Nexus USB Not Showing On PC

cazkins

Afternoon all,

I have recently got a Nexus 4 and I've used the supplied USB to connect to my laptop running Windows 8.1. I've come across numerous online posts about problems with the MTP suggesting different ways to get the driver updated for it to show on Windows. However, it is not showing up as a device in the tray on the bottom right of the laptop when plugged in and does not seem to be recognised on the laptop at all (no pop ups to say 'new device connected' etc). The phone, however, knows it's connected because it does charge, so I don't think it's a problem with the cable. I've done the USB connection for MTP on the Nexus itself too. All other USB devices working ok.

When I go to Device Manager > Show hidden devices, there is no "Acer Composite ADB Interface", which all articles seem to refer to. I can not find the device any where on the Device Manager. Is anyone able to offer any suggestions pretty please? I've got lots of photos I want to get on to my laptop and this is driving me crazy as I've spent so long on this and still can't figure it out! Many thanks in advance!

kwikbreaks

The Wugfresh Nexus Rootkit has a complete section on installing the ADB drivers which also work perfectly in MTP mode.

Please note that the mention of Rootkit scared somebody else right off when I suggest it for installing drivers. There is no need to root your phone and impossible to do so accidentally.

Wugresh Nexus Rootkit

My Nexus devices don't show up the same way as say a usb thumbdrive in the USB device remove icon in the system tray but you can see them with Windows explorer - check first to make sure it isn't just working anyway and you didn't spot it...

bod1467

I would think using the term RootKit is more likely to scare people.

The actual name is Nexus Root Toolkit.

But yes - follow the instructions to install the drivers. USB connection should work fine thereafter.

kwikbreaks

bod1467 wrote: »

The actual name is Nexus Root Toolkit.

Yes it is isn't it. No idea why I got it wrong. Whatever it's called it's a good set of programs that makes rooting child's play as well as sorting out driver issues as an aside.

Strider590

What are you trying to achieve by connecting it to your PC?

If just file transfer then setting up FTP might be far more convenient (in the long term). Just download FireFTP for Firefox, AndFTP for the Android and set up a static IP for the phone on your router. I won't pretend it's simple to setup, but having access to files without plugging the phone into anything is VERY nice.

cazkins

Thank you for the responses. I have photos on the Nexus I want to transfer to my laptop (too many to do individually via email attachments). I was hoping for a simple plug-and-play type thing but obviously that's out of the question with this one. I've downloaded the Nexus Root Toolkit and installed a driver (3 out of 4 of the options for drivers wouldn't install) but this has made no difference; Nexus is still not showing as being connected or a portable device anywhere. Very odd and frustrating...

Toxteth_OGrady

Use AirDroid App to transfer photos over wifi to your laptop.

:cool:

TOG

bod1467

cazkins wrote: »

Nexus is still not showing as being connected or a portable device anywhere. Very odd and frustrating...

On the Nexus, go to Settings | Storage | press the 3 dots at the top and select USB computer connection ... make sure there's a tick in Media device (MTP) and not in Camera (PTP).

Then plug in the NExus via USB.

cazkins

Thanks TOG, I've never come across that before so I'll check that out now
bod1467 - I've already done that (MTP ticked) but no luck unfortunately. It's like Windows is just completely oblivious to the phone.

bod1467

I installed AirDroid a short while ago. Seems to work quite well.

Note: You do NOT need to sign up for an account for it to work.

cazkins

Big thank you for recommending AirDroid - I've given up trying to connect via USB but this works perfectly as an alternative! I've got all the photos off just in time for Christmas (they are to send to family and have some printed) - thank you!