Windows 10 Not recognizing Device (Android ZTE)

AI Thread Summary
Transferring files from a ZTE971 Android device to a Windows 10 PC can be problematic if the computer fails to recognize the phone when connected via USB. Users have noted that this issue may arise after recent updates to either the phone or Windows. To resolve the problem, it is essential to ensure the phone is set to the correct USB mode for file transfer rather than just charging. Pulling down the notification bar on the phone and selecting the appropriate option can help. If the device still isn't recognized, troubleshooting steps include checking the USB cable, testing the phone on another computer, and running a System File Check (SFC) on Windows. Uninstalling and reinstalling the Android driver via Device Manager can also be effective. Enabling USB debugging and ensuring the MTP USB driver is functioning properly are additional recommended actions. If these solutions fail, using System Restore to revert Windows to a previous state when the connection was working may be the simplest fix.
WWGD
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Hi All,
I am trying to transfer files from my ZTE971 Android into my Windows 10 PC.
Problem is computer is not recognizing the Android when I plug it into the USB port.
Strange, since it used to recognizing it without any problem just a few months back.
I have checked in device manager, updating drivers for all USBs , unistalling, re-installing (.
But, hey, that's what you get with Win10, it seems, my settings changed randomly.
Any suggestions?
upload_2018-7-23_11-16-38.png
 

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Hmm, you did all the things I would do.

Is is possible that the recent fight between ZTE and the US Government is involved? Do you have friends with ZTE phones that have the same problem?
 
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anorlunda said:
Hmm, you did all the things I would do.

Is is possible that the recent fight between ZTE and the US Government is involved? Do you have friends with ZTE phones that have the same problem?
Thanks, good point. I guess I had not thought about that consequence. Will check.
 
At least some Android based devices need an app installed to talk over the USB. A recent update to the phone could have messed up this function... or at least as likely, a Windows update.

Good Luck! And please let us know what works.
 
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Maybe the USB on the ZTE is in debug mode?
 
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Rive said:
Maybe the USB on the ZTE is in debug mode?
Thanks. I am waiting to test someone else's USB. Will keep you all posted. Thanks all for your comments and suggestions.
 
The USB port on the phonene has multiple modes. check to make sure it is connected for file transfer, not just charging.
 
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russ_watters said:
The USB port on the phonene has multiple modes. check to make sure it is connected for file transfer, not just charging.
Thanks, but how to I get access to info on the modes? Strange thing is the USB does charge the phone, but it does not seem to recognize it.
 
russ_watters said:
The USB port on the phonene has multiple modes. check to make sure it is connected for file transfer, not just charging.
Thanks! I never was able to see files on my Android phone when connected to my laptop, but now I can. I went to the Verizon website and searched for viewing files on my laptop, and this answer gave me the key (I have no idea what "Marshmallow" is, but whatever):

https://community.verizonwireless.com/message/1435981#1435981
upload_2018-7-25_10-29-20.png


The key for me was to pull down the notification bar thing at the top of my phone display, and tap on the USB icon to change from charging to file transfer (and I selected "Just Once" to avoid having charging problems the next time I plugged in my phone). Now I can access my pictures via the DCIM folder, which is a huge help for my work. I transfer documentation and setup pictures all the time, but up to how I had to keep e-mailing them to myself (and WiFi is spotty at my current work location).

Thanks! :smile:
 

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  • #10
berkeman said:
Thanks! I never was able to see files on my Android phone when connected to my laptop, but now I can. I went to the Verizon website and searched for viewing files on my laptop, and this answer gave me the key (I have no idea what "Marshmallow" is, but whatever):

https://community.verizonwireless.com/message/1435981#1435981
View attachment 228361

The key for me was to pull down the notification bar thing at the top of my phone display, and tap on the USB icon to change from charging to file transfer (and I selected "Just Once" to avoid having charging problems the next time I plugged in my phone). Now I can access my pictures via the DCIM folder, which is a huge help for my work. I transfer documentation and setup pictures all the time, but up to how I had to keep e-mailing them to myself (and WiFi is spotty at my current work location).

Thanks! :smile:
Thanks, both. I have the settings that allow for it. I guess it now comes down to seeing if the problem is with the USB cable or the PC itself.
 
  • #11
Update , for anyone who may be interested. Phone was recognize on another computer using my USB. I wish I had something like a lab available for my own testing. I had to buy a Starbucks run to convince the repair people to let me use their stuff for a few minutes.
 
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  • #12
LOL
 
  • #13
I seem to recall that earlier versions of Windows (XP?) needed a driver update/patch/add-on to talk to such devices. Perhaps Microsoft is up to their old tricks again.

edit:
If SFC (System File Check) is still part of Win10 try running that ('SFC /scannow' from a Command line.)

p.s. I'm (still!) running XP and it won't recognize the wife's Fire Tablet. She's not interested so I didn't follow up.
 
  • #14
Tom.G said:
I seem to recall that earlier versions of Windows (XP?) needed a driver update/patch/add-on to talk to such devices. Perhaps Microsoft is up to their old tricks again.

edit:
If SFC (System File Check) is still part of Win10 try running that ('SFC /scannow' from a Command line.)

p.s. I'm (still!) running XP and it won't recognize the wife's Fire Tablet. She's not interested so I didn't follow up.

I have WIn 10, but get this weird stuff. It used to recognize it, but it does not anymore, for who knows what reason.
 
  • #15
Tom.G said:
If SFC (System File Check) is still part of Win10 try running that ('SFC /scannow' from a Command line.)

It is... you must run cmd as an administrator, though.

sfc(1).PNG


Try this, too...

upload_2018-7-26_22-18-28.png


See if you get something like this...

upload_2018-7-26_22-22-29.png


.
 

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  • #16
Try: https://www.google.com/search?&q=windows+10+does+not+recognize+android+phone
It's appearently not a new problem, that search returns 343 000 000 results. (you could spend how many lifetimes reading all of those?)
High on the list was https://windowsreport.com/windows-10-doesnt-recognize-android/ which lists 10 possible fixes.

Barring that approach, there is rolling back to a Restore Point from before the failure, if their is one, or un-installing Updates back to when it was working.

I have had occassional success with doing a Restore that didn't seem to help followed by 'SFC /scannow'.
 
  • #17
berkeman said:
I have no idea what "Marshmallow" is, but whatever
Codename for Android 6.0. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_Marshmallow

They are code named after sweets. I don't know when we will reach Android Diabeetus :biggrin:.

@WWGD

This has happened to me as well. It is a nightmare to troubleshoot this kind of stuff because each device has a different manufacturer driver on Windows. One day it works, the other it doesn't. For really messed up stuff, system restore did it for me. Like @Tom.G said.

Attempt this first (to try to narrow down the problem): https://developer.android.com/studio/run/oem-usb

It is for a guide for developers, but if you manage to get ADB recognized, you can attempt this then (or try this first, it doesn't matter much):

https://www.howtogeek.com/195607/ho...evice-to-show-up-in-file-explorer-if-it-isnt/

What is the goal here? Get the MTP USB driver to work. Those are the keywords. MTP USB.
 
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  • #18
Does your windows pc do _anything_ when you connect/disconect the phone?

Have you got another usb device you can try on your PC? Is that recognised?
 
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  • #19
CWatters said:
Does your windows pc do _anything_ when you connect/disconect the phone?

Have you got another usb device you can try on your PC? Is that recognised?
Thanks. I have asked some people but they have been too paranoid to think I was playing a trick on them. And I have been too cheap to get myself one for around $8. I will just buy one soon and get back to you with the next installment of the ZTE Phone Saga.
 
  • #20
Try uninstalling the Android driver.
Connect your Android device to your computer> Open the Device Manager> Find the Android device (usually it is in the "Other Devices" or "Portable Devices" section)> Right-click on the device and select "Uninstall"> Disconnect the Android device Connect with computer> Reconnect again> Wait for Windows 10 to reinstall its driver> Check if Android device is now recognized.
In addition, enabling USB debugging and reinstalling the composite ADB interface are helpful solutions to the problem that Windows 10 not recognizing android.
 
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  • #21
CWatters said:
Does your windows pc do _anything_ when you connect/disconect the phone?

Have you got another usb device you can try on your PC? Is that recognised?
Sorry for the very late reply, I just saw it when someone else replied. My PC automatically starts charging the Android. Same with new device I bought. I will follow advice on latest post.
 
  • #22
WWGD said:
Hi All,
I am trying to transfer files from my ZTE971 Android into my Windows 10 PC.
Problem is computer is not recognizing the Android when I plug it into the USB port.
Strange, since it used to recognizing it without any problem just a few months back.
I have checked in device manager, updating drivers for all USBs , unistalling, re-installing (.
But, hey, that's what you get with Win10, it seems, my settings changed randomly.
Any suggestions?
View attachment 228293
Perhaps you could use System Restore to reset Win 10 back to a date on which it was working -- that's often easier than trying to diagnose what went wrong, or reinstalling something.
 
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