Note 4 Not Recognized by Two PCs

[mboston72]

Hello Folks,

I have a Note 4 that I plan to install TWRP then a custom ROM on. Both Windows 10 & Linux Mint 20 do not recognize the phone. I enabled developers options, then enabled USB debugging. I first noticed this when I tried to copy the TWRP.tar file via Odin. The device doesn't show up.

This is allegedly a brand new phone.

There is no popup dialog box on the device when I plug it into either computer. The battery icon up in the tray of the device does have a charging sign, yet no option for file transfer.

However, When I connect a different Note 4 to either computer, it registers fine. In Thunar File Manager on the Linux PC there is a connection icon for the other Note 4 that says, Samsung Galaxy. Also, on that device itself there's a dialog box that pops up & asks for a file transfer. So this other device fine.

So, it seems both computers are OK. The problem is with the new phone. I've tried different USB cables & get the same issue. I've enabled & disabled the developer options & USB debugging & rebooted the device, & same thing. I've also tried a factory reset, that doesn't fix it.

When I search the internet for this issue the only things I've found are reports on swapping USB cables & making sure that USB Debugging is enabled.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[B. Diddy]

It seems highly unlikely that a Note 4 would be brand new -- it would've had to be sitting around in mint condition for 6 years. Where'd you get the phones from? My guess is that they're refurbished, or just plain used.

I'd wonder about the USB port. Do you have an OTG cable? If so, see if you can connect some other USB device. If not, then there could be a problem with the port when it comes to data transfer.

 

[Rukbat]

If the port is good, make sure you've installed the Samsung driver (for Windows) - Samsung Driver for Windows. The phone will show up as a drive without the driver, but it won't be recognized in adb or fastboot without the driver.

 

[mboston72]

I appreciate the response B. I tried that OTG & it works with my other Note 4, not the one in question. I got the phone on eBay, the seller says it was new. Obviously it's an old phone that was never used. It appears to be a hardware issue with the USB port. Looks like I won't be able to install TWRP on this one.

 

[mboston72]

Thanks for the response Rukbat. My other Note 4 is recognized on Windows (that has Samsung drivers) & Mint 20. I also tried the OTG suggestion that B made. The port is probably defective.

 

[B. Diddy]

Just to be sure, try cleaning out the USB port with a can of compressed air (or a computer vacuum). You could also try scrubbing the port with a soft bristle toothbrush.

 

[mboston72]

I placed the mainboard of the newer (allegedly malfunctional USB port) Note 4 in the chassis of another Note 4 that I installed a custom ROM on, & which must have had a functional USB port in order for the TWRP & custom ROM install to be successful. However, when I power it up it's the same issue. USB debugging under developer options is on. It's not recognized on PC or OTG USB flashdrive. It must be something with the stock ROM, because it's not the USB port. This is a strange issue.

Thanks for your suggestions Rukbat & Diddy.

 

[Mike Dee]

I placed the mainboard of the newer (allegedly malfunctional USB port) Note 4 in the chassis of another Note 4 that I installed a custom ROM on, & which must have had a functional USB port in order for the TWRP & custom ROM install to be successful. However, when I power it up it's the same issue. USB debugging under developer options is on. It's not recognized on PC or OTG USB flashdrive. It must be something with the stock ROM, because it's not the USB port. This is a strange issue.

Thanks for your suggestions Rukbat & Diddy.

If it's a stock ROM it should work.

 

[mboston72]

I think you have a good point. The previous Note 4 (SM-N910T) that I had worked fine. I enabled developer options & USB debugging. Odin on Windows PC with Samsung drivers installed recognized it. I was able to install TWRP, then Resurrection Remix 5.8.2 with no issues. Unfortunately, I don't have much more time to devote to this. So, it looks like I'll just try ordering another one. I appreciate your response.