone, tried different cables, but still nothing ever occurs.
sdfg said:
Thanks for all those tips, but I already tried that out aswell, 2 times to be precise, deleted all the drivers, rebooted pc and smartphone, tried different cables, but still nothing ever occurs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried a different cable? Perhaps that one is damaged or is only setup for charging? Only thing I can think of.
And then I realize you mentioned that Not sure what else would prevent it from giving you those options.
I'm also facing similar issue after the 2 update. Were you able to fix this?
http://askubuntu.com/questions/681959/ubuntu-14-04-15-10-android-file-access-issue?s=2|0.2054
Which kind of USB cable(s) have you tried specifically? Were they cheap eBay/generic kinds or well known branded ones?
Something as little as a Micro USB cable can cure a lot of problems. It needs to be a well built one by a known manufacturer to avoid problems.
brian117 said:
Which kind of USB cable(s) have you tried specifically? Were they cheap eBay/generic kinds or well known branded ones?
Something as little as a Micro USB cable can cure a lot of problems. It needs to be a well built one by a known manufacturer to avoid problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I've been having pretty good luck with the $1 ones from Dollar Tree but the key is certainly to try multiple cables....on some the microusb plug will make it difficult to get a solid connection especially if you have a case on the phone.
You may be missing the point of "trying" different cables. It's not so much the "quality" of the cable, it's the fact that some cables are for "power only", and "will not" transfer data, regardless of how hard you try.
You need to be using a "proven" data/power cable, otherwise your beating your head against the table for nothing.
Just to add, I put a piece of red tape on all my usb cables that are power only, no guess work.
I own idol3/moto g 2015 and s3, have no problem with other 2 device. I'm having this MTP issue after the UE40 update. Verified in all 3 OS, adb is detecting the device but not MTP/PTP. Idol3 support is not worthy responses.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/idol-3/general/mtp-issue-ue40-update-t3182564
http://askubuntu.com/questions/681959/ubuntu-14-04-15-10-android-file-access-issue
KashRaman said:
I own idol3/moto g 2015 and s3, have no problem with other 2 device. I'm having this MTP issue after the UE40 update. Verified in all 3 OS, adb is detecting the device but not MTP/PTP. Idol3 support is not worthy responses.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/idol-3/general/mtp-issue-ue40-update-t3182564
http://askubuntu.com/questions/681959/ubuntu-14-04-15-10-android-file-access-issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, USB works fine here, and I've had 5 different rom's, 2 Canadian, 2 US, and the Chinese rom, on this phone without any USB issues, sorry, can't help any further.
After a complete wipe and restore, it worked.
sdfg said:
My computer for some reason reminded itself of not recognizing my Idol 3 5'5 6045k. Two days ago it was all fine and now everytime i connect it to the computer it only charges. I've tried everything from changing usb cables to unistalling andthen installing the device drivers, enabling debugging, restaring either smartphone and computer. Everything I can think of. Please help me out, I'm trying to root the smartphone and without it recognizing I can't do anything, not even transfer files. :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem as well. It only showed charging when I plugged in the USB cable. Tried switching cables, turning off and on USB debugging but nothing worked. I finally just rebooted the phone and then it worked again. Strange that it suddenly stopped.
I have a different issue; the different USB modes work fine but I don't have the 'cdrom' option in the USB mode dialog. I've tried various Alcatel ADB drivers that I have found and none are working, using Win7 64. My Idol 3 4.7 is 6039I (US).
Answered my own question, simply install the Mobile Upgrade Q software.
nope, doesn't show up. it's a bug. i had it before, googled until i found a fix and got it working, now it's back to not being recognized. nothing shows on drop down menu.
I've contacted Support from Essential but with no luck.
My problem is when I connect the Essential to the PC it automatically opens up
Windows Explorer and show NO FILES in FOLDER.
Any help would be most appreciated. I would love to transfer some pictures and music
from my PC.
Thanks
You are pulling down the notification bar and changing the connection from charging to transfer files, correct?
spotmark said:
You are pulling down the notification bar and changing the connection from charging to transfer files, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^^This
Franksr said:
I've contacted Support from Essential but with no luck.
My problem is when I connect the Essential to the PC it automatically opens up
Windows Explorer and show NO FILES in FOLDER.
Any help would be most appreciated. I would love to transfer some pictures and music
from my PC.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had same issue, Windows 10 x64. Windows Explorer would take forever to load the folders, then when they finally did, there were random blank folder icons and just a whole lot of weird going on... Yes, USB Transfer was selected from pull-down. Reboot of phone made no difference. Factory Reset, no change.
In the end, it started working normally after switching USB cables (Anker). I don't have USB-C port on my laptop, and was using another type of USB-A to C cable at the time, so I'm wondering if that was my issue. The Anker USB-A to C cable worked just fine, and haven't had the issue since.
RMarkwald said:
Had same issue, Windows 10 x64. Windows Explorer would take forever to load the folders, then when they finally did, there were random blank folder icons and just a whole lot of weird going on... Yes, USB Transfer was selected from pull-down. Reboot of phone made no difference. Factory Reset, no change.
In the end, it started working normally after switching USB cables (Anker). I don't have USB-C port on my laptop, and was using another type of USB-A to C cable at the time, so I'm wondering if that was my issue. The Anker USB-A to C cable worked just fine, and haven't had the issue since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows is notorious for phone connectivity not working if the USB drivers aren't correct or you have a bad cable.
I'll order Anker cables today...Thanks
I'll try anything. I just ordered the braided cables from Amazon and they show the phone is connected and charging but no files or folders.
I will order them today. I really appreciated your responses.
By the way, I just received the 360 Camera this morning.
-------------------
RMarkwald said:
Had same issue, Windows 10 x64. Windows Explorer would take forever to load the folders, then when they finally did, there were random blank folder icons and just a whole lot of weird going on... Yes, USB Transfer was selected from pull-down. Reboot of phone made no difference. Factory Reset, no change.
In the end, it started working normally after switching USB cables (Anker). I don't have USB-C port on my laptop, and was using another type of USB-A to C cable at the time, so I'm wondering if that was my issue. The Anker USB-A to C cable worked just fine, and haven't had the issue since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anker makes quality cables. I use them on my devices. That very well could have been the issue.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Learn Something New - Thank You
I didn't know I had to go to notifications in order to see the files and folders
in Windows Explorer. Evidently, either does the Zendesk Support they are using.
Thank You!
Franksr said:
I didn't know I had to go to notifications in order to see the files and folders
in Windows Explorer. Evidently, either does the Zendesk Support they are using.
Thank You!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always start with the easy stuff.
Just received my device yesterday. Attempted to connect my device to my Windows 10 PC directly to my USB-C 3.1 port and it read the phone fine. I got the same issue as the earlier post, the phone shows PH-1 in Windows explorer. When I click on the phone to view the files it acts like it is loading the info, shows weird random folders, locks up then disconnects from showing up on the PC. I also attempted to use a USB-C to A plugging into one of my USB 3.0 ports and still the same thing. Has anyone gotten this to work yet? I am on Windows Creator Update. Thanks.
Me Too
Yep, got my Essential Phone a couple days ago. They're shipping these with just a Type-C USB cable. While I appreciate them future proofing things and all, my computer doesn't have a type C port. I ordered a Type-C to USB 3.1 adapter and also ordered a USB 3.1 to Type-C cable (cuz who doesn't need a spare cable, right?) Sooo .... I got both cable and adapter today. Same problem as described above. It detects the phone just fine, but all you get is "No Files" or "This Folder is Empty." Just "punting" and trying to copy to that big blank nothing errors out.
Yes, going to "Notifications," finding the connection and changing it from charging to file transfer works ... kind of. You can copy files in, but you can't do jack squat with them once they're there. And Essential Phone ships without any File Management app installed. (Or maybe they hid it far too well for me to find it??) And frequently, I'll get halfway done copying crap and then it craps out and stops copying half way through.
Essential is in serious danger of becoming a pure android enthusiast niche phone only. I don't think Andy Rubin wants to limit his phone's appeal like that. Clearly copying and managing files between the phone and PC and file management on the phone itself should be pretty basic stuff. For pretty much every other phone in existence, you plug into the computer and you are at least prompted on your phone whether you want to give your PC permission to access files on your phone. I've never seen another phone where you couldn't move/delete/copy/manage files already on the phone from your PC. Simply put, it shouldn't be this complicated and it should just work.
Laptop: Windows 10 Pro- 64bit
Essential PH-1
No issues on connections from Laptop to Essential Phone.
USB 3.1 A Cable to USB-C
See attached photos.
Franksr said:
I've contacted Support from Essential but with no luck.
My problem is when I connect the Essential to the PC it automatically opens up
Windows Explorer and show NO FILES in FOLDER.
Any help would be most appreciated. I would love to transfer some pictures and music
from my PC.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you solve the problems? please i have the same problems.
Franksr said:
I've contacted Support from Essential but with no luck.
My problem is when I connect the Essential to the PC it automatically opens up
Windows Explorer and show NO FILES in FOLDER.
Any help would be most appreciated. I would love to transfer some pictures and music
from my PC.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my problem is that the computer does not detect the phone
I can't seem to get MTP working with the phone. Whatever cable I use, including the OEM cable, the phone just starts charging. USB settings in Settings -> Connected devices are greyed out. On every other phone I ever used, when connected via USB, a notification shows up asking what to do with the connection (charge, MTP, PTP, etc.), said notification is not here. Anyone else having the same issue?
Edit: googled around, might be an Android issue. Nice. I guess I'll have to use the 3.5mm jack to listen to music in my car now, great.
Lauri455 said:
Edit: googled around, might be an Android issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you give us the link you have found?
_jis_ said:
Can you give us the link you have found?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://support.google.com/fi/thread/257513?hl=en
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/1853975?hl=en
https://forums.oneplus.com/threads/op5t-usb-file-transfer-not-working-on-android-pie.995105/
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/help/pixel-2-xl-usb-preferences-greyed-t3838058
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help/usb-computer-connection-option-greyed-t3634250
And a few more. The only solution apparently *maybe* is to buy a 3rd party cable.
Edit: after writing this post I decided to try again and lo and behold... It works now. For reasons of I don't friggin know. All cables that didn't work before now work just fine for charging and data transfer between my PC and the phone. Unfortunately my car HU keeps disconnecting and reconnecting the USB, which is a bummer because that's the reason I actually care about file transfer.
I am using Android Pie on my Mi A1 from Christmas 2018 and I never had a problem with MTP, it worked fine with all monthly security updates.
Works as expected here for me at least, with the prompt and everything.
Just tried it out for myself on my work laptop. Connected via a 3rd party micro-USB cable with micro-USB-to-USB-C adapter (so one of the more "fragile" ways to connect) and it directly popped up the question of whether to allow file transfers. After that, the phone was normally browsable on the computer and the USB connection notification that allows for mode-switching is present.
Lauri455 said:
I can't seem to get MTP working with the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So one can conclude that problem is in your phone, FR will cure it probably.
_jis_ said:
So one can conclude that problem is in your phone, FR will cure it probably.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps actually more with the unit in the car.. From my understanding the buggy file-transfer is between the phone and the car's unit?
For some reason I can't connect my Pixel 4a to my PC with a USB C - USB A cable (or USB A - USB C, not sure what the official name is) , even though it worked fine on my previous phone.
Included with the phone is a USB C - USB A adapter, but I see no use for it unless you have a special USB A cable which I don't.
My motherboard does have a USB C slot on it and it does read my phone when I plug it in that way but for some weird reason it's really loose and doesn't stay connected unless I keep physical pressure on it.
I'm not going to update to Android 11 until the November update because I've heard the current build has a few bugs, but does anyone know if Android 11 fixed the USB C - USB A issue?
Have you made sure to switch to file transfer mode? It defaults to 'no transfer' mode when I plug into my laptop.
Most likely you need to toggle the phone connection settings to data transfer, originally it will be set to charge only I think.
WAusJackBauer said:
For some reason I can't connect my Pixel 4a to my PC with a USB C - USB A cable (or USB A - USB C, not sure what the official name is) , even though it worked fine on my previous phone.
Included with the phone is a USB C - USB A adapter, but I see no use for it unless you have a special USB A cable which I don't.
My motherboard does have a USB C slot on it and it does read my phone when I plug it in that way but for some weird reason it's really loose and doesn't stay connected unless I keep physical pressure on it.
I'm not going to update to Android 11 until the November update because I've heard the current build has a few bugs, but does anyone know if Android 11 fixed the USB C - USB A issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this issue too. Windows file explorer would just crash after one or two files and stop transfer, no matter the size and type. (Yes I had file transfer selected on my phone ?)
Then windows update gave me a driver called "Google Inc. - Other Hardware - Kedacom KDB Composite Interface". I also updated to the newest firmware on the phone. No idea which of these did the trick or if it was the combo. However. Smooth sailing now ??
Hope this helps
(If windows update refuses to give you the driver, you can get it from Microsoft's update catalogue online. A Google search will do)
Ok it's completely messed up. When I search for USB settings it doesn't let me change anything at all, even though when I first got the phone I could and I changed it to transfer files. EDIT: No actually the setting that I changed was a developer option called "Default USB configuration" which I changed to transfer files but that still did nothing.
I just plugged in my phone and looked for the USB setting in the notification area but it wasn't there, but I noticed an option called "manage"
I went in there and noticed this. (see attachments) it's locked to be off and I can't change it. Very odd.
WAusJackBauer said:
Ok it's completely messed up. When I search for USB settings it doesn't let me change anything at all, even though when I first got the phone I could and I changed it to transfer files. EDIT: No actually the setting that I changed was a developer option called "Default USB configuration" which I changed to transfer files but that still did nothing.
I just plugged in my phone and looked for the USB setting in the notification area but it wasn't there, but I noticed an option called "manage"
I went in there and noticed this. (see attachments) it's locked to be off and I can't change it. Very odd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're in notification settings. Try short tapping rather than long tapping to get the menu to pop up allowing you to select data transfer.
Changing default USB settings in developer options doesn't work for me either.
GoldElocks said:
You're in notification settings. Try short tapping rather than long tapping to get the menu to pop up allowing you to select data transfer.
Changing default USB settings in developer options doesn't work for me either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My point is that the notification that normally comes up when you plug in your phone to a computer to change to data transfer, charge only ect ect isn't even coming up because the firmware is stopping that notification from coming up altogether and I can't change it so it does.
WAusJackBauer said:
My point is that the notification that normally comes up when you plug in your phone to a computer to change to data transfer, charge only ect ect isn't even coming up because the firmware is stopping that notification from coming up altogether and I can't change it so it does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost certainly a cable or host port issue. Swap cables and see what happens. Same for hosts/host ports. You're not going to have toggling options if the phone does not 'see' all expected lines/pins.
I had the same issue and changed to a different cord to fix the problem.
You have an non certified cable it seems, I've confirmed this pixel 4a works with only certain cables for usb transfer, also the usb a to c cable you have will not charge the device as well.
Get a cable from know manufacturers like Samsung, it worked for me.
Yeah turns out it was a cable. Strange how my cable worked with my old phone but not with the Pixel 4a
Had this issue with my new 4a just now. Cable was fine, even used the new cable that comes with it using a Usb C to Usb A adapter. Nothing worked. Upon opening Device Manager I found a new device called 'Kedacom USB Device'. After trying random things, I decided to uninstall the current drivers by right clicking on it and clicking 'Uninstall device'. Suddenly the phone connected, and even showed the adb prompt.
So for anyone still facing this issue, hopefully this solution might help