Can't connect to Windows 10 PC? - Google Pixel 4a Questions & Answers

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

Related

Constant connecting/disconnecting when USB plugged in to computer

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.

[Q] Pixel 2 won't charge or allow data transfer over USB C

The title was supposed to say C-C
As in the title really; When I plug the phone into my laptop (Lenovo ThinkPad L450) with a C-C cable, the following happens.
Some key points in trying to diagnose the issue:
Used three different C-C cables including the one that comes in the box
Tried a USB 3.0 A-C cable on the same laptop, works perfectly
Plugged a HTC 10 into the same port with the same cables, allows fast charging and 3.1 transfer rates
I have been into 'Developer Settings' and changed 'Select USB Configuration' to 'Charging',
Can anyone help, or is anyone experiencing a similar issue? I really don't want to have to RMA this.
for charging i cant really help but for data transfer try enabling usb debugging and getting the right drivers for the pixel 2. also connect as MTP for data transfer.
havent tried any of this myself as i dont need to transfer my files yet and theres no roms either but let me know if it works.
good luck!
I have kind of the same issue - while mine charges, it doesn't recognize the phone for MTP at all. Tried both the cable that came with the device, and the 5x cable I've been using since February. My husband's 5x is recognized, my Pixel 2 isn't. Have to use a USB-C to USB-A cable to do any data transfers.
This ticks me off, because I have 2 USB-C ports on my laptop. One that's a USB-C/Thunderbolt port (which always worked with the 5x), and the other that's just USC-C with USB 3.0 capability, which has my USB hub plugged into it. The hub won't work with the C/TB port, and now neither will the Pixel 2. So I either have to grab my C to A cable to load music and use ADB, or plug into the hub's port, losing my external keyboard, mouse, external HDD, printer, and Wacom tablet.
vido.ardes, is your C port Thunderbolt as well?
vido.ardes said:
The title was supposed to say C-C
As in the title really; When I plug the phone into my laptop (Lenovo ThinkPad L450) with a C-C cable, the following happens.
Some key points in trying to diagnose the issue:
Used three different C-C cables including the one that comes in the box
Tried a USB 3.0 A-C cable on the same laptop, works perfectly
Plugged a HTC 10 into the same port with the same cables, allows fast charging and 3.1 transfer rates
I have been into 'Developer Settings' and changed 'Select USB Configuration' to 'Charging',
Can anyone help, or is anyone experiencing a similar issue? I really don't want to have to RMA this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted my problem on the Google Product forums, and got this answer. It worked for me.
"Nikhil Rastogi said:
Hi all,
I just faced this issue. Connected my Pixel to my PC, no indication of connection either on PC or on Phone, except that the phone was charging. Even the file explorer on Windows 10 wasn't displaying Pixel as a connected device.
I found a solution, I hope it works for you all,
Go to Settings->Apps & notifications->App info->Tap 3 dots in top right corner->Tap 'Show system'.
Then find 'External storage' and 'Media storage' apps in the list and clear cache and data for both these apps. Restart your phone and wait 5-10 minutes before connecting the phone to your PC.
After connecting, the phone should now show 'USB connected for charging', as it did in Nougat. You can tap that notification and select file transfer."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are the exact steps I did on the Pixel 2:
Settings>Apps & notifications>See all 125 apps>3 dot menu>Show System>Media Storage>Storage>Clear Data (this got the cache, as well)>Back>Back>External Storage>Storage>Clear Data.
Then I plugged it into the C/TB port, and the computer made the "USB Connected" noise, and "USB Debugging" came up in my phone's notifications (yes, I've enabled developer options and USB debugging there.) I'm then able to go into Settings>Connected Devices>USB and choose Transfer Files.
I just cleared the cache, not data for both and it worked.
krelvinaz said:
I just cleared the cache, not data for both and it worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that you can connect to your PC, is there any way I could get you or some other kind soul, to pull the system/framework folder and system/priv-app/SystemUIGoogle folder for me? The system.img files cannot be unpacked at this time. Every method tried gives "List index out of bounds" error.
Danariel said:
I posted my problem on the Google Product forums, and got this answer. It worked for me.
These are the exact steps I did on the Pixel 2:
Settings>Apps & notifications>See all 125 apps>3 dot menu>Show System>Media Storage>Storage>Clear Data (this got the cache, as well)>Back>Back>External Storage>Storage>Clear Data.
Then I plugged it into the C/TB port, and the computer made the "USB Connected" noise, and "USB Debugging" came up in my phone's notifications (yes, I've enabled developer options and USB debugging there.) I'm then able to go into Settings>Connected Devices>USB and choose Transfer Files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice, but unfortunately no change for me. I fear I may have to RMA this, which I really don't want to have to do.
I have found on my other devices, that if I reboot to recovery mode, my computer can then read the file folders in my device.
This appears to be an issue with the laptop, not the phone, as it works on another PC with a USB-C port

Unable to connect to PC in any mode

Hi all, I'm afraid I already know the answer to my question but I'll still ask if there's even a slight chance to get this fixed on my own.
I had this issue on Android 8.1 where my Pixel kept saying "Supplying power to connected device via USB" even without anything connected to it, (it started doing that one day without any reason) tapping the notification allowed me to switch to "Charge this device" and then turn on MTP mode, battery life was terrible but I wasn't that much bothered by it because I am an Android developer so I kept it connected in USB Debugging mode most of the time anyway.
When I got the notification for Android 9 update I decided to update hoping it'd fix the USB issue but after the update it now always says "Charging connected device" and tapping the notification does bring up the "USB Preference" screen and it allows me to switch to "USB Controlled by this device" and it starts charging but there's no way to switch "Charge only" mode to anything else, ADB does not see it, fastboot does not see it and there's no persistent notification on the phone about it being connected via USB at this point (in any mode). My understanding is that this is a hardware issue but Oreo still allowed me to workaround this and get the USB debugging connected.
Is there anyway I can get back to Oreo without using fastboot flash or any other solution to this?
Thanks for reading.
PS. I'm on Ubuntu but I can access a Windows machine if required and bootloader is already unlocked.
I'm curious if you're able to connect to a USB OTG storage device.
I'm having this issue connecting it to my windows 10 laptop.. the cable recognizes it.. starts charging.. shows option on phone to change type of connection.. but not matter which one i change it too, the computer will not pull lit up as a drive to see the files..
Jaws4God said:
I'm having this issue connecting it to my windows 10 laptop.. the cable recognizes it.. starts charging.. shows option on phone to change type of connection.. but not matter which one i change it too, the computer will not pull lit up as a drive to see the files..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here! I plug the cable into the Windows 10 computer, I even can change the mode from charging to MTP file transfer, but the device won't show up in the Windows Explorer. It appears under connected devices though.
My Pixel 2 XL would not connect to PC for file browsing if USB debugging of Android Apps was enabled in developer settings. Didn't matter which option I chose to connect. IDK if that is expected or not, but it took me a while to figure out. Happened Spring 2018, idk if Google fixed it.
pyro226 said:
My Pixel 2 XL would not connect to PC for file browsing if USB debugging of Android Apps was enabled in developer settings. Didn't matter which option I chose to connect. IDK if that is expected or not, but it took me a while to figure out. Happened Spring 2018, idk if Google fixed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think i've tried to turn that mode off.. i'm so used to needing it on for the computer to recognize and connect to all my previous Android Devices.. thanks for the recommendation...
post-mortem said:
I'm curious if you're able to connect to a USB OTG storage device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't find any OTG cable to try that but strangely enough a few days back I connected it to PC for charging and Nautilus popped up, same cable, same USB port and it started working all of sudden. Did verify with a couple of other cables and different ports and everything is working fine since.
"Charging connected device" notification never appeared again, only thing different (when it started working again) was that I was out of the air conditioned room most of those days, might it be moisture or something like that?
I'm back to my normal routine for a few days now and it's still 100% normal, will have to see if it stays that way.
Sorry for late response.
Here's an update in case someone else runs into this situation, I can say this with 99% certainty that is caused by the blackish residue build-up around the USB port over time. It's not too much that it's visible just by looking into the port but it's enough to make the device behave like this.
Here's what I did to get rid of it, took a match stick (don't use anything metal) and broke it in half making a sharp edge on both broken pieces, took the non coated piece and inserted sharp edge in the bottom side of the port and gently wiggled it around while applying some pressure towards the connector (just a little bit, make sure you don't break anything), did this for about 45 seconds then took out the match stick and the part that was touching the connector had turned blackish (I guess this is when you know you have 'cleaned' it enough?), repeated the same process on the top side of the port with a new match stick piece (guess you can use the same one after cleaning it with a tissue), the only difference was that this time applied the pressure in opposite side (other side of connector), device was on during all this time.
It builds up again after a while (~3 months) so I had to repeat the entire process again when it started doing that again at the start of December but it wasn't that annoying this time because I knew exactly what was wrong and how to get rid of it, device is still working fine 100%.
I'm simply sharing my experience and not encouraging anyone to do this but if you do decide to try this be sure not to use anything metal and don't break the connector inside the port (turning the device off would be a good idea too) and you'll be fine and if something does go wrong I won't be responsible.

Pixel3 not visible to PC (USB Transfer mode)

I am using my USB to USB-C Cable form my Nexus 5X, which works flawlessly with that one.
With the Pixel, however, I don't get it showing up in Transfer mode (as a drive).
When using PTP mode it becomes visible, but of course only showing picture folders.
Cable works 100% fine as far as I know, also with the Tool-All-In-One etc.
Any idea how enable USB-Transfers from PC to Pixel3?
fronten said:
I am using my USB to USB-C Cable form my Nexus 5X, which works flawlessly with that one.
With the Pixel, however, I don't get it showing up in Transfer mode (as a drive).
When using PTP mode it becomes visible, but of course only showing picture folders.
Cable works 100% fine as far as I know, also with the Tool-All-In-One etc.
Any idea how enable USB-Transfers from PC to Pixel3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When the pixel3 is connected did you look in the settings to see what USB mode is selected? You might need to change the mode to File Transfer. Also you have to unlock the phone after connecting it before it shows up. I'm not near a computer so I can't give the exact details.
EDIT: When the phone is connected go to Settings/Connected Devices/USB. Then in the section "Use USB for" make sure File Transfer is selected.
Thank you for the reply.
There's a "Yes" to all of that: USB mode is "Transfer Files", set directly via Setting but also checked on unlocked screen.
PC explorer shows Pixel3 in PTP mode (images folders only), which vanishes completely when switching to file transfer mode.
With Pixel 3 we are able to change which device controls USB connection, - i can't change this for this connection, it stays in "This device" (P3), "other device" (does this mean PC?) fails and reverts to "this device".
Is this a setting relevant only for Phone-to-Phone connections?
My Pixel 3 is doing this now with Android Auto after I got the February update. I can't change USB mode and Android Auto only launches on my phone instead of my car head unit. If I try to manually change the the USB mode to anything other than charging it immediately resets like nothing happened. If I change the control type to "other device" it reverts to "this device" and grays out the option.
I have tried a few cables, two different cars, and enabling USB Debugging but nothing helps. I think Google did this and we might have to wait on a fix.
As a follow-up, I've seen some people with this issue fix it by getting a USB C cable that is 65 ohm, or getting a USB 3.1 SS+ cable. I have one on order and will update when I receive it.
zeropants said:
As a follow-up, I've seen some people with this issue fix it by getting a USB C cable that is 65 ohm, or getting a USB 3.1 SS+ cable. I have one on order and will update when I receive it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
So this is a confirmation that this indeed is a bug needing some fix?
I did a quick look around and couldn't really find such a cable - what would I search for specifically?
I did not get confidently lucky with 65 ohm, USB 3.1 or SS+ terms..
(Also, i am quite sour about Google not including an USBCtoA connector.)
fronten said:
Thank you!
So this is a confirmation that this indeed is a bug needing some fix?
I did a quick look around and couldn't really find such a cable - what would I search for specifically?
I did not get confidently lucky with 65 ohm, USB 3.1 or SS+ terms..
(Also, i am quite sour about Google not including an USBCtoA connector.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my view it's a bug, but I don't have much to confirm with, just personal experience. I'm going to re-check Apple Carplay too to make sure it's not a vehicle fault.
Another failure.
So far I've tried 4 cables, including a USB-C 3.1 cable. I've tried 2 different cars with Android Auto support. No combination has enabled AA on the cars head unit.
I plugged my Pixel 3 into a laptop work USB 3 support and it connected to file transfer.
As a follow up, my wife's iPhone XR connects to Car Play almost instantly.
I found out my issue is specifically with Android Auto, and I have since fixed it. I had to remove all system updates to Android Auto and let it update and setup from scratch.
I finally managed to get my Pixel 3 recognized for file transfer.
Device manager showed a problem with the Portable Device - MTP device (yellow attention sign). I tried to update that driver, failing, even with the one from google directly .
However, i got the hint that missing system update (Windows) might be the culprit.
So I checked, installed the 2 it showed, and .. .. Pixel 3 showed up in device and file manager.

USB OTG only reverse charging possible

Hello All,
I stumbled upon a problem with my Mate 30 pro. When using a USB stick and or USB card reader I can only select "use USB to reverse charge". When selecting the other options like transfer photos or transfer files the selection jumps after 2 sec back to reverse charge.
I use File manager to transfer pictures from my phone to my computer via a stick and due to this it fails to do this, well it fails to transfer pictures from my phone to my USB stick, from the stick to the phone works...
Using the internal file manager then it works...uninstalled file manager rebooted the phone and reinstalled did not solved my problem. I prefer to work with the file manager from play store and not the internal one...
Google play store is on the latest version, well the same version like on my mate 20 pro.
Just realized that my mate 20 pro is doing exact the same, but there transfer files/pictures from phone to USB stick works.
Have u tried developer options - USB debugging?
viruz1225 said:
Have u tried developer options - USB debugging?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I did, also tried to change the same setting - USB config - in the developer options but there it also reverts back to charge only.
I see the exact same automatic return to "Reverse charge" after 2 seconds using OTG, but I can use the internal file manager, so I am not
bothered so much by that. What bothers me is that I want to charge normally (opposite of "Reverse Charge") using OTG since I am using
"Accessory Charging Adaptors" (i.e., I am using an OTG USB Hubs with a power supply included). After many experiments, I see no way to
simultaneously charge my Mate 30 Pro and use an OTG device - Has anyone found a way to do this?
If ACA doesn't work, then chances are that your USB controller driver doesn't have it implemented
[KERNEL] (Patch) USB OTG (host mode) + simultaneous charging!
(I really struggled with where to post this. Although much work and effort went into debugging unique Z5-specific issues, this is based on prior work so I put it here instead of in "original"; also, I would be very surprised if this didn't apply...
forum.xda-developers.com

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