Why can't I see my phone as a media device?

**Mom** · 24th March 2015, 08:43

For some reason we are no longer able to access our Samsung phone as a media device when it is plugged into the PC. Always used to be able to see it, now it has disappeared from the device list. I have searched for it but the PC cant find it. All I want to do is upload some pics. Does anyone have a clue why this has happened, and more importantly, how I can fix it please?

**Paul in NZ** · 24th March 2015, 09:06

You might need to open or wake up your phone..

If I plug Vickis phone in it needs to have the screen swiped and my iPhone needs the pin put in

**Tazz** · 24th March 2015, 09:08

Same cable as before?

**nodrog:Me** · 24th March 2015, 11:27

You live in mangakino now, you sure they haven't been stolen.

**buggerit** · 24th March 2015, 11:39

Can u email them to yourself?

**Mom** · 24th March 2015, 11:56

Originally Posted by Tazz

Same cable as before?

Yes, nothing has changed. We just cant see the phone at all now.

Originally Posted by nodrog

You live in mangakino now, you sure they haven't been stolen.

Now theres a thought.

Originally Posted by buggerit

Can u email them to yourself?

We don't have email set up on the phone.

**Bikemad** · 24th March 2015, 12:08

Bluetooth?

**Big Dog** · 24th March 2015, 12:56

Turn it off. Go outside and play.

Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

**Big Dog** · 24th March 2015, 13:00

Real answer: try restarting the phone. No joy? Try going in to settings. Look for USB connection settings. Not sure what they are called. I don't have an android any more.
Failing that, turn it off. Plug in to the PC and wait. If it doesn't start on its own, hold down the home key and the power key until it starts up. Unless this has been disabled by Samsung your phone should now be an expensive memory stick.

Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

**Gremlin** · 24th March 2015, 13:03

Assuming the Samsung is Android (I don't think all were) the mobile must be unlocked (before or after it's plugged in, at least for my S4). There are also options as to how the mobile appears to the computer, and these will be prompted when you plug in the USB cable.

From there, the device will appear under Computer. If it's still locked, the device will be blank when opened, unlock it, and then the phone and any SD card will become available for viewing.

Otherwise, use something like Kies, I think it makes things more user friendly.

**mashman** · 24th March 2015, 13:13

Is the USB cable plugged into the same USB port on the PC as you usually plug it into?

**p.dath** · 24th March 2015, 13:13

If you plug something else into the USB port on the computer does that device work (proving the USB port is working)?

If you plug the phone into a different USB port on the same PC does it make any difference?

And the obvious, have you tried rebooting the computer? Turning the phone off and back on again?