Why can't I see my SD card files from my PC?

[relztrah]

With my old Moto E2 I simply connected the phone to my Windows 10 PC and I could see the internal storage and the SD card. With this Moto E4 running Android 7.1 I can see the phone from my PC, but it shows that this folder is empty. I've looked through all the settings on my phone and don't see anything that would prevent or allow me to see files when connected to the PC. There are several YouTube videos addressing this issue but none of them has a solution that works.

 

[El Presidente]

Have you set your SD Card as Adopted Storage?

Also make sure your device is unlocked and you've ok'd any prompts that appear on your screen when you connect the phone to the PC.

 

[lunatic59]

With Android 6, the default setting for USB connections is "charge only" mode. Windows 10 will detect the device but not allow access to files. On your phone when plugged in you should see the USB icon in the notification bar. Open notifications and tap on that and you should see USB options. Choose file transfer or MTP mode and your files should then be accessible.

 

[relztrah]

I knew I could find an answer here. Thanks a million. Yes, there's a setting on the phone that allows transfer of files that wasn't on my E2.

Thanks again.

 

[lunatic59]

Be advised that this is not a 'sticky' setting in many phones and you may have to set it each time you plug in USB.

 

[relztrah]

And in fact I did have to enter it again. But at least it works for which I'm grateful.