My computer doesn't detect my Xperia device when connected through USB

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

Check if the issue is resolved after performing each step.

• Make sure to properly connect the USB® cable from your Xperia® device to the computer. A USB icon will be visible in your device's status bar if appropriately connected. In rare cases, the USB cable for charging may not be recognized by the computer.
• Unlock your device.
• Set the connection mode of your device to File transfer/Transfer files
  
  Note: Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 10 IV, Xperia 5 IV, Xperia 1 V, and Xperia 10 V: After connecting your Xperia to the computer, please set the USB connection mode to file transfer with the instruction.
• Set up your device to detect USB devices and reconnect the USB cable
  • This is only applicable to the following: Xperia M5, Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z3+ Dual, Xperia Z4 Tablet, Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Dual, Xperia Z5 Compact, Xperia Z5 Premium, Xperia XZ.
• Check if the USB cable is damaged. Try to use other USB cables, and don't use USB hubs or an extension cable.
• Make sure that the USB port on your device is clean and dust-free.
  • You can use a plastic toothpick, toothbrush, or a can of compressed air to blow off and remove any lint or dust.
• Wipe off any moisture in or around the USB port of the device. If moisture is present, Xperia devices with Android™ 9 Pie operating system deactivate the USB auto-detect feature.
• Restart your computer. Turn off your device, then remove and reinsert the memory card (if available). Turn on the device and reconnect it to your computer with a USB cable.
• Change the USB connection mode, then connect your device to the computer again using the USB cable. This option is only valid for Xperia devices with a memory card slot.
• Update the USB drivers on your computer, then start the Xperia Companion software on your computer.
  • You can download the USB drivers for your Xperia device from the support website.
• If you're using a computer with Microsoft® Windows® 10 N or Windows 10 KN operating system, make sure to download the Media Feature Pack to enable file transfer.
  • These versions of Windows OS don't support MTP (Media Transfer Protocol).
• If you're using a computer with Apple® Mac OS X® operating system, make sure to install the Xperia Companion for Mac OS application. Mac computers don't support MTP (Media Transfer Protocol), which is an extension needed for file transfer between a computer and an Android device.
• Disconnect your device from the computer and clear the data in the Media Storage system app. Restart your device and connect it to the computer.
• Use other computers.
• Update your device and make sure to set optimal performance and the latest enhancements.

Set the USB connection mode to file transfer

• Make sure that your device is connected to a computer via a USB cable.
• From your Home screen, drag the status bar downwards.
• Find and tap Charging this device via USB, select File Transfer under USB Preferences, and find and tap File transfer.

Reactivate USB device auto-detect

Android 9.0, 10, or 11

The USB device auto-detection feature is active as a default setting on Xperia devices with Android 9 OS. However, the feature becomes inactive if moisture is detected in the capless USB port. To connect to a USB device while the USB device auto-detection feature is inactive, you need to restart the USB device auto-detection feature manually.

1. Find and tap Settings → Device connection → Connection preferences.
2. Find and tap USB Connectivity → Restart USB device auto-detection.

Set up your device to detect USB devices

Android 6.0, 7.0, 7.1, 7.1.1, or 8.0

1. Make sure that your device is connected to a USB cable.
2. Find and tap Settings → Device connection → USB Connectivity → Detect USB Device.
3. Tap OK.

Android 5.0 or 5.1

1. Make sure that your device is connected to a USB cable.
2. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
3. Find and tap Settings → Xperia / Xperia Connectivity → USB Connectivity → Detect USB device.
4. Tap OK.

Change the USB connection mode to mass storage mode

Android 6.0

1. Connect a USB cable to your device.
2. On the pop-up that appears, tap Mass storage mode (MSC).
3. If the pop-up doesn't appear, tap the notification bar USB for charging and then tap Mass storage mode (MSC).

Android 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.0, or 5.1

1. Make sure that your device is not connected to a USB cable.
2. From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon.
3. Find and tap Settings → Xperia / Xperia Connectivity → USB Connectivity → USB connection mode.
4. Tap Mass storage mode (MSC) → OK.
5. Tap OK. Connect the device and computer using the USB cable.