Computer doesn’t react to the device: reasons and solutions

Nothing happens when you connect the device to the PC? This is a common problem that does not depend on the operating systems: macOS, Windows or Linux.

This problem can be caused by several reasons, such as a damaged USB cable, outdated software and drivers. Other causes, such as faulty hardware or USB ports, require professional assistance.

Before starting work, it is necessary to correctly connect Android or iOS devices. Incorrect connection can be the first reason why the PC does not see the device.

Connecting Android via USB

During the connection, a sound signal from the PC about the new device will be played. The «USB connection» window will be displayed on the device itself, in which the «File transfer» mode must be selected from the proposed list. After that, the device window will open in the PC explorer for Windows, and for macOS the «Android File Transfer» window will appear.

Connecting iOS via USB

The iOS device must be turned on and unlocked when connecting to the desktop device. During the first connection, a window will appear asking «Allow the device to access photos and videos» - you must select «Allow». For wider access to the device on Windows, it is necessary to install iTunes.

If the PC did not recognize the device after connecting, it may mean that there is a problem with something. Below we will consider the main ways to solve errors and their causes.

Replacement of the port, USB cable or replacement of the USB connector of the device

Replacing the USB cable is the easiest way to solve the problem. In most cases, the problem with displaying the device on the PC is solved after changing it. The reason for the unusability of the cable can be damage, wear or performing only the charging function. The same applies to the port, it is better to check the connection through different USB sockets. Also, the cause may be damage to the USB connector of the device itself, which was subjected to mechanical or other types of damage, and such a device should be sent for repair to replace it with a working connector.

USB back-up

Another way to solve the problem with an Android device is to enable USB sleep mode. Although the specific option is mainly used to control the device through the computer, it can also be a workaround for the problem.

To turn on the USB storage mode, in the necessary device settings, select the «About phone» item and tap «Developer tools» (or quickly click 7 times on the «Build number» so that these options are available on the device) and in addition to this option, it is also recommended to find item «Default USB configuration» and set the «File transfer» mode.

This method is constantly used by testers at work.

Restarting the Android device in safe mode

Options for rebooting into safe mode are different and it all depends on the phone manufacturer, but the most common option to enter this mode is to turn on the disabled device and press the volume buttons. If, after performing the above actions, the PC saw the device, most likely the reason lay in third-party applications that are related to protection, control, etc.

Update/reload device driver

The most common culprit of the problem of connecting the device to the computer is an outdated driver. A driver update may resolve this issue.

To update the driver on Windows, you need:

1. Start command prompt (Windows + R).
2. Input «devmgmt.msc».
3. Expand the «Portable Devices» list.
4. Select «Update driver» for the connected device.

5. Search and select an available driver on your computer.
6. Select «USB MTP device» and click «Next». The driver will be reinstalled.

To update the driver version on macOS, you need:

1. Connect the gadget to the desktop device.
2. By pressing the «Option» key on PC, go to «Apple» menu.
3. Select the «Information/System Report» item 
4. Select USB in the list on the left.
5. Update the driver version by selecting the device in the «USB Structure» window.

In cases when iTunes is installed on a desktop device with a Windows operating system, the steps to update the drivers will differ based on the source from which iTunes was downloaded. You can read more about this in Apple's article https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204095.

Removing the device driver

A similar way to solve the problem of connecting the device to the computer is to actually remove the device driver.

To remove it, you need to follow the same steps as for reinstalling the driver, only for the connected device you need to select «Remove device». Then you need to reconnect the device to the computer and it will reinstall the necessary drivers.

The PC cannot see the device connecting via Bluetooth

It is also worth mentioning this connection scenario, as it is not always possible to transfer information via a USB cable. If you encounter this problem, the following steps may help, perhaps one of them will solve the problem:

1. Make sure that the Bluetooth function is enabled on both devices, and in the settings of the devices themselves, you need to activate the visibility mode for all other devices. On the iOS system, these settings are included in the AirDrop service in the «Control Center».
2. Place the connected device closer to the computer.
3. Restart your PC and mobile device.
4. If you were able to connect the devices to each other before, try deleting the saved pair in the Bluetooth settings and try to connect again.
5. Update the Bluetooth drivers on your PC to the latest version.

The listed troubleshooting methods when connecting the device can solve the standard reasons why the PC does not see the device. It's always best to start with basic, simple fixes and then move on to more complex solutions.