AndroidRepair

How to Solve ‘Android File Transfer Not Working’ With Ease

Jack

By Jack Lin

Update on

android file transfer not working

Although Android OS is a very stable operating system and the devices using it usually remain quite steady, like every machine, there comes a time when it starts behaving abnormally for numerous reasons.

Android file transfer not working is one of the most common issues, and probably most users come across this problem during the lifetime of an android smartphone.

So before we go into a detailed step-by-step solution guideline for this most common issue of an android smartphone, I think it’s better to know the possible root causes of this problem.

There could be several reasons why you receive this error message “Android file transfer not working,” but let’s first discuss the most frequent ones.

  • Your data cable could be broken or damaged.
  • You might have unknowingly turned off the file transfer option on your device.
  • Your USB ports on the computer are either broken or are not compatible with your smartphone device.
  • There could be some applications/software installed on your computer that is causing this problem.

Now let’s look at the possible ways to find the solution to this problem. We need to see the following checkpoints to find out the root cause of this problem systematically.

PS: here, you will learn how to transfer WhatsApp from Samsung to iPhone.

Part 1. Tips to Fix Android File Transfer Not Working for You

1. Data Cable Inspection

The first and foremost thing is to have a close inspection of your USB data cable. Try to look for any possible damage, if any. Most of the time, the damaged cable can easily be identified upon surface inspection.

If your cable is damaged or broken, then most definitely, this would be the reason why your file transfer is not working with your smartphone/tablet device.

So just go into the market and purchase a new data cable, preferably from a reliable brand, to fix this problem permanently.

2. Turn USB Debugging on Your Smartphone/Tablet Device.

So once you know that your data cable is physically not damaged, then the next thing you should check to resolve this error message of “Android file transfer not working” is to go for USB debugging. It’s not that complex; just follow the below-listed step-by-step guidelines.

  • Turn on your smartphone device, go to settings, and select developer options.
  • You will see the option for USB debugging on the next window
  • Turn its toggle on/checkmark the on option.
Turn on USB Debugging Mode to fix android file transfer not working

This activates USB debugging option on your phone.

3. Turn on the File Transfer Option on Your Smartphone.

Next, check the availability/adaptability of the file transfer option on your smartphone/tablet device.

If the option isn’t turned on, your pc/laptop will not detect your device while connected through a data cable. So to activate this option.

  • Connect your smartphone/tablet with your computer.
  • Go to the connection option in the notification bar and checkmark the File transfers.
Turn on Use USB for File Transfer to fix android file transfer not working

Turning it on if that option wasn’t activated will automatically solve your problem, and you’ll no longer get the error message “file transfer not working.”

4. Check If There is an Update Available for Your OS.

If you are operating your smartphone/tablet device with an outdated Android OS, the chances are high that you’ll experience many problems, and “file transfer not working” could be one of those.

So to resolve this, you need to update your OS. Below is a step-by-step guideline on how you can get your OS updated.

  • Go to the system option in the settings on your smartphone/tablet device
  • Select the System Updates. And install the updates in case there is an update available.
update Android OS to fix android file transfer not working

5. Try to Free Your Phone from Unnecessary Applications.

Most often than not, people get their devices full of several different applications, which in some way affect the functionality of the complete operating system.

Smart switch is one application for which your operating system may be affected. So it is recommended to uninstall this application and see if you are still getting that error message “file transfer not working” while transferring your file.

6. Download and Install the Android File Transfer Utility Tool

Users using the android file transfer utility to transfer files from their smartphone/tablet devices to their Mac should check this application’s functionality. This application could be why you are getting the message “android file transfer not working.”

So it is recommended to check the application. If possible, uninstall the application and then re-install it in your system. By doing this, there is more than a good chance that your problem with file transfer will be resolved.

Download and Install Android File Transfer

7. Turn on USB Debugging on Your Smartphone/Tablet.

For the people who have enabled USB debugging on their computers but have still not been able to transfer the files, there is a good chance that the USB debugging device isn’t activated on your smartphone/tablet device, due to which you are getting an error message of “android file transfer not working.”

To resolve this, you must turn on USB debugging on your smartphone/tablet device. How to do this?

  • Go to settings and click on Build number (about 7 to 8 times)
  • A pop-up message will appear on your screen, telling you how to activate the USB debugging function in the setting.
About phone

Part 2. Fix ‘Android File Transfer Not Working’ via Third-Party Tool

Following the instructions will ultimately activate the USB debugging on your smartphone/tablet device.

Now let’s look at some other available solutions for this.

1. Tenorshare ReiBoot

If the above-listed options don’t work for you, then looking for some available repair tools is better. So when we talk about Top android repair tools, we have Tenorshare ReiBoot for Android.

It is a professional repair tool for every problem you may encounter while using your android devices. The best thing about this tool is that you don’t need to be an expert; even a layperson with very basic knowledge of IT systems can use it and solve problems.

This tool is equipped with all the latest technology updates and can resolve even the toughest and most complex problems by following simple step-by-step guidelines. So download the tool from any online forum and install it on your desktop PC/laptop.

Once you finish downloading, start the application. It will ask you about the system details upon which you want to install and use this application.

ReiBoot for Android
ReiBoot  - Android Device Info

The suitable firmware will automatically be downloaded and installed in your system.

Download firmware

Now connect your smartphone/tablet device to your computer.

Once the device is successfully connected, push the Repair Now button available in the application

firmware package have downloaded

There will come step-by-step guidelines; follow these, and put your device in download mode.

ReiBoot - Enter Recover Mode

Repairing work will get started. Your device will automatically restart once the repair work is finished.

Solve 'Android File Transfer Not Working' using ReiBoot

2. Use the Mobile Transfer Tool

Suppose you have tried all the above-listed options and still haven’t found the solution to your transfer problems. Then we probably have to look for some other solutions.

There are many 3rd party applications available over the internet, and the Google Play Store offers mobile transfer tools that can be used as an alternative option.

Just download and install any application on your smartphone/tablet device and start transferring all the required files/data to your desktop computer/laptop.

FAQs

1. Why is Android File Transfer not working on my Mac?

Android File Transfer may encounter issues on a Mac due to outdated software, incompatible USB cables, or connection problems. Try the solutions mentioned in this article to troubleshoot the problem.

2. Can I use Android File Transfer wirelessly?

No, Android File Transfer requires a physical USB connection between your Android device and computer. However, you can explore alternative wireless file transfer methods mentioned in the article.

3. How do I transfer files from Android to iPhone?

To transfer files from an Android device to an iPhone, you can use cloud storage services like Google Drive or third-party apps designed for cross-platform file transfer.

4. Why is my Android device not recognized by my computer?

If your Android device is not recognized by your computer, ensure that USB debugging is enabled, use a different USB cable or port, and check if the necessary device drivers are installed.

5. How often should I update Android File Transfer?

It is advisable to check for updates regularly and keep Android File Transfer up to date. This ensures compatibility with the latest Android versions and bug fixes.

Conclusion

Android File Transfer is a valuable tool for managing files between your Android device and computer. However, various issues can hinder its functionality. By following the solutions outlined in this article, you can overcome common problems and get Android File Transfer working seamlessly again.

Jack
Jack

10 years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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