Unable to transfer images from S21 5G via USB to Win 10 PC

[Nqcken]

Previously able to connect via PD USB cable and view/copy images from "file Explorer". All current updates are done on PC and phone, carrier is Spectrum. phone only has Spectrum sim, no 2nd slot for microSD. This all started after the recent update on the 14th of Dec. Our other Spectrum cell, S20 5G is able to transfer files easily via USB. purchased phone new directly from Samsung. working fine otherwise.
model# SM-G991U1
ANDROID V12
tried everything suggested on the internet I could find,
current Developer options: on
USB Debugging-on
WiFi scan throttling-on

unlock phone plug in USB cable, set default action view files, go to storage, DCIM, Camera, result-this folder is empty.
actually, there are 20 some odd gig of pics.

any suggestions?

 

[mustang7757]

Welcome to AC!

Use Smart Switch on pc to back them up then delete from your phone.

 

[Trees]

The "Link to Windows and the Your Phone app" may be an option. The cloud backup/sync and file access (including photos) could be one way to backup and access files. More reference links are below.

Samsung used to have an application called Kies that accomplish similar things as the "Your Phone" app. Kies has been discontinued for some years now. As mustang7757 mentions, having a phone backup is important. For photos; Amazon, Dropbox, and Google Photos are some other options.


Your Phone links:
Note: The link directly below is for "Link to Windows and the Your Phone app". For some reason, the Android Central forum app is putting leading "deep link" into the URL. Search for "Link to Windows and the Your Phone app" without the quotes in the event the forum app deep link causes a problem accessing the Microsoft url.
https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...ows%2Fsync-across-your-devices&token=w6Ll6W1N
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/your-phone-app?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...-your-pc-b4182712-a9ab-c6bf-3025-549955158921

 

[Trees]

For troubleshooting the phone to PC USB connection, the information in the link below may help.

https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...oubleshooting%2FTSG01201245%2F&token=-yCVUzE3

 

[Nqcken]

tx, am trying these workarounds but still do not understand how/why am not able to directly view and copy from Win File Explorer.

 

[Nqcken]

another wrinkle and possible clue is: when connected, File explorer "sees" the phone and also sees "internal storage" and all subfolders however ALL the subfolders are seen as empty.

 

[Nqcken]

Once again, thanks for the help, resolved the issues by resetting the phone to default settings!

 

[mustang7757]

Once again, thanks for the help, resolved the issues by resetting the phone to default settings!

Glad to hear that

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Just to be sure -- when you connect via USB and swipe down the notification panel, is there a USB notification you can tap? If so, does it give you a selection to choose File Transfer (or MTP)?

 

[montrealbagel]

First of all, make sure there is no app that connect to your phone first on the laptop\
later, go to your phone, swipe down, scroll down till you see USP charging, click it, change it USB setting to file, and make sure you let the PC/LAPTOP in charger