Nexus 6p with USB PC (windows 7) can't see any files, why?

[AC Question]

Nexus 6p with USB PC (windows 7) can't see any files

Connected to Nexus 6P to PC using cable that came with the phone.

After connecting, on the PC see dialogue for "Auto Play" for "Nexus 6P". Select "Open Device to view files" but don't see any files - e.g. pictures in "images" that I know should be there.

From the phone, under "Internal storage and USB", I see breakdown of storage usage but no USB settings.

On PC, device is showing as Model: 6P, Categories: Portable Media Player. The device driver is from Microsoft and version is 6.1.7601.18738.

 

[anon8380037]

Re: Nexus 6p with USB PC (windows 7) can't see any files

Don't have one, but see if it's this :

http://www.androidcentral.com/inside-marshmallow-usb-connection-options

 

[DLK1]

Re: Nexus 6p with USB PC (windows 7) can't see any files

Did you find a solution mine does not even show up as a device in Portable Media Player?

Edit: OK I got it I do not know why this worked but it did. I went into Developer Option and in the Debugging section right under the option where you enable/disable USB debugging. There is an option for " Revoke USB debugging authorization" doing this "Revoke access to USB debugging from all computers you've previously authorized?". After doing this I reconnected and it showed up in Windows Device Manager and in IE as Nexus 6P. Case solved, thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Connected to Nexus 6P to PC using cable that came with the phone.

After connecting, on the PC see dialogue for "Auto Play" for "Nexus 6P". Select "Open Device to view files" but don't see any files - e.g. pictures in "images" that I know should be there.

From the phone, under "Internal storage and USB", I see breakdown of storage usage but no USB settings.

On PC, device is showing as Model: 6P, Categories: Portable Media Player. The device driver is from Microsoft and version is 6.1.7601.18738.

 

[lipmonger]

Re: Nexus 6p with USB PC (windows 7) can't see any files

After dealing with this problem for the past few days on my Nexus 6P, and not wanting to fix it with Developer Options, I figured out the problem:

My Windows 7 computer was trying to use my old Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 ClockworkMod drivers to access my new Nexus 6P, and it just doesn't work right. To fix this issue you must replace the Nexus drivers on your computer. Do the following:

1. Connect your Nexus 6P to your computer via a USB port (keep it set on Charging mode).
2. Click on the USB devices icon in your status bar (near the clock). It's the USB graphic with the green check mark.
3. Select "Open Devices and Printers".
4. Even if you don't see your 6P in Windows Explorer, it should be listed here under Unspecified devices (at the bottom of the Devices window).
5. Right-click on Nexus 6P.
6. Select Properties.
7. Go to the Hardware tab and click on the Properties button.
8. Go to the Driver tab.
9. Click the Uninstall button.
10. Click OK on the pop-up window that appears.
11. Now, on your 6P (which should still be connected to your PC), swipe-down the notification bar and change the USB settings from Charging to "USB for file transfer."
12. The new drivers will install and you should hear the Windows USB device connection sounds.
13. The Nexus 6P will now be listed in Windows Explorer, and you can transfer files as you need.

I hope this helps others out there.

Cheers!

 

[ThomasOtt99]

I am new to Android, but I was tell you what worked for me using WINDOWS 7 and a Nexus 6P:

1. PLUG - USB-C end of the cable into the Nexus 6P;
2. PLUG - USB-A end of the cable into your computer's USB port (3.0 or 2.0);

--- You will hear a connection confirmation tone from your computer (or your computer will display a message confirming Nexus 6P driver installation).

3. CLICK - on "Computer" in Windows 7;

--- You should see Nexus 6P (Portable Device) icon.

4. CLICK - on the Nexus 6P icon, and you should see file folders on your Nexus 6P;

--- If you don't see files folders after clicking on the Nexus 6P icon -- go to next step.

5. PULL DOWN the "messages' screen on the Nexus 6P from the top of the screen;
6. LOOK for "USB for charging" message
7. TOUCH - "USB for charging" message;
8. SELECT - "File transfers" radio button;
9. CLICK - on "Nexus 6p" icon on Windows 7;
10. CLICK - on "Internal storage;"

--- The file folders on the Nexus 6P should be visible.

 

[syspry]

I am new to Android, but I was tell you what worked for me using WINDOWS 7 and a Nexus 6P:

1. PLUG - USB-C end of the cable into the Nexus 6P;
2. PLUG - USB-A end of the cable into your computer's USB port (3.0 or 2.0);

--- You will hear a connection confirmation tone from your computer (or your computer will display a message confirming Nexus 6P driver installation).

3. CLICK - on "Computer" in Windows 7;

--- You should see Nexus 6P (Portable Device) icon.

4. CLICK - on the Nexus 6P icon, and you should see file folders on your Nexus 6P;

--- If you don't see files folders after clicking on the Nexus 6P icon -- go to next step.

5. PULL DOWN the "messages' screen on the Nexus 6P from the top of the screen;
6. LOOK for "USB for charging" message
7. TOUCH - "USB for charging" message;
8. SELECT - "File transfers" radio button;
9. CLICK - on "Nexus 6p" icon on Windows 7;
10. CLICK - on "Internal storage;"

--- The file folders on the Nexus 6P should be visible.

The last step was all it took for me

 

[sgorch]

LipMonger's method worked for me with Win8.1 with one caveat

1. Connect your Nexus 6P to your computer via a USB port (keep it set on Charging mode).
2. Click on the USB devices icon in your status bar (near the clock). It's the USB graphic with the green check mark.
3. Select "Open Devices and Printers".
4. Even if you don't see your 6P in Windows Explorer, it should be listed here under Unspecified devices (at the bottom of the Devices window).
5. Right-click on Nexus 6P.
6. Select Properties.
7. Go to the Hardware tab and click on the Properties button.
8. Go to the Driver tab.
9. Click the Uninstall button.
10. Click OK on the pop-up window that appears.
11. Now, on your 6P (which should still be connected to your PC), swipe-down the notification bar and change the USB settings from Charging to "USB for file transfer."
12. The new drivers will install and you should hear the Windows USB device connection sounds.
13. The Nexus 6P will now be listed in Windows Explorer, and you can transfer files as you need.
​

I had to poke around a bit between steps 8-9. At first, the "uninstall" button was disabled. Poking a few other buttons/tabs (sadly, I don't remember what they were) got me to another window where the "uninstall" button was enabled. Then I proceeded from there without a hitch.

 

[saltiel]

Re: Nexus 6p with USB PC (windows 7) can't see any files

I have the same problem. Nexus 6P ONLY shows up in Devices and Printers under Unspecified. BUT if I go to Hardware > Properties > Driver the Uninstall Button is Grayed out. Only Driver Details is clickable. The driver showing is from 8/27/2012. Is there another way to uninstall the driver so I can install new ones?

 

[Go0gle]

This happened to me on my N5, all I had to do was acknowledge a prompt on the phone which allowed me to select in what capacity I would like the PC to be able to control my device. I selected something to do with moving/viewing files, and it worked perfectly after that.

 

[mik3w]

Re: Nexus 6p with USB PC (windows 7) can't see any files

Thanks Lipmonger. Works for Windows 10.

I have the same problem. Nexus 6P ONLY shows up in Devices and Printers under Unspecified. BUT if I go to Hardware > Properties > Driver the Uninstall Button is Grayed out. Only Driver Details is clickable. The driver showing is from 8/27/2012. Is there another way to uninstall the driver so I can install new ones?

After Hardware tab -> Properties button
General Tab -> Click "Change Settings" Click
Driver Tab -> Uninstall.

 

[sugra]

Thank you so much.

It worked.

 

[MaxQ5597]

Ok this worked for me. I opened Developer Options, scrolled down to "Select USB Configuration" then selected MTP (Media Transfer Protocol)
From my PC (Surface Pro 3) I opened the file named "Nexus6p" and voila, there was my pictures. I was able to transfer back and forth. Booom!

 

[Alan-Johnstone]

Perfect answer, ThomasOtt99

Thank you

 

[SuprJoust]

Re: Nexus 6p with USB PC (windows 7) can't see any files

After dealing with this problem for the past few days on my Nexus 6P, and not wanting to fix it with Developer Options, I figured out the problem:

My Windows 7 computer was trying to use my old Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 ClockworkMod drivers to access my new Nexus 6P, and it just doesn't work right. To fix this issue you must replace the Nexus drivers on your computer. Do the following:

1. Connect your Nexus 6P to your computer via a USB port (keep it set on Charging mode).
2. Click on the USB devices icon in your status bar (near the clock). It's the USB graphic with the green check mark.
3. Select "Open Devices and Printers".
4. Even if you don't see your 6P in Windows Explorer, it should be listed here under Unspecified devices (at the bottom of the Devices window).
5. Right-click on Nexus 6P.
6. Select Properties.
7. Go to the Hardware tab and click on the Properties button.
8. Go to the Driver tab.
9. Click the Uninstall button.
10. Click OK on the pop-up window that appears.
11. Now, on your 6P (which should still be connected to your PC), swipe-down the notification bar and change the USB settings from Charging to "USB for file transfer."
12. The new drivers will install and you should hear the Windows USB device connection sounds.
13. The Nexus 6P will now be listed in Windows Explorer, and you can transfer files as you need.

I hope this helps others out there.

Cheers!

This totally fixed it for me!!! Thank you!!!

 

[dmxjago]

Re: Nexus 6p with USB PC (windows 7) can't see any files

FYI i notice the same issue where I would plug in the phone via usb to my windows pc and i would double click on the nexus 6p from windows explorer and I could not find any files. The issue for me was that from the notifications bar on the nexus i had to select "file transfer" option bc by default it says "charging". Once you toggle it works you can get all your pictures, music and pretty much any folder/files in the device.

 

[yash b]

thank you so much bro .it works my problem resolved cheers champ

 

[Thuy Nguyen3]

Your instructions work , many thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[cannonpeacelover]

mate, you are a legend

 

[mathewrockz]

Thanks!!

 

[YaSo]

My Nexus 6P does not show in 'Windows Explorer' or in 'Devices and Printers' on my newly built Windows 7 PRO 64bit PC.

(Though it did on my old Win 7 HOME 64 bit PC)

I got my 6P just at the end of December 2015. Both the 6P and my 2013 Nexus 7 have Marshmallow 6.01 and would show up in Explorer when connected to any of my old PC's on-board USB 2.0 or add-on card USB 3.0 ports. (and after toggling the notification from 'Charging' to 'File Transfer'.)

2 weeks ago updated the parts in my PC from a 6 year old motherboard and CPU with a new motherboard and CPU, and installed a fresh copy of Windows 7 PRO OEM, planning on upgrading to Win 10 later. I installed all of the motherbaord's drivers during the Windows install, and updated everything until they reported no new updates were available. The old motherboard, CPU and RAM went to a friend.

Now when I plug in the 6P or the N7-2013, neither device shows in 'Windows Explorer' or in 'Printers and Devices'. They do show up in Device manager under 'Portable devices', which under Properties they both show as 'This device is working properly'.

USB 2.0 and 3.0 Flash drives, external USB 2.0 and 3.0 hard drives, a 4th gen iPod Nano, and a Nexus 4 on 5.11 all connect, pop up the Autoplay dialog, and can be accessed in Explorer with no issues.

-- I tried toggling to all of the options in the notification menu
-- I tried changing debugging options on and off, and revoking USB debugging authorizations.
-- I also tried uninstalling and letting Windows reinstall the generic drivers in Device manager.
-- I also tried the OEM short USB C cable, and two Tech-Mate USB C cables, and different microUSB cables for the N7.
-- I tried a powered USB 2 hub, a powered USB 3 hub, and even the USB 3.1 port on the back of the new motherboard.
== Nothing got them to show in 'Explorer' or 'Printers and Devices' when I plug them in.

I almost gave up until I plugged in my iPod, and when that got recognized, THEN the 6P or the N7 would be finally recognized in Explorer and Autoplay dialogs. My old Nexus 4 or a flash drive would also get Windows 7 pro to see the 6.01 devices.

Any idea why the Marshmallow devices need another device to trick windows into seeing them? Thanks!

(Gigabyte HD3P Z170 motherboard, Core i3-6100, 2x 8gb Crucial 2666 DDR4, Crucial 480gb SSD, Asus R9-270 2gb graphics, Windows 7 Pro x64 SP1)