The computer does not detect an Xperia device connected via USB

Information / Solution

Try these methods one after the other. Verify after each method whether the problem was solved, before trying the next one.

• Make sure that the USB cable is properly connected to the device and computer. When connected, the USB icon is visible in the status bar on your device.
• Make sure your device is unlocked.
• Make sure the connection mode on your device is set to File transfer/Transfer files.
  • Note! For Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 10 IV and Xperia 5 IV: Please set the USB connection mode to file transfer with the instruction after connecting your Xperia to the computer.
• Set up your device to detect USB devices and reconnect the USB cable.
  • Note! This is only valid for Xperia M5, Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z3+ Dual, Xperia Z4 Tablet, Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Dual, Xperia Z5 Compact, Xperia Z5 Premium, Xperia XZ.
• Make sure that the USB cable isn’t damaged. Try using another USB cable or another USB port on your computer. Do not use a USB hub or USB extension cable.
• Make sure that the device USB port is free from lint and dust. Gently remove any lint or dust using, for example, a wooden or plastic toothpick or a toothbrush. if this doesn't work, try using a can of compressed air.
• Make sure that there is no moisture in the device USB port. On devices running Android 9, moisture deactivates USB device auto-detect (see instructions on reactivating below).
• Restart your computer. Turn off the device, then remove and reinsert the memory card (if your device has one). Turn on the device and then reconnect the device to the computer using the USB cable.
• Change the USB connection mode, and then connect your device to the computer again using the USB cable. This option is only valid for Xperia™ device with a memory card slot.
• Update the USB drivers on your computer, then start the Xperia Companion software on your computer.
• If you are looking for a USB driver for your Xperia device, it can be downloaded here: http://developer.sonymobile.com/downloads/drivers/
• If you are using Windows N or Windows KN, make sure that you have downloaded the Media Feature Pack to enable file transfer. These versions of Windows do not support MTP file transfer.
• If you are using a Mac, make sure that Xperia Companion for Mac OS is installed on your computer. Mac computers don’t support MTP (Media Transfer Protocol), which is an extension needed for file transfer between a computer and an Android device.
• Disconnect your device from the computer and clear the data in the Media Storage system app on your device. Restart your device and connect it to the computer.
• Try using a different computer.
• Update your device to ensure that you have optimal performance and the latest enhancements.

Setting the USB connection mode to file transfer

To set the USB connection mode to file transfer

•      Make sure that your device is connected to a computer via a USB cable.
•      From your Home screen, drag the status bar downwards. 
•      Find and tap Charging this device via USB, then select File Transfer under USB Preferences, find and tap File transfer.
   

Reactivating USB device auto-detect

Android 9.0 or 10 or 11

USB device auto-detection is active as a default setting. However, if moisture is detected in the capless USB-port, USB device auto-detection becomes inactive. To connect to a USB device while USB device auto-detection is inactive, you need to restart the auto-detection manually.

Note! Make sure that USB port is completely dry before connecting. Otherwise, your Xperia device might get damaged.

To reactivate USB device auto-detect

1. Find and tap Settings > Device connection > Connection preferences.
2. Find and tap USB Connectivity > Restart USB device auto-detection.

Setting up your device to detect USB devices

Note! Check Troubleshooter above for validity

Android 6.0, 7.0, 7.1, 7.1.1 or 8.0

To set up your device to detect USB devices

1. Make sure that your device is connected to a USB cable.
2. Find and tap Settings > Device connection > USB Connectivity > Detect USB Device.
3. Tap OK.

Android 5.0 or 5.1

To set up your device to detect USB devices

1. Make sure that your device is connected to a USB cable.
2. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
3. Find and tap Settings > Xperia / Xperia Connectivity > USB Connectivity > Detect USB device.
4. Tap OK.

Changing the USB connection mode to mass storage mode

Note! Mass storage mode is available up until Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact.

Android 6.0

To change the USB connection mode to mass storage mode

1. Connect a USB cable to your device.
2. On the pop-up that appears, tap Mass storage mode (MSC).
3. If the pop-up does not appear, you can tap the notfication bar USB for charging and then tap Mass storage mode (MSC).

Android 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.0 or 5.1

To change the USB connection mode to mass storage mode

1. Make sure that your device is not connected to a USB cable.
2. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
3. Find and tap Settings > Xperia / Xperia Connectivity > USB Connectivity > USB connection mode.
4. Tap Mass storage mode (MSC) > OK.
5. Tap OK. Connect the device and computer using the USB cable.