How to Fix It When a Samsung Tablet Isn't Connecting to a PC

Reboot both devices, then clean the USB ports and try a different port and a different cable

By
Matthew S. Smith
Matthew S. Smith - biopic
Matthew S. Smith
Writer
  • Beloit College
Matthew S. Smith has been writing about consumer tech since 2007. Formerly the Lead Editor at Digital Trends, he's also written for PC Mag, TechHive, and others.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on December 5, 2023
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher headshot
Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA-certified technologist with more than 10 years of experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
In This Article
View All
In This Article

This article explains how to fix it when a Samsung tablet isn't connecting to a PC. Let's look at why it's not working correctly and then walk through all the steps you can take to get it working again.

Why the Tablet Isn't Connecting to the Computer

In most cases, a Samsung tablet not connecting to a PC is because of a permission settings issue on either the tablet or the PC. Both devices need to allow use of the tablet as a storage device on the computer. If this setting isn't correct, the tablet won't appear in Windows.

A Samsung tablet might also fail to connect to a PC because of a problem with the cable or either port the device is connected to. A defective port, faulty adapter, or loosely connected cable could cause this issue.

Fixes for When a Samsung Tablet Won't Connect to a PC

These solutions are meant for Windows 11, but most of them also apply to other versions of Windows. Step through these from top to bottom to try the easier and more likely fixes first.

Before starting these steps, connect the tablet to another PC, if one is available. If it works fine there, then you know it's not a cable or a tablet issue. However, if the connection fails there, too, it's likely the fault is with the tablet. Determining this will help you know which steps to complete below.

  1. Restart your PC and restart the Samsung tablet. Rebooting your devices will resolve any temporary software or operating system issue that might be preventing the two from communicating.

  2. Clean the USB port on both the tablet and the computer. Though more frequently an issue for smartphones, dust and lint can also collect in these USB ports and prevent a solid connection.

  3. Disconnect and re-connect the tablet from your PC. By default, a File Explorer window displaying the tablet's files will appear automatically after the connection is established.

  4. Try a different USB port on your PC. A faulty port is rare but could be the source of your problem.

    If you suspect that the port isn't working, read our guide on what to do when your USB ports aren't working.

  5. Try a different USB cable. The current one could be damaged in some way. Examine the end of the cable (the side that attaches to the tablet) and compare it with other cables you might have lying around to find a match.

  6. Remove any docks or adapters and connect directly to your PC via USB. Docks and adapters shouldn't cause connection issues between a Samsung tablet and a PC, but it can happen.

  7. Check that Android's settings allow access to files on a PC via USB. The tablet will ask for permission when you first connect it, but this setting might be turned off and maybe you missed the initial notification.

    If you don't see the notification, even in Android's notification history, open Settings on the tablet and go to Wireless Network > USB Settings, and select Mass Storage.

  8. Change the tablet's AutoPlay settings in Windows. You can find this by searching Windows for AutoPlay. This will open a menu with a list of connected devices. Find the Samsung tablet and change the drop-down menu setting to Open folder to view files (File Explorer).

  9. Download and install Samsung's Windows USB drivers. This driver is meant for developer use, but some Samsung tablet owners have reported positive results when using these drivers to connect their tablet to a computer.

  10. Run Windows Update. This utility does more than just update the Windows operating system. It can also download and install drivers and other files that might be necessary for resolving this issue.

  11. Reinstall Windows' USB 3.0 drivers. It's possible the USB drivers on your computer aren't working properly and need an update. If, even after a Windows update, it's still not working, you can manually install (or even reinstall) the drivers.

FAQ

  • How do I wirelessly connect a Samsung tablet to a PC?

    USB is by far the most common method and is supported by all Samsung tablets, no matter their ages. Many tablets provide alternatives, however, which can be useful if USB does not work. You can use Bluetooth or an app like AirDroid. You can also try moving files to a cloud storage service like Google Drive. This technically doesn't connect the Samsung tablet to your PC but, if you just want to move files, can provide similar results.

  • How do I connect my Samsung tablet to my printer?

    The easiest way to connect a tablet and a printer is wirelessly, via Wi-Fi. If your printer can connect to your home internet, you can send files directly to it from your tablet as long as they're on the same network.

Was this page helpful?