Why won't my Galaxy S5 connect to my computer?

[AC Question]

My phone won't connect to a computer with a usb cable. I plug my Galaxy S5 in (using the usb cable that came with it) and it will start charging, however it will not connect to the computer. It does not show up as an external drive or anything like that under the "libraries" folder thing on my computer so I cannot transfer files to my phone. When I plug it in I do get that notification sound from my computer signalling that it is connected, but the phone doesn't show up anywhere on my computer as a drive or a file folder that I can move files to and from. Also, on the S5 in the drop down menu, it does not give me the option to change the connection settings to "connected as a camera" or "use as mass storage" or anything like that.

I had my phone sent in for repairs a little while ago so I am thinking there is something wrong with it. Before I sent my phone in for repairs it connected fine, but since I got it back it has not been able to connect.

 

[Omniest]

It may be simple, but I was just having this problem and realized that I had the wrong usb cable connected. I have some cables that will only charge devices. I switched it out and it connects perfectly.

You are the only person I've found on the internet that has had the answer I needed. No one else's solution worked until I read your comment. This was my exact problem and I'm so grateful for your answer. You saved the day as I would have NEVER thought of switching cables. Thank you times a thousand!

 

[korok_janaj]

Figured it out!!
Enable developer mode in "about phone" then go back to setting and you will see developer mode. Open developer mode and scroll down to "USB Config" and and change setting to MTP (media transfer Protocol)
After I did this the second I plugged the phone in, my computer saw it!

This worked for me! Thank you!

 

[foresthome54]

This worked for me when I had the same problem

Go to settings

Open developer options check USB debugging

In that same screen scroll down to USB configuration and check the media transfer button or picture transfer protocol whatever you are trying to do.

Hope this helps

 

[Bluejay3]

Hello, i've had this problem as well where it would charge and show up but not allow me to transfer files. what worked for me was clicking on the message on the phone that says its charging which will bring up a menu where you can set it to file transfer.

 

[samsungs5usbfix]

BOOT IN SAFE MODE!!

I had the same issue tried everything (drivers, smart switch, kies, *#0808#, developer mode etc) but samsung support said to boot in safe mode power off, hold volume key down, the bottom left of your screen should now say safe mode

this allowed the usb option to show up in the status bar AND! for it to be shown on my PC/MAC

 

[Jeoffrey Auscia]

On your phone, ppen up your contacts and go to Keypad Tab and dial: *#0808#
On the options, choose 'MTP+ADB'
That should do the trick