You can always connect your Android phone via USB cable to your Windows 11 PC to transfer data. Over time, multiple wireless connection options are available for Android and Windows PC users. For example, you can Check your text messages on Windows 11 Using the web version of the Android Messages app. Here are the top 7 fixes for your Android phone not showing up on Windows 11.
Some users are complaining that they can't see the contents of their Android phone on Windows 11. If you're also experiencing the same issue, here are some practical solutions to fix the Android phone not showing up issue on Windows 11.
1. Check the USB cable and USB port.
Starting with the basics, you need to check if you're using the right cable to connect your Android phone to Windows 11. It's always recommended to use the cable that came in the box. Alternatively, you can try connecting your device from a different USB port on your Windows 11 laptop or PC. Refer to our post If Windows 11 is unable to recognize your USB devices.
2. Reinstall mobile device drivers
Device drivers help your Windows 11 PC connect to external devices such as your Android phone, Wi-Fi dongle, external microphone, etc. These drivers are updated automatically with every Windows update. However, if your Android phone isn't connecting to your Windows PC, you can try reinstalling the mobile device driver. Here's how.
Step 1: Click icon "Start" On the taskbar, type "Device Manager", then press "Enter" to open a window "Device Manager".
Step 3: Right click on your Android phone model name and select Uninstall the device.
Step 4: Locate OK For confirmation.
Reconnect your Android phone with the cable to your Windows 11 PC and check if the issue is resolved.
3. Disable battery saving
If your Windows PC still doesn't recognize your Android phone, disable Battery Saver on your Android device. This feature can prevent your phone from appearing in Windows 11 and prevent file transfers.
Disable Battery Saver on Stock Android
Step 1: Open Settings and click Battery.
Step 2: Click on Battery Saver Tap the toggle button next to Use Battery Saver to disable the feature.
Step 3: Try connecting a phone Android Your again and check if the issue is resolved.
Disable battery saver on Samsung
Step 1: Open Settings And press Battery and device care.
Step 2: Click on the battery Tap the toggle button next to Power Saving to turn it off.
Step 3: Try connecting a phone Samsung Your again and check if the issue is resolved.
4. Enable USB debugging
USB debugging on your Android phone allows you to access all of your device's data, which can be used for various purposes. This includes file transfer, rooting, installing recoveries, and more. You can enable this feature on your Android phone by turning on Developer Options and seeing if it's detected by your Windows 11 PC.
Step 1: Open Settings On your Android phone, select About phone.
Step 2: Find your device's build number and tap it 5 times to enable. Developer options.
Step 3: Go back and choose the system.
Step 4: Click on Developer Options Tap the toggle button next to USB debugging to enable the feature.
Step 5: Locate OK For confirmation.
Step 6: close Settings Connect your Android phone again to see if it shows up on your Windows 11 PC.
Enable USB Debugging on Samsung Devices
Step 1: Open Settings And press About phone.
Step 2: Click on program information and press 5 times on build number to enable Developer Options.
Step 3: Go back and press Developer options.
Step 4: Click the toggle button next to USB debugging to enable the feature.
Step 5: Next, connect your phone to your Windows 11 PC and check if the issue is resolved.
5. Enable file transfer via USB
If your Windows 11 PC doesn't detect your Android phone but charges it, you need to check if USB file transfer is enabled for your Android device.
Step 1: Connect a phone Android Your Windows 11 PC.
Step 2: Click on an option File Transfer In the USB Mode window that appears on your screen.
Alternatively, here's how to enable file transfer via USB.
Step 1: Connect a phone Android Your Windows 11 PC.
Step 2: Open Settings And press Connected devices.
Step 3: Locate USB And make sure to select File Transfer As your preference.
Step 4: Close Settings and check if your phone appears on your Windows 11 PC.
6. Disable battery optimization for the PHONE LINK app (Android)
Battery optimization is enabled by default for all apps on your Android phone. You can disable it for the Microsoft Phone Link app on your Android phone and see if that resolves the issue. This solution applies if you prefer to use the Phone Link app.
Step 1: Long press on the application icon phone link and select Application information.
Step 2: Click on the battery Specify unrestricted battery usage for the app.
Step 3: Close the app info and try connecting the app. phone link once again.
7. Repair and reset the PHONE LINK app (Windows 11)
You can repair and reset the Phone Link app on your Windows 11 PC to see if that resolves the issue. This will give the app a fresh start, as you'll need to sign in again with your Microsoft account.
Step 1: Click icon "Start" On the taskbar, type Phone link, then tap “Application Settings”.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap repair. Then follow the process that appears on the screen.
Step 3: Click Reset Follow the process on the screen.
Step 4: Close Settings and restart the app. phone link To verify the solution to the problem.
Access Android on Windows 11
These solutions will help you if your Android phone doesn't show up on Windows 11. You can also refer to our post to learn how to: Run Android apps on your Windows 11 PC.
