S8 + USB

[bruces081]

I tried plugging my S8+ into a cheap Chinese projectors Usb port (where I'd normally put thumbdrives with movies). The projector froze and told me it was not supported after a min or so. Since then I cannot connect to my Pc (that I've been connected to dozens of times). Windows give me a device not recognized. Also can't connect to my Rams Android Auto anymore (it just doesn't see the phone through Usb either). I've made sure I'm set to MTP and USB debugging enabled. I even went as far as Factory Resetting the phone. To no dice.... any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Does it connect in Safe Mode? https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-34283

 

[bruces081]

No go in safe mode.

 

[B. Diddy]

Hmm, strange. Does this happen with different USB cables?

 

[bruces081]

Yeah I have 3 cables, all of which worked before (and still work to connect to pc with wifes A8). Phone still fast charges through the USB C just can't connect to pc anymore (Kies included) or my trucks Android Auto.

 

[B. Diddy]

I wonder if the projector caused a short that damaged the data transfer contacts on the USB port. And there's an unlikely but nagging question of whether some kind of malware could've been transferred via the USB connection, but I'm not a cybersecurity expert, and don't know how plausible that would be.

 

[ggmouij]

Does this happen with different USB cables?

 

[bruces081]

If it was malware would doing the factory reset wipe it clear of it? The data transfer theory sounds possible too. But strange that the projector takes any thumb drive i put in it.

 

[B. Diddy]

It would depend on if the malware were installed to the system root -- in that case, a factory reset wouldn't necessarily get rid of it. It would require reinstallation of the firmware. Unfortunately, that requires a working USB connection, as far as I know.:-\

If it were caused by a short, then that would still be consistent with the projector working normally with any thumb drive. It's not like the projector will consistently cause something to short out. But I'd be careful about plugging anything that's important to you into the device.