Hot topics

Nexus 5 problems connecting to your PC? Here's the solution

Nexus brand logo simple 4
© nextpit

It seems like many of you are having problems connecting your Nexus 5 to Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. The smartphone appears in the device manager of Windows 8.1, but it is impossible to perform any action with it. No files can be transferred from the Nexus 5 on the PC, and the smartphone is invisible in the file explorer. Here is a confirmed solution, which should resolve connection issues where your PC won't read your Nexus 5.

Nexus brand logo single 4
The Nexus 5 has an issue with the USB connection on Windows 8.1. / © NextPit

Apparently, the problem where a Nexus 5 won't connect to a PC can be caused by the Windows 8.1 update, which installs inconsistent drivers (like Acer's or HP's own versions etc) when you plug the Nexus 5 for the first time. However, the issue may not be exclusive to Windows 8, as some users have suggested that a Windows driver known as UniversalAdbDriver may also be the culprit. Either way, here is what you should do to fix it.

1.  First make sure that the MTP is enabled on the Nexus 5: Settings > Storage > Menu > USB connection to the computer

2. Plug your Nexus 5 into your computer via USB.

2. On Windows, open the device manager (on Windows 8, press "Ctrl+Q" then just use the search box at right hand side to search for it). You may need the administrator password to open it. 

3. Once in the Device Manager, look for the name of your plugged in device. It may be given the name phoneAcer ADB Interface, or something else specific to your device. (It might be tricky to find for users unfamiliar with the device manager, so if you can't find it try unplugging the device and seeing which item disappears. You can just plug it in again afterwards and continue with the instructions.)  

4. Right click on the device name and click "Update" by selecting local disk. Don't choose online because you'll just get a message telling you that your driver is up to date. 

5.  Choose MTP USB Driver.

6.  Once the installation is complete, your device manager should show Nexus 5 instead of what you had before. 

Does this work for you? Have you found other solutions? Share them in the comments below if you have.

Based on an original article by Quentin Ducreux Lerebours for AndroidPIT.fr

Best smartphones to buy in 2024

  The best Android phone The best iPhone Best camera phone Best mid-range 2023 Best Foldable Best compact foldable
Product
Image Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Product Image Apple iPhone 15 Pro Product Image Google Pixel 8 Pro Product Image Google Pixel 7a Product Image OnePlus Open product image Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Product Image
Review
Review: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Review: Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Review: Google Pixel 8 Pro
Review: Google Pixel 7a
Review: OnePlus Open
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Offer*
Go to comment (41)
Scott Adam Gordon

Scott Adam Gordon
Editor

Originally from the UK, Scott graduated in Popular Music Studies at Newcastle University and attributes much of his success there to his beloved Samsung Galaxy S2. His current aim is to write cool things about Android. And he loves it.

View all articles
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
41 comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing

  • wahyuardi ramadhani 1
    wahyuardi ramadhani Jan 22, 2018 Link to comment

    i tried all but still can't worked yet...until i plugged the cable to another usb port....& voila it's worked!!!


  • 3
    pauladev Dec 16, 2016 Link to comment

    I went through the process of trying to move Whatsapp data to a Nexus 5, and came up against the problem described. It was relatively easy to save the data file to my PC, but when I tried to connect the Nexus 5, I had to go through the swipe down > connect for file transfer, then activate USB tethering in settings before I could even see the Nexus 5 in Devices on the PC. However I could get no further into looking for files on it. Eventually I discovered that this process is not available on Nexus 5 if you are using USB 3.0, and I only have USB 3.0 ports on my PC. I switched the data file and connection via a USB 2.0 port on my laptop, and I could then explore the files on the Nexus 5. Problem solved, but very surprised that Nexus 5 is not USB 3.0 compatible.


  • Tubas 1
    Tubas Nov 29, 2016 Link to comment

    Thank you so much, helped alot :D <3


  • 1
    Muad Rafat Oct 25, 2016 Link to comment

    Thaaaanx bro


  • RAVI VED 1
    RAVI VED Jun 15, 2016 Link to comment

    It is working, Thanks!!!


  • Sam Vertsetis 2
    Sam Vertsetis May 12, 2016 Link to comment

    In case it helps others as well, I found the "Acer ADB Interface" in my devices, uninstalled it, including the software drivers as well and then after plugging in my phone, issue was with Nexus 5x, and set it to File transfer mode, everything was solved.

    Manmeet Singh


  • 1
    Luthien May 10, 2016 Link to comment

    I just did all of this, and still nothing - the comp shows my device as Nexus 5, yet, I cannot explore it or import media from it. FRUSTRATING


  • Kevin G 4
    Kevin G Apr 19, 2016 Link to comment

    I had this issue after installing helium, and the UBS ADB drivers on my N5. This sorted it out, thanks.

    Those getting confused by step 4, on Windows 10 it will say "Browse my computer for browser software" instead of local disk. Then choose "Let me pick from a list of drivers", and choose MTP USB instead of the ADB driver.

    Olumide AdeosunRonda Bernstein


    • Olumide Adeosun 2
      Olumide Adeosun Jan 26, 2018 Link to comment

      It worked for me. Thanks.

      Brittany McGhee


  • Steven Brown 3
    Steven Brown Nov 20, 2015 Link to comment

    Here's how I got mine to work. After connecting the phone to your computer, swipe down from the top to get the notifications, and one of them says "USB for file transfer / Touch for more options." Touch it. There are several options for how you want to use the USB, one of which is "File transfers". Select that and you're good to go.

    You have to do it every time you plug in, but it's actually a good security feature that allows you to charge from any USB without giving it access to your phone internals.

    Anupama SettyLuthienJonathan Torokbejoo kounTobias Stephenson


    • 2
      Di Atherton Jan 5, 2016 Link to comment

      what a pain .. but thanks it seems to be my problem and your suggestion seems to be working..

      Jonathan Torok


    • 2
      Geneviève Rouleau Jan 12, 2016 Link to comment

      Thank you Steven, you just solved my problem lol! That was simple -_-

      Jonathan Torok


    • 2
      bejoo koun Jan 31, 2016 Link to comment

      This worked like a charm for me and makes sense. Looks like everyone should try this first before anything else

      Jonathan Torok


    • Jonathan Torok 1
      Jonathan Torok Feb 23, 2016 Link to comment

      So much crap trying to figure this out from "official" sources, and you solved it simply in just a minute. Thank you, Steven Brown, NOW it works. :)


    • 1
      hasan siddiqui Mar 26, 2016 Link to comment

      Yes, I know this and I am trying the same but in "My Computer" my device is not coming up. Same thing happening with my Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X.


    • 1
      Luthien May 10, 2016 Link to comment

      THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!


    • Anupama Setty 1
      Anupama Setty Jan 24, 2017 Link to comment

      This really worked for me as well!! Thanks Steve!


  • Baruch Atta 1
    Baruch Atta Nov 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Bad things are happening with my Nexus 5.
    I downloaded some books to my phone. It seems that the phone decided to use the wireless network (Sprint) instead of my local WiFi. I got hit with a quarter of a gig just for that. I only have half a gig because I share with my wife.
    Also I went to the settings and found that all of my apps had been reset TO ALLOW WIRELESS NETWORK. I had set my apps to ignore wireless and only use my Wifi. I am so mad. What gives them the right to reset my settings?
    I still can't download pictures. I could download pictures a month ago. What a bummer.


  • 1
    Privia Khondaker Nov 11, 2015 Link to comment

    My problem is that I can't figure out how to "update by clicking local disk", it just doesn't show up.... when I right click my device it says update, but when I click it, it just tells me it's already updated? Please help! Thankyou :*


  • 1
    L Nguyen Nov 4, 2015 Link to comment

    Thanks


  • Caelen Bright 2
    Caelen Bright Nov 2, 2015 Link to comment

    For those of you that couldn't find the Step 1 part about allowing USB connections, I found a solution. In your Settings, under data and usage, click 'more . .' that opens a menu with 'tethering & portable hotspot' in it, click that and then click allow USB tethering. I could transfer everything fine once I did that. And I have to do it every time. The issue is not with Windows 8, it's my Nexus.

    L Nguyen


    • Baruch Atta 1
      Baruch Atta Dec 1, 2015 Link to comment

      So - that is what "tethering" means.!!! LOL!


    • Vladimir Maxymenko 1
      Vladimir Maxymenko Jan 6, 2017 Link to comment

      Great option but it drives me crazy. As soon as I switch on "USB tethering" Nex5 disappears from the list of local discs. And appears on switch off.


  • 1
    Keith Fowler Oct 27, 2015 Link to comment

    The first step as above:
    "1. First make sure that the MTP is enabled on the Nexus 5: Settings > Storage > Menu > USB connection to the computer."

    My phone has a different order for the menu and I cannot locate MTP since the update. I go to; Settings > Storage & USB, but my menu (three dots at top right) is for Help & feedback. My question is where do I find the MTP? I have gone through every menu I think. I have a setting for Developer Options, but do not see it in there.

    I have looked with and without it connected to my PC. I can see the Nexus 5 in Explorer, but cannot access any files.


    • 1
      Max Curtis Nov 9, 2015 Link to comment

      I have this same problem.


    • 1
      Max Curtis Nov 9, 2015 Link to comment

      I found my problem if this helps you, if you have developer options enabled go into that Settings> Developer Options>Select USB Configuration>MTP. This does not fix my ability to connect to my laptop yet but that at least helped me check to make sure MTP was selected.


      • 1
        Thomas jensen Jan 18, 2016 Link to comment

        Insted of choosing MTP, you have to choose PTP. This should fix your problem. It seems like I have to do this every time I want to transfere pics, it will not save this config, but so what, I can now backup my pics to PC.


  • 1
    mansi shah Oct 24, 2015 Link to comment

    Thanks a lot!


  • Sequoia Schroeder 1
    Sequoia Schroeder Sep 30, 2015 Link to comment

    My problem was resolved with: 1. First make sure that the MTP is enabled on the Nexus 5: Settings > Storage > Menu > USB connection to the computer.

    It was unchecked and as soon as I checked it, my computer recognize the Nexus 5 and everything was groovey. Except that it had been too long and I forgot what I was looking for.


    • 1
      John Goodall Dec 16, 2015 Link to comment

      I found this setting and ticked it but that caused my laptop to lose the connection to my Nexus. As soon as I unticked it my Nexus appeared again but with no file on it. So I am still unable to transfer photos from my phone to my laptop.


  • 1
    Shiv Sep 9, 2015 Link to comment

    Finally the problem is solved!
    Thank you soo much :)


  • 1
    Neil Willis Aug 30, 2015 Link to comment

    My issue was that my Nexus 5 would continuously keep trying to connect. The file explorer window kept on disappearing and reappearing. This was also continuously refreshing my Device Manager. As it turns out, my Nexus USB cable is broken.


  • Tracy She 1
    Tracy She Aug 29, 2015 Link to comment

    Thank you. Worked perfectly. Win 8.1 can be so annoying!


  • 1
    Tanmay Dayal Aug 24, 2015 Link to comment

    Spot on! Thanks :)


  • 1
    Nin Ja Tadifa Aug 21, 2015 Link to comment

    After doing the recommwnded steps, I can see now my device but i cannot see my files inside of it...


  • 1
    Nin Ja Tadifa Aug 21, 2015 Link to comment

    After doing the recommended steps, I can see my device now but i cannot see my files inside of it.
    Help please...


  • Seerat Sekhon 1
    Seerat Sekhon Aug 2, 2015 Link to comment

    Worked perfectly for me, Thanks!


  • David Godfrey 1
    David Godfrey Jul 13, 2015 Link to comment

    Worked a treat. Thanks a lot!


  • 1
    Rob van der Lans Jun 8, 2015 Link to comment

    It worked. Thanks.


  • 1
    rohit chaddha May 31, 2015 Link to comment

    Good and informative article.


  • 1
    Faical Malali Apr 9, 2015 Link to comment

    Hi everyone !
    I have a problem with my nexus 5 when I transfer file from my laptop to my device over the MTP (with my USB cable)
    For example : i try to transfer an application to my device (I put it in Download folder)
    but when I go to my nexus 5 (Storage ==> Downloads) I can't see the application (like if it is hideen)
    and the same thing to the rest (document, music, video...)
    but when I transfer photos over the PTP, there is no problem
    I try to put something in a different folder in the storage of my nexus 5 but i have the same problem (it doesn't appear)
    I also try to creat another folder and transfer to it but in this case I see what I transfer but I can't click on it or select it.
    Some one elp me please !!!!
    P.S : Sorry for my bad english !

Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing