Phone software is up to date but yes it's an older phone and it's getting close to the time to for a new one.

I've USB connected the phone before.

Other USB devices (drives) connect fine.

I've tried different ports, different cables, restarted the PC and the phone, and it won't connect at all. 

Superficially checked online info.

I've done suggested.

Why do I care?

I've been backing up the phone on my PC.

USB toggle is a very useful backup if my ISP isn't working.

I'd be surprised if someone here can help me fix this problem. 

But what the hey, may as well ask.

You don't need USB cables. You can do it with CX File Explorer more comfortably.

Thanks.

I will look into that option.

No problem.

 

Just install CX file explorer on the phone. Then set up your laptop on the network option in the ap and you'll be able to move files both ways at the click of a mouse.

While I'm happy to know about that file explorer I was really looking for a cable option for my needs.

So I put on my big boy nerd hat and figured out that I could change USB configuration by going into developer settings. It seems to be working now.

The default mode is Charging, so you have to manually change the mode. Assuming you have a known good, working data cable, after connection, pull down the top menu, Charging this device via USB, Tap for more options, Change USB Preferences, Use USB for, select File transfer.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKGlRduZ_sk&ab_channel=ExplainingAndroid

 

15 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Phone software is up to date but yes it's an older phone and it's getting close to the time to for a new one.

I've USB connected the phone before.

Other USB devices (drives) connect fine.

I've tried different ports, different cables, restarted the PC and the phone, and it won't connect at all. 

Superficially checked online info.

I've done suggested.

Why do I care?

I've been backing up the phone on my PC.

USB toggle is a very useful backup if my ISP isn't working.

I'd be surprised if someone here can help me fix this problem. 

But what the hey, may as well ask.

I have had same model, A71, about six years, just went back to iPhone 2 weeks ago.  Ordered a refurbished 1TB iPhone 14 pro Max, looks like new and half the price, round $550.  As for your problem, restart the phone by doing a Reset, will not erase any data, just clears cache and other unnecessary baddies.  Reason I got a new phone, Mine would not recharge with any cable or charger unless I reset it first.  Got to be a pain in the you know what.  A71 has a mini disk port on top, I back up my phone with that 256gb Sandisc, was able to xfer all contacts and data to new phone with no issue.

Good Luck.

Go to Settings and select Devices. You can add your phone there.

7 minutes ago, Explorator en Actione said:

I have had same model, A71, about six years, just went back to iPhone 2 weeks ago.  Ordered a refurbished 1TB iPhone 14 pro Max, looks like new and half the price, round $550.  As for your problem, restart the phone by doing a Reset, will not erase any data, just clears cache and other unnecessary baddies.  Reason I got a new phone, Mine would not recharge with any cable or charger unless I reset it first.  Got to be a pain in the you know what.  A71 has a mini disk port on top, I back up my phone with that 256gb Sandisc, was able to xfer all contacts and data to new phone with no issue.

Good Luck.

Interesting  

I'm not having charging problems and overall I've become brand loyal to Samsung.

A71 is nearing the end of its security support so I will probably upgrade to a higher end Samsung.

2 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Interesting  

I'm not having charging problems and overall I've become brand loyal to Samsung.

A71 is nearing the end of its security support so I will probably upgrade to a higher end Samsung.

I'll give this one a whirl then who knows, may turn back and upgrade to Galaxy S25.  Returning to LOS soon.

My Android connects just fine. I had to load the drivers the first time but that was a long time ago.

54 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

While I'm happy to know about that file explorer I was really looking for a cable option for my needs.

So I put on my big boy nerd hat and figured out that I could change USB configuration by going into developer settings. It seems to be working now.

Strange. Android phones usually prompt you to choose between charging, data transfer and a third one I can't remember when you attach them to another computer/ nav device via a USB cable.