Question [HELP] File Transfer to PC is impossible S21 Ultra

[QuantumNetworks]

Hey guys, as the title says - I am having difficulty with transferring files across from my Samsung S21 Ultra to my PC.

I have tried:
- Developer mode, enable USB Debug
- ^ + set default debug to be FTP
- keypad *#0808# and select MTP+ADB
- In the notification bar, clicked the 'charging' notification (that sends me to battery, not to pick another option)

I do not have the original samsung cable as it was of poor quality and failed after 2 months however I am using Anker cables, I use them for file transfers on other devices such as cameras, VR headsets and other phones - they work perfectly fine on everything except my S21 Ultra. I have also tried different PCs/Laptops in case its a driver issue.

Phone specs:
Model number - SM-G998B/DS
Running the latest version of Android.

If anyone can help me, that would be great. I really don't want to factory reset as that means losing the things I want to keep anyway which is just a lose lose.

 

[nixnixnixnix4]

If you can't find a solution quickly right now, then just use this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.primftpd&hl=en_US&gl=US

FE Explorer can also do something similar.

Or, Samsung Flow or something else.

Also, are you mostly trying this on Windows or something else?

 

[OnnoJ]

Ensure usb-drivers for Samsung phones are installed on your pc. E.g. by installing smartswitch on you pc.

 

[nixnixnixnix4]

Ensure usb-drivers for Samsung phones are installed on your pc. E.g. by installing smartswitch on you pc.

No need to install anything.

If it's Windows, just go to Windows Update at some point after you connect the phone.

Click "Check for Updates" and/or go into "Optional Updates" and you'll find that the driver is waiting to be installed ON YOUR COMMAND.

 

[QuantumNetworks]

If you can't find a solution quickly right now, then just use this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.primftpd&hl=en_US&gl=US

FE Explorer can also do something similar.

Or, Samsung Flow or something else.

Also, are you mostly trying this on Windows or something else?

Surely I wouldn't need an additional app to transfer files? I'm doing this on the latest build of Windows 10 21H2 and also on a Windows 11 laptop, my P20 Pro transfers just fine but the S21 Ultra doesn't read anything as something other than a charger.

 

[Haunt3r]

Surely I wouldn't need an additional app to transfer files? I'm doing this on the latest build of Windows 10 21H2 and also on a Windows 11 laptop, my P20 Pro transfers just fine but the S21 Ultra doesn't read anything as something other than a charger.

Do you have super display installed? I had an issue where I had super display installed and could not connect my phone for file transfer until I turned the super display service off in my services on Windows.

 

[Wolfganght]

I am having the same issue and as I can recall it was after the recent update strange may be.

 

[GeeAyeZee]

Open driver manager from within control panel, right click on portable devices and update MTP driver for Samsung phone. Press allow on your phone and you should be good to go.

 

[shaharofir]

I'm using Solid Explorer over WiFI, no issues

 

[Oblox]

If you're using a corporate windows you need to install the media feature pack. Otherwise just try a different cable, some don't work. I had the same issue when using my old huawei cable, used the one that came with s21u and was fine.

 

[peterko64]

Try disabling DeX in the phone settings. It worked for me..

 

[eaoosa]

Just a quick question guys, does the S21 Ultra come with a USB 3 data speed cable or is that something I'd have to buy on amazon etc. Thanks.