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

Tweaking Windows' settings will often resolve the issue

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.
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Updated on May 9, 2022
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
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Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
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This article will explains how to fix it when a Samsung Tablet isn't connecting to a PC.

The Cause of a Samsung Tablet That Isn't Connecting to a PC

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

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.

How to Fix a Samsung Tablet That Isn't Connecting to a PC

Follow these steps to connect your Samsung Tablet to your PC. Make sure your Samsung tablet is connected to your PC via USB before you begin.

These solutions are meant for Windows 11, but most apply to other versions of Windows.

  1. Restart your PC and Restart the Samsung tablet. Restarting your devices will resolve any temporary software or operating system issue which might prevent the two devices from communicating.

  2. Clean the USB port on both the Samsung tablet and your PC. Though more frequently an issue for smartphones, dust and lint can also collect in USB ports on either your tablet or laptop computer.

  3. Try disconnecting and re-connecting the Samsung tablet from your PC. By default, a File Explorer window displaying the tablet's files will appear automatically when you connect the tablet if you've previously connected the tablet in this way.

  4. Try a different USB port on your PC. A faulty USB port is rare but could be the source of your problem. Read our guide to fixing a USB port that's not working for more solutions.

  5. Try a different USB cable. It's ideal to connect a Samsung tablet to a PC via a USB cable supporting USB 3.0 or better.

  6. Remove any docks or adapters and connect directly to your PC via USB. Docks and adapters shouldn't prevent a Samsung tablet from connecting to your PC, but it can happen.

  7. Check that Android's settings allow access to files on a PC via USB. A Samsung tablet will ask if you'd like a PC to be able to access files via USB when you first connect it, but this setting might be turned off and maybe you missed the initial notification. The notification can also be found Android's Notification History.

  8. Change the Samsung tablet's AutoPlay settings in Windows. You can find this setting with a Windows Search 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 results when using these drivers to connect a Samsung tablet to a PC.

  10. Run Windows Update. Window Update does more than update the Windows operating system. It can also download and install driver updates which may resolve your issue.

  11. Reinstall Windows' USB 3 drivers. It's possible the USB drivers on your computer are not 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.

If you try a different PC and the Samsung tablet connects, it proves the problem lies with the first PC you tried, not the tablet. However, if the connection still fails, it's much more likely the fault is with the tablet.

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.

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