Strange problem seeing files from PC - Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Questions & Answers

When I hook my Ultra to a PC expecting to download some video files, not all of them show up. I can use a file app, for example CX file explorer, I see them.
Any thoughts?

so what is not displaying all files, windows explorer?

Thanks for the interest
To elaborate on what I said "...not all files show up...", I specifically was looking for video files I had created an hour earlier, in the DCIM\CAMERA folder. I actually don't know if other things are not showing up.

Is the latest driver for the Sammy loaded on the PC? It's usually bundled with other Sammy PC/phone related apps so make sure that's current.
Also check your usb settings in Developer Options.
I go directly to drive management in W7 and open from there. Sometimes simply unplugging the usb cable, clearing/refreshing the window does the trick.
It can be a little squirrelly at times making the link up but once established is normally stable unless there's a bad cable or port.

blackhawk said:
Is the latest driver for the Sammy loaded on the PC? It's usually bundled with other Sammy PC/phone related apps so make sure that's current.
Also check your usb settings in Developer Options.
I go directly to drive management in W7 and open from there. Sometimes simply unplugging the usb cable, clearing/refreshing the window does the trick.
It can be a little squirrelly at times making the link up but once established is normally stable unless there's a bad cable or port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll proceed as suggested and post back my results. It is quite possible I don't have the latest driver.

ewingr said:
Thanks. I'll proceed as suggested and post back my results. It is quite possible I don't have the latest driver.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also check Windows for error messages related to this. The may give you more insight to the cause.

Related

How do you load music & other files on this thing?

I plugged it into two different windows XP computers with the USB cord, but nothing shows up on my computer. I get some weird error on my phone, something like "PC connection unavailable ... blah blah blah ... idle screen ... blah blah ... close applications." I think this might be because I'm using LauncherPro. Why can't I just get a simple vanilla android build?
there are custom usb drivers, look for them in the how to root thread in android development subforum. After you dl them extract them somewhere and open up device mgr. U should see a usb device with a ? over it. Rightclick it and select update or install. Tell it that you want to select the location of the drivers and point it to where you extracted the drivers. You'll want to use the x86 ones if you have an intel 32bit winxp and the amd64 if u have an amd processor running windows xp.
OK.
Bring up your Settings pane and select Applications. In the Applications screen, select USB Settings and select Mass Storage. Now, when you connect the handset to your computer, pull down your notification bar and select USB Connected, it will bring up a prompt about mounting the volumes - press Mount. In the future you will just need to plug it in and mount the drives from the pull down menu.
You should be good to go. If not, try installing the Captivate drivers.
Also several people have had issues with plugging the Captivate into the front USB ports on their computers, and switching to a rear USB port fixed it - so give that try if you are still having issues.
mesasone said:
OK.
Bring up your Settings pane and select Applications. In the Applications screen, select USB Settings and select Mass Storage. Now, when you connect the handset to your computer, pull down your notification bar and select USB Connected, it will bring up a prompt about mounting the volumes - press Mount. In the future you will just need to plug it in and mount the drives from the pull down menu.
You should be good to go. If not, try installing the Captivate drivers.
Also several people have had issues with plugging the Captivate into the front USB ports on their computers, and switching to a rear USB port fixed it - so give that try if you are still having issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! That was the ticket! Wow, am I relieved. Also, for any other newbies out there, it seems like you can just throw files at the drive and android will find them. I put mine under "SD", but I have a hunch you can just put them anywhere.
Also, I refuse to install any drivers for this phone, which is why I just used it like a generic usb drive. I honestly loved my iphone, but I hated that you had to use itunes with it. If I have to install anything on my computer to use my phone, android just lost an advantage to the iphone in my eyes.
mesasone said:
Also several people have had issues with plugging the Captivate into the front USB ports on their computers, and switching to a rear USB port fixed it - so give that try if you are still having issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this same problem and there is no way I could it plug into the back so I tried the USB plugs on my monitor and thankfully that worked. I don't know why this phone was made so difficult to connect to the computer and have it recognized as storage.
lebe0024 said:
Thanks! That was the ticket! Wow, am I relieved. Also, for any other newbies out there, it seems like you can just throw files at the drive and android will find them. I put mine under "SD", but I have a hunch you can just put them anywhere.
Also, I refuse to install any drivers for this phone, which is why I just used it like a generic usb drive. I honestly loved my iphone, but I hated that you had to use itunes with it. If I have to install anything on my computer to use my phone, android just lost an advantage to the iphone in my eyes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I installed them trying to figure the damn thing about but I suspect they may only be needed if you want to tether via USB - not sure though.
PhonePhun said:
I had this same problem and there is no way I could it plug into the back so I tried the USB plugs on my monitor and thankfully that worked. I don't know why this phone was made so difficult to connect to the computer and have it recognized and storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird, isn't it? It's inconvenient to have the cable in the rear, but it was the only way I could get everything to play nice. I'll have to pick up some spare cables for the charger, work, etc so I don't have to reach back there and pull it out when I need it elsewhere. Not a bad idea anyway.

USB connection hell

I don't know what to do about this sudden problem. I've had my transformer since early May with the dock. I've never had any trouble connecting to any computer via the usb cable until this past weekend. Now all of a sudden it won't even show as connected when the tablet is connected to the dock.
So I tried it directly connected to the tablet and it will connect and come up on the computer but most of the time it kicks out after a little bit or when loading the files in a folder it just gets stuck loading and will not move so I can't move files to it.
I know I can transfer files with things like dropbox, but I move files every day and don't feel like fighting with the transformer for a half hour every day to get files where I want them when under normal circumstances I can move them in seconds via usb.
I tried calling support but all I got was a bunch of BS about needing to install all the software from their site which I actually did and it didn't fix anything.
Both computers I normally use are Windows 7 64 bit machines.
Anyone run into a similar issue? Any ideas?
Thank you ahead of time.
Try enable USB debugging.
Go to Settings --> Applications --> Development --> Check box for USB Debugging.
There's fews options you can (Do a backup first) try:
1) Reset to factory settings.
2) Format your microSD.
3) Re-flash the ROM.
Besides there's many ways to transfer files from Asus pad to PC.
Wireless Transfer.
FTP Transfer.
Wireless or FTP.
OP, sorry to hear about the issue. In the instances where you are able to connect via USB, if you leave it alone (don't' touch it), then can it complete the transfer? Since the Transformer uses the same connector to charge and transfer, I'm just wondering if the connector is physically getting lose or something.
When I had the transformer, I usually use the micro-SD card to transfer files. But that's just me.
makec3rt said:
Besides there's many ways to transfer files from Asus pad to PC.
Wireless Transfer.
FTP Transfer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to criticize your idea or be a jerk...but what does that mean? I don't think 1) wireless transfer and 2)FTP transfer counts as two different methods of transfer. That's like calling USB and "drag-and-drop" two different ways of transferring stuff to devices. Wireless is wireless, whether you're using a FTP protocol or just downloading using the browser.
Similar Issue
I had a similar issue when (but before) I rooted my TF. My Windows 7 64-bit machines wouldn't notice my device unless debugging was enabled and then I couldn't "safely" disconnect the device unless I disabled debugging.
I'm not quite sure what the issue is there but that is how I connect and disconnect.
Thanks for the reply. USB debugging was already turned on so I tried without it. No luck. I'm on hold with support again. If nothing comes from it I guess I will need to reformat. I never rooted so I doubt it's a rom issue.
As I was typing they said to download and install the latest firmware. I've kept this thing up to date, but I guess it's worth a try.
coachclass said:
OP, sorry to hear about the issue. In the instances where you are able to connect via USB, if you leave it alone (don't' touch it), then can it complete the transfer? Since the Transformer uses the same connector to charge and transfer, I'm just wondering if the connector is physically getting lose or something.
When I had the transformer, I usually use the micro-SD card to transfer files. But that's just me.
Not to criticize your idea or be a jerk...but what does that mean? I don't think 1) wireless transfer and 2)FTP transfer counts as two different methods of transfer. That's like calling USB and "drag-and-drop" two different ways of transferring stuff to devices. Wireless is wireless, whether you're using a FTP protocol or just downloading using the browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it to work one time. Every other time it just gets stuck loading the content of the folder. If I try to add anything it just sits there as it seems to be waiting for it finish loading. It's just so weird as it has worked perfectly for two months now and then all of the sudden it stopped working. I would maybe understand if there was an update or something but nothing's changed on the tablet or the computers.
I have the same issue with my usb and EVERY device. It all started when I updated the usb drivers with the nvflash certificate. Now when I want to use a usb device or my on board card reader I have to uninstall the general usb driver in the windows device manager, and for new devices. Only then will it recognize whatever I may have conected.
shaensgen said:
I have the same issue with my usb and EVERY device. It all started when I updated the usb drivers with the nvflash certificate. Now when I want to use a usb device or my on board card reader I have to uninstall the general usb driver in the windows device manager, and for new devices. Only then will it recognize whatever I may have conected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh the weird usb issues I've seen. Right now my system says that it doesn't have drivers for my vibrant and yet I can connect it and access it perfectly
Try format your microSD yet? Use SD Formatter 3.0.
coachclass said:
Not to criticize your idea or be a jerk...but what does that mean? I don't think 1) wireless transfer and 2)FTP transfer counts as two different methods of transfer. That's like calling USB and "drag-and-drop" two different ways of transferring stuff to devices. Wireless is wireless, whether you're using a FTP protocol or just downloading using the browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With wireless (using Wifi File Explorer), you just enter the asus epad (ip address) on the browser to download/upload/etc... files from your asus pad.
With FTP, you will need install ftp client on your windows to access files on your device.
makec3rt said:
With FTP, you will need install ftp client on your windows to access files on your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows XP and newer versions already have an FTP client - Windows Explorer.
I use the free "Software Data Cable" app. It creates the FTP server on your Transformer, and gives you the address to type into Windows Explorer.
It works great! You can transfer files using your PC, which is a lot easier than doing it on the Transformer.
I haven't used the USB connection since!
Thanks for the replies. I think this thing needs to be rma'd. I just did a factory reset and it's still having issues. I managed to get it connected only through a direct connection and it won't even let me create a folder. It's getting a little late to do it now so I'll call asus tomorrow morning and get it started.

USB Problems

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.

Can't connect Pixel and Windows 10.

When I plug in my pixel into my Windows 10 laptop, neither device responds. This means that I get neither the AutoPlay pop up on the laptop, or the USB option notification on the phone.
What I have tried:
Plugging into a Windows 7 laptop; the AutoPlay box appears on the laptop, the USB options notification appears on the phone
Tried all USB ports on the Windows 10 laptop.
Confirmed that other USB devices appear correctly on the Windows 10 laptop
Any thoughts?
Guidance?
tithij said:
When I plug in my pixel into my Windows 10 laptop, neither device responds. This means that I get neither the AutoPlay pop up on the laptop, or the USB option notification on the phone.
What I have tried:
Plugging into a Windows 7 laptop; the AutoPlay box appears on the laptop, the USB options notification appears on the phone
Tried all USB ports on the Windows 10 laptop.
Confirmed that other USB devices appear correctly on the Windows 10 laptop
Any thoughts?
Guidance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you installed the latest fastboot and adb. If not download them here and make sure to add the folder containing the files in your path or unzip the files to your Windows directory. I had the same problem on Windows 10 when I was running it and that fixed it for me.
Check in Device Manager to see if the Android device is listed. If it's listed but is indicated as not having a driver loaded, you can always download the latest drivers from https://developer.android.com/studio/run/win-usb.html and the latest platform tools at https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-windows.zip.
Extract the drivers, right click the non-working Android entry in Device Manager, point it to the main folder you extracted the drivers into and see if it'll load the drivers. This may not be the problem but worth a try. Even if it doesn't solve it on Windows 10, try the same thing on Windows 7. Windows 7 may be too old that it won't automatically find the correct necessary driver like it should on 10.
tithij said:
When I plug in my pixel into my Windows 10 laptop, neither device responds. This means that I get neither the AutoPlay pop up on the laptop, or the USB option notification on the phone.
What I have tried:
Plugging into a Windows 7 laptop; the AutoPlay box appears on the laptop, the USB options notification appears on the phone
Tried all USB ports on the Windows 10 laptop.
Confirmed that other USB devices appear correctly on the Windows 10 laptop
Any thoughts?
Guidance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google search terms: Windows 10, Pixel driver, XDA yields this:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/guide-fix-mtp-driver-windows-10-t3570625
Simple enough? Hope it works for you.
thanks, but no luck
@Misterxtc thank you. Already tried. No luck
 @oirraW the device does not appear in Device Manager.
 @bobby janow I am familiar with Google. Believe it or not, I even went to page 3 of the search. The solution you found has been tried and does not work.
Install Linux, no drivers to install, it just works
Some dumbed down versions you might have to do
apt install adb fastboot
You never have to reboot, only if new kernel, and that too is going to change
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app
tithij said:
the device does not appear in Device Manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Until you can get it to show up in Device Manager, there's nothing else you can do. Try a different USB port? Reboot the PC? Try a different cable if you have one? I can't think of anything else to try other than reinstalling Windows. I haven't had any trouble on Windows 7 or 10.
@piperx might be extending my tech skills a little too far. @roirraW "edor" ehT that is a pity.
Thanks all for your help; if I stumble across a solution, I'll post back.
tithij said:
@piperx might be extending my tech skills a little too far. @roirraW "edor" ehT that is a pity.
Thanks all for your help; if I stumble across a solution, I'll post back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where's your sense of adventure ,?
If you can use Windows you can use Linux ?
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app
clutching at straws but worth trying as tell the computer sees the phone and lists it you are stuck so enable developer options then enable usb debugging and set usb configuration to MTP then with the phone connected and the phone unlocked reboot the phone keeping the phone unlocked all the time.
piperx said:
Where's your sense of adventure ,
If you can use Windows you can use Linux
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not the use of it, it's the installation of a dual boot that doesn't take up too much space.
I did go have a look, suggestions are Ubuntu or Mint. Would like the smaller one.
vickersg said:
clutching at straws but worth trying as tell the computer sees the phone and lists it you are stuck so enable developer options then enable usb debugging and set usb configuration to MTP then with the phone connected and the phone unlocked reboot the phone keeping the phone unlocked all the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give it a whirl.
Have played with the developer options a bit, but to no avail.
tithij said:
It's not the use of it, it's the installation of a dual boot that doesn't take up too much space.
I did go have a look, suggestions are Ubuntu or Mint. Would like the smaller one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make a bootable USB of each distro you want to try. It's super easy with Rufus. This way you can try it without installing anything or wasting blank disks. I like Mint, it's basically Ubuntu with a face-lift.
No app needed to do simple things from command line ?
dd if=nameofiso of=/dev/sxx bs=4M; sync
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app
i'm not having much luck.. the device manager still either shows "pixel?" if the phone is set to no transfer.. or "MTP?" if phone set to file transfer... if I update drivers.. it says it tries then fails / had an error... any ideas?
@tithij You ever figure this out? I have the same problem I've even replaced the daughterboard but can't get the phone to show up in device manager when in bootloader mode.
GbizzleMcGrizzle said:
@tithij You ever figure this out? I have the same problem I've even replaced the daughterboard but can't get the phone to show up in device manager when in bootloader mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't actually done anything to fix it except to upgrade my phone and laptop.
Phone is on Android 9
Windows enterprise is on 1709
Now when I plug the phone in, I get the options on the phone and laptop. I choose File transfer and it works.
Not really helpful. But sometimes it seems apathy solves all problems.
If Pixel phone on connecting to windows only shows up in File Manager when you choose PTP option in the Pixel’s USB Preferences (and disappears from Explorer when you select File Transfer), you will be restricted to the DCIM and photos directory, thanks to the miserable ADB Composite driver that keeps getting updated or installed for morons who can’t handle full drive access in their pixels. ADB and PTP were designed so idiots would not need to worry about anything other than their media directories on their Pixel phones.
For anyone above age 4, full access to the Pixel SD memory is preferred. To fix the above, it is necessary to ditch the ADB drivers and get the generic MTP drivers back instead in Windows. Here’s how I did it on a Pixel 4XL with android 12 or 13:
Unplug phone, make sure Developer’s Options is ‘on’ and that USB Debugging is ‘on’
Ensure that in USB Preferences, it is defaulted to File Transfer/Android Auto and NOT to PTP
In Windows, open Device Manager, View, and check ‘show hidden files’
Then, open View-Devices by Type-Portable and delete/uninstall your Pixel phone, all of them if there’s more than one.
Then start looking for anything that says Android or ADB, and delete every shred of anything that’s an ADB Driver interface, whether composite, USB, whatever. If it has ADB in it alone or under LeMobile or Acer, it’s got to go. Uninstall and delete them
Plug in phone
Under Device Manager-View-Devices by Type-Portable find your Pixel device. Right click and Update Driver. Then, click Browse My computer, then click Let Me Choose, and then click MTB USB Device… I picked the bottom-most one
That’s it, it should work

Can NOT access Folders from PC

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.
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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

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