USB "defaults" to charge only mode when I plug into my computer, even when the phone is unlocked?

[ManicIowa62]

It's okay if I have to unlock the phone to use the USB port for file transfer. After all, the phone doesn't "know" if I have anything that's sensitive or I just want to keep private for some reason.

However, if I'm unlocking the phone while the USB cable is plugged in, it doesn't even show a prompt like my Motorola did. It appears that the devices are just ignoring each other till I remember to scroll down from the top and find the USB option.

Is there a way to change it so that unlocking the phone just enables file transfer? Chances are if it's already unlocked, it's either me or someone who has permission, and thus the password.

 

[rvbfan]

I just use quick share between my pixel and PC. It uses Bluetooth.

 

[B. Diddy]

I believe that's been the standard behavior for a while now. The USB notification icon should be present in the status bar (unless, of course, there are multiple existing notifications, in which case there would be an overflow icon that looks like a dot).

I don't have any direct insight into design decisions, but I can see a few benefits to doing it this way. For example, granting the computer immediate access to the phone's storage could also make files on the phone a little more susceptible to accidental deletion or modification. There are plenty of times a user may plug it into a computer just to charge, so making the user manually switch to the Transfer Files option can be a helpful way to ensure that the user is fully aware of that exposure.

 

[1Coopgt]

I just use quick share between my pixel and PC. It uses Bluetooth.

Same here. I use Quick share or Phone link . Most times it's quick share.

 

[VidJunky]

A quick Google search turned up these directions.

To make your Pixel 9 default to a file sharing USB connection, when you plug in a USB cable, simply open the notification that appears on your phone, and under "Use USB for," select "File transfer"; this will set the default connection mode for future uses. [1, 2, 3]
Key points: [1, 2, 4]

• Accessing the setting: When you plug in a USB cable, a notification will appear on your phone regarding USB connection options. [1, 2, 4]
• Selecting "File Transfer": Tap the notification and choose "File transfer" to set your phone to share files with your computer when connected via USB. [1, 2, 3]

 

[StarryKnight04]

Yeah, that’s pretty annoying. Some phones default to "Charging Only" for security reasons, but you can change it. Try going to Developer Options (if it’s not enabled, go to Settings > About Phone and tap "Build Number" 7 times). Then look for Default USB Configuration and set it to File Transfer. That should make it so you don’t have to manually select it every time.

 

[ManicIowa62]

Yeah, that’s pretty annoying. Some phones default to "Charging Only" for security reasons, but you can change it. Try going to Developer Options (if it’s not enabled, go to Settings > About Phone and tap "Build Number" 7 times). Then look for Default USB Configuration and set it to File Transfer. That should make it so you don’t have to manually select it every time.

That would almost make sense to have that as default. The only trouble is that mine didn't always give me the notification icon to be able to select a USB mode every time. So I might have to close and reopen the notifications "scroll down window" just hoping it would magically show up this time around. Even with a known good cable that was a brand new, name brand one.

Thanks for the suggestion. I do use the cable to backup my photos to my computer. My desktop doesn't have built in Bluetooth. I'm well aware dongles are available, but that seems a bit silly to buy extra hardware just to work around an annoying UI.