Normally, you can connect your Galaxy S5 to a computer with the USB cable directly. But for some reasons the phone is not seen as mass storage when attached to the computer via USB cable. Whether it's the computer that is unable to detect your phone, or your phone is not installed or attached properly.
USB connection issues, including the phone that unable to connect to the computer could be due to a number of factors.
Among the potential causing-factor as to why such problem exists would include the following:
- use of a third-party USB cable
- connection via USB hub
- required USB drivers not installed
- USB settings not set to Media device (MTP)
- use of damaged or defective USB cable
- physical or liquid damage on phone
- third-party cover or case blocks the USB cable connection
- firewall or anti-virus software restrict access on either device
A good approach in resolving any device issues, including those associated with the USB connectio, is through determining the most possible causes (first), followed by isolating the problem, and finally applying resolution procedures or workarounds.
So consider the aforesaid possible causes as bases for your primary workarounds. Perform the following workarounds to identify the cause and isolate the problem. Be sure to test USB connection in both devices after performing each of the following steps to find out if the problem is already fixed. If not, then proceed to the next steps.
1. Check the USB cable and make sure it's the one supplied with your phone.
2. To eliminate the possibility or a third-party case or cover blocking the USB cable connection, remove any non-Samsung accessories from the phone, including a case or cover.
Phone accessories especially those from third-party suppliers may block the USB cable form establishing a secure connection in both devices.
3. Try to bypass any hubs or docks, or connect the USB cable directly to the computer.
4. Check for possible liquid or physical damage on the phone, as well as on the USB ports.
If the USB port is damaged, then it's most likely the reason why your computer is unable to detect your phone.
5. In case you have installed or running an anti-virus software or firewall on your computer, please try to disable it temporarily. Some firewalls may block your phone from connecting to your computer, and so it appears that the computer is unable to recognize or detect your phone when you connect it using a USB cable.
Now, try these recommended resolution procedures when necessary.
1. Disconnect the USB cable from both the computer and your Galaxy S5.2. Reboot both the computer and your phone.
3. Now connect the USB cable directly to the computer, or connect the cable to a different USB port on your computer, if possible. Doing so will help you determine if the USB port is working properly.
Install required USB drivers on the computer
If problem persists, then you may need to install additional drivers for your computer to recognize your Galaxy S5 handset. Here's how:
1. Disconnect the USB cable from the phone.
2. Check for any available and compatible USB driver for your phone at Samsung Support website.
3. Go to the Downloads tab, then locate and select the DEvice USB Driver Software.
4. Click on the EXE button.
5. Select SEND to start downloading.
6. When download is complete, install the USB drivers.
7. When installation is finished, restart your computer.
8. After the restart, connect your phone to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
Check MTP Settings on the Galaxy S5
If issue remains, then check the MTP settings on your device.You can access your phone from a computer via Media device (MTP) or Camera (PTP) mode. The process is similar to accessing a USB mass storage device through a computer.
Generally for Windows computers running on older operating systems like Windows XP, you may need to connect as a Media device (MTP).
Follow these steps:
1. Connect your phone to the computer using the supplied USB cable.
2. Get to your phone's home screen.
3. Swipe your finger from the top of the screen to the bottom. Doing so will open the Notification Panel.
4. Touch Connected as a camera from the Notification Panel options.
5. To change the USB settings, touch Media device (MTP).
You should then see the Notification Panel on your Galaxy S5 displays Connected as a media device, which means your phone is successfully connected to and recognized by the computer as media device.
Hope this helps.
