Fix: Samsung File Transfer Not Working When Connect to PC

If you meet the Samsung file transfer not working issue, don’t worry. This article will show you 7 ways to fix the Samsung USB file transfer not working when you connect it to PC

Clara by Clara Updated April 18, 2024
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Anyone else having trouble with Samsung file transfer not working? I've got a Galaxy S10 and when I connect it to my PC, nothing happens. Tried different cables and USB ports, but no luck. Any tips to get it working again? Thanks!

- Question from Reddit

 

Why Is My Samsung File Transfer Not Working?

When you want to transfer files using USB, you may feel some confusion and frustration if you encounter the issue “Samsung USB file transfer not working”. After all, you expect to be able to simply transfer files from your Samsung device to your computer. Why are there errors in file transfer on Samsung mobile phones? Here are some of the main reasons:

enlightenedUSB connection settings

enlightenedUSB cable and ports

enlightenedAndroid system update issues

enlightenedDevice drivers

However, these problems can be solved with some simple steps. You can try the different solutions provided in this article. Then you'll probably be able to transfer files smoothly in no time. Let’s take a look!

How to Fix USB File Transfer Not Working on Samsung

In the below content, we show you 7 ways to help you address file transfer not working on your Samsung. With the detailed guide, you can connect your Samsung Galaxy to Windows 10/11 with USB and transfer files.

Way 1. Enable File Transfers on the Samsung Device

To solve the problem of Samsung file transfer to PC not working, you can first confirm whether you have enabled the file transfer option on your Android phone. When you connect your Android phone to your computer, unlock your device. A window will usually pop up and you can click on the USB connection option from the notification bar. Next, select the "File Transfers" option, which will enable file transfer functionality on your phone.

samsung file transfer not working

Way 2. Check the USB Cable

A USB cable you use to connect the Samsung to your computer, can also cause Samsung Galaxy S7 USB file transfer not working. Generally, we recommend using an original USB cable to connect your Android device to your computer. If you check the cable and find it is damaged, you can try using a different USB cable.

Also, keep an eye on the ports on your computer to make sure it's not clogged with dust. If you have multiple USB ports on your computer, you can try another USB port to see if it works properly.

Way 3. Enable USB Debugging Is Turned on

When you have enabled the file transfer option and ensured that there is no problem with the USB cable, if your Samsung file transfer to PC not working, it may be due to other reasons. For example, you don't have USB debugging turned on. This feature allows the computer to detect and access your Android phone data. When you connect your Samsung phone to your computer, you need to manually turn on the USB debugging button.

You can follow the guide below to open the USB Debugging button on your Android device:

Step 1. Unlock the Samsung phone > Go to Settings > Look for About phone.

Step 2. Tap on Build number 7 times to activate developer mode.

Step 3. Click on the back button > You can see the Developer options.

Step 4. Turn on USB debugging on this page.

Now, you can check if your phone can transfer files in a normal way.

samsung file transfer not working

Way 4. Reset Network Settings on the Android Phone

One of the best solutions for Android File Transfer not showing up is resetting network settings. Doing this can effectively remove any temporary bugs in the network settings on your phone.  

And yes, resetting network settings doesn't cause any data loss. Here's how to implement it:

Step 1. Go to Settings on the Android phone.

Step 2. Locate System > Tap Advanced > Click Reset options.

Step 3. Tap Reset network settings > When you see a prompt, select RESET SETTINGS for confirmation.

After that, you can connect the phone to the Wi-Fi again and send your files to check.

Way 5. Update Android OS on Samsung

In addition, if you have installed third-party transfer software on your computer, the older version of the Android operating system may be incompatible with the Android file transfer software on your computer. To fix this issue, you can check and update your Android operating system.

Here are the steps to update Samsung:

Step 1. Go to Settings on the phone > Click on System.

Step 2. Then select Advanced > On the page, tap System update.

Step 3. Follow the screen instructions to update the OS to the latest version.

samsung file transfer not working

Way 6. Restart Your Samsung Galaxy

If the above methods didn’t work for the USB file transfer not working Samsung issue, restart both your Samsung device and the computer. Although this method is simple, it can often help resolve minor software issues that may affect its performance or functionality. It essentially allows the device's operating system to reboot and potentially resolve any temporary issues.

If you can't find the restart option in the menu or the device is unresponsive, you can also perform a force restart by holding down the power button for about 10-15 seconds until the device turns off and then back on.

Way 7. Uninstall Samsung Kies or Smart Switch

Additionally, some Samsung devices may not be able to connect via Android File Transfer. For example, Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+/S7/S8/S5/S6/S4/Note 8 or Note 5 and other Android devices. This could be due to the Samsung Kies or Samsung Smart Switch app being installed on your device, or having these apps installed on your computer. These apps are not compatible with Android File Transfer, so you need to uninstall them before you can connect and transfer data.

Bonus Tip: Best App to Transfer Android Files Without USB

By reading the above article, you have solved the issue of Samsung file transfer not working. If you want to share files from Android to iPhone, or to other Android devices, and you don't want to use USB, then we strongly suggest you to use FoneTool to switch data wirelessly.

FoneTool is a professional data transfer app, designed with a user-friendly interface. With a few simple clicks, you can wirelessly send photos, videos, contacts, music, and other file data from your Android devices. The transmission is quick and does not lose quality. You can download FoneTool and follow the guide to transfer Samsung files.

Here are the steps for transferring data from Samsung to iPhone:

Step 1. Open FoneTool on both your Samsung and your iPhone.

Step 2. Ensure FoneTool to use WLAN, you can turn on the Wi-Fi and no need to connect to a network. > On both devices, tap Connect Device.

Step 3. On the Android phone, select Connect to iOS > On the iPhone, choose Connect to Android > Then use your iPhone to scan the QR code on the Samsung to establish a connection.

samsung file transfer not working

★Tips:
If you want to achieve Android to Android transfer, on your both Android phones, you can tap Connect to Android after you finish step 1 and step 2.

Step 4. Tap File Transfer on the Samsung Galaxy > Choose the files you need to send to the iPhone > Click Send to start.

samsung file transfer not working

Step 5. When a prompt appears on the iPhone screen, tap Confirm on the iPhone to receive the Samsung files.

★Tips:
FoneTool also supports you in transferring data from iPhone to iPhone wirelessly.

Conclusion

This article discusses the issue of Samsung file transfer not working when you connect to PC. There are 7 fixes, including Enabling File Transfers, checking the USB cable, opening USB Debugging, resetting the network settings, updating Android OS, or restarting your Samsung Galaxy. You can choose the appropriate method according to your situation.

By the way, if you want to transfer data between different devices like Samsung, iPhone, or others without USB, you can choose FoneTool mobile app to help you send data easily.

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