My phone doesn’t connect to any PC via USB, but my brother’s same phone works fine

Troubleshooting USB Connectivity Issues Between Smartphone and PC: A Case Study

Connecting smartphones to PCs via USB is a common task for file sharing, data transfer, and tethering. However, users may encounter perplexing issues where their device remains unrecognized despite various attempts. This article explores a real-world scenario where an individual faces persistent connectivity problems with their Android device, despite similarities with a working setup.

The Situation

The user upgraded their computer system from Windows 10 to Windows 11, aiming to resolve an ongoing problem connecting their Android phone (iQOO Neo 10R) via USB. Despite the upgrade, the device still refuses to establish a proper connection for data transfer or tethering. Interestingly, the user’s brother owns the same phone model, and his device connects flawlessly to the same PC.

Troubleshooting Attempts Undertaken

The user has diligently tried multiple solutions:

Enabling USB debugging through developer options
Selecting File Transfer mode on the device
Testing with different USB cables and ports
Performing a factory reset on their phone
Installing or updating device drivers via Device Manager

Despite these efforts, the issue persists, pointing to a more elusive root cause.

Key Observations

The brother’s device connects seamlessly to the same computer, indicating the PC’s hardware and drivers are generally functioning correctly.
The user’s phone connects only for charging on other PCs, not for data transfer—suggesting a device-specific problem.
The problem seems confined to the user’s environment, hinting at configuration, driver, or hardware incompatibility.

System Specifications

CPU: Ryzen 5 5600G
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 500GB NVMe SSD
Operating System: Freshly installed Windows 11

These specifications are relatively standard and should not inherently cause connectivity issues.

Potential Causes and Solutions

Given the details, several factors could contribute to the problem:

Device Driver Conflicts or Corruption
While drivers were reinstalled, they might need manual updates from the manufacturer’s website or Microsoft Update catalogs.
USB Mode or Protocol Compatibility
Some smartphones require specific modes or protocols. Ensuring the device is set to File Transfer (MTP) mode is crucial.
USB Port or Cable Compatibility
Though different