Problem
A micro USB device (e.g. Smartphone) isn’t recognized by the USB host anymore. Yet the device still charges, so the USB port probably isn’t broken.
Solution
Use a needle and toothbrush to clean the micro USB port.
Remember to turn the device off and ideally remove the battery before cleaning.
If that didn’t work… (Android specific)
On some Android devices specific settings are required for a working USB connection. These settings can be lost when performing a factory reset.
If the device (USB client) recognizes the connection, a notification will appear, in which the connection type (MTP as media device or PTP as camera) can be selected.
“USB debugging” is another critical setting, which is mostly found in the developer options menu. Also disabling any developer options can be required. If you can’t find the developer options menu, it is probably disabled. Go to Settings > “About phone” and click “Build number” seven times to unlock it.
Play around with these settings to find your working configuration (and ideally write it down when found ;-)).
If that didn’t work either… (Windows specific)
Microsoft Windows has some bad habits concerning USB connections. Try connecting on another USB port or maybe even another USB controller (switch from USB 2.0 to USB 3.0 for example). Searching (and installing) new drivers (Windows Update!) can also be useful. Also don’t underestimate the effects of a good, old fashioned reboot.
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