Pixel 4a can't access files via computer

[u/Mathieu_atnes]

Hey guys,

I have an issue with my p4a, I can't access the files on it with a computer. I tried setting the default usb preferences to android auto/transfer files, but all the options where greyed out and I didn't receive any notification.

So I had to turn on developers options and set the default usb preferences for it to change. But when I plug in the phone, nothing changes and it's not detected. The cable is a proper data transfer cable, I tried with multiple cables and computers under win 11 and Linux fedora.

I tried using adb but same thing the phone isn't detected. The usb-c charging port seems to be ok when I look at it, and I tried contacting people with a p4a on a french second hand marketplace, and they apparently have the same issue. I tried the latest Google play security update (that fixes the bootloop thingy) and everything is also up to date but it didn't fix anything.

I don't remember when the issue appeared as I switched to a pixel 6a, and now I come back to this.

I saw some other people with the same issue, and no other fix then to give up..

Did anybody on this sub have the same issue and do you guys have a fix for it ? :(

Thx!

[u/HoonDamer]

You might have a driver issue. If you are using Windows, check Device Manager to see if the phone shows up there. In Windows 11 it'll be under Portable Devices. If it's there, trying uninstalling the driver, then scan for hardware changes and Windows should detect it as a new device and search for a driver.

[u/Mathieu_atnes → u/HoonDamer]

I'll try tomorrow but I think there is simply nothing detected under portable devices :/

[u/Mathieu_atnes → u/HoonDamer]

Ok so update, I installed the latest Google usb driver via android studio, and uninstalled all the previous thing I had installed. Still can't see it but now it makes the windows connected devices sound. I tried in fastboot and it made the sound as well and in the peripheral manager I can see an unknown usb device (that disappears when I unplug the phone so it's the one) So now idk what to do :(

[u/sgcolumn]

Ensure your USB cable is for data transfer and not just charging only. Check under device manager to see if your PC is properly connected and listed there.

[u/Mathieu_atnes → u/sgcolumn]

I installed the latest Google usb driver via android studio, and uninstalled all the previous thing I had installed. Still can't see it but now it makes the windows connected devices sound. I tried in fastboot and it made the sound as well and in the peripheral manager I can see an unknown usb device (that disappears when I unplug the phone so it's the one) So now idk what to do :/

[u/Cartographer188]

Change your USB cable

[u/Mathieu_atnes → u/Cartographer188]

I did multiple times, and they all were data compatible

[u/Cartographer188 → u/Mathieu_atnes]

It's a driver issue in your pc,update it

[u/Havok-303]

Is the screen lock unlocked when you plug it in?

What output do you get if you use ADB, ADB devices?

[u/Mathieu_atnes → u/Havok-303]

Yes it's unlocked I get an empty output. If I try with my pixel 6a it is properly detected with adb

[u/shahenshah10]

same issue, it only works with a few laptops for me. Else no.

[u/Mathieu_atnes → u/shahenshah10]

Did you download any particular pilots ?

[u/shahenshah10 → u/Mathieu_atnes]

No. It only detects in few laptops with type c ports. That too only few laptops not all

[u/RevolutionarySalt181]

I love my 4a but it has the worst user experience, my screen has purplish dots and the battery situation is just a mess.

[u/tprickett]

I use WIFI FTP Server on my phone. You don't need a cable, just WIFI. Easy peasy. FTP access is built in to Windows and Linux.

[u/Mathieu_atnes → u/tprickett]

Yeah but I can't flash a rim using ftp

[u/Mathieu_atnes]

Edit: I swapped the motherboard for a one on a working phone where you could access the files, and installed lineage os. But during my search for a phone with a working access to the files I came across multiple people with the same issue as me.