Lost USB connection option

[MikeHunt555]

Since an Android/Samsung update, I've lost interconnection that I used to have with my laptop via the USB cable.

Before, when I plugged it in, I was asked on my Samsung if I wanted to allow the connection - Yes or No. Now I don't get asked and so can't connect the two devices.

Can I get it to work again somehow?

 

[Hadron]

Pull down your notifications, and if there's one there telling you your current connection mode try tapping it to change mode.

Or enable the developer options menu (tap repeatedly on the "build number" in the software information) and see whether there is an option there to change the default connection type.

The option to connect to the laptop hasn't been removed, it's just that the interface has changed.

 

[MikeHunt555]

Thanks for the info.
However, as I'm not too hot on these things, I connected tge USB and ny phone bleeped.
I had a look at all the icons. Which is the one to click on?

 

[Hadron]

Not the shortcuts, I'd expect a notification (I don't have the same phone, but it's what you get with other manufacturers). It will only be visible when the phone is connected to the PC.

 

[MikeHunt555]

Oh. I'm confused now.

I thought all those in the screenshot shot were 'notifications', I didn't know they were shortcuts? or have I completely misunderstood that?

I hear the bleep when I connect the USB, but have no idea what to do next?

 

[Hadron]

That collection of buttons are shortcuts - "quick settings" is the technical name for them.

Notifications are things like the one at the bottom of your screenshot (the one notifying you that I'd replied to your post). On recent Android versions the normal thing is that when you connect the phone to a laptop you'll get a notification telling you you have done this. This may tell you that it is charging over usb. Tap that and you should be able to select different connection options.

If Samsung have done something different, I don't have a recent Samsung to hand to see what it is (my only Samsung device is a 5 year old tablet running 5.1). But that's what I'd expect from other manufacturers. If you really can't find anything then I would try going into the developer options (see earlier post) and seeing if you can change the default USB connection mode so that it automatically connects in file transfer (MTP) mode. Or go into your settings while it's connected and see whether there are options visible that aren't when it's not connected, but there really should be a direct link to that from the notifications.

 

[MikeHunt555]

I've realised now the small icons at the tip of the screen are called Indicator Icons, not notifications.

I connected the USB again to look for a notification, when, lo and behold, the original message I used to see appeared!

No idea why it disaopeared after the update, but it's now working as it used to!

Thanks so much for all your help with this.

 

[Hadron]

It's known as the "technician effect": as soon as you try to show the problem to someone else it goes away