Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users have reported some quality control issues over time, and one of those issues is with USB File transfer. Some Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users have reported that when they try to transfer files between their PC and Pixel 6 device via the USB cable, it won’t work. The device won’t get recognized on the PC, or the drive for the Pixel phone will not show up in the Explorer window.

If you are one of those troubled Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users, this article will help you out. Here, we have listed all the possible solutions you can try from your end to fix the USB file transfer not working issue with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. So without any further ado, let’s get into it.

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This could be a significant issue for most Pixel users, as many depend on their PC’s storage as a backup for their phone. Uploading everything to the cloud can be a costly monthly affair for a user, and this is where an offline backup comes into the picture. But if the USB file transfer is not working, it is impossible.

Furthermore, if the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro ever goes into a boot loop or crash state, not having the option to connect to the phone properly via the USB cable will mean that it will be difficult to repair any future software corruption of the phone. So it would be best to fix this by trying the solutions mentioned below.

Simple fixes:

Before we get into the elaborated solutions, there are some minor fixes that you can try from your end to ensure you get the best environment for the USB connection.

Firstly, avoid using the USB 3.0 port of your PC. Just use the USB 2.0 port, as many cables are incompatible with USB 3.0. If you are unaware of a PC’s USB 2.0, you can check the manual you got when you first bought the computer.

Secondly, avoid using a USB C to USB C cable. Go for a USB A to USB C, as those are the best compatible for data transfer between phones and PCs.

Thirdly, ensure you only use the official cable you got in the box when you bought the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro. Not every USB compatible would be compatible with your smartphone.

Try the next solution if you have tried all these solutions and still does not work for you.

Restart your phone:

Another simple solution that you can try to fix your USB problem with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro is a restart. Just press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons for a few seconds until you see the window for restart. Tap on the restart or reboot button and wait until your phone reboots.

After this, try the next solution if you still cannot use the USB cable with your PC.

Install Android Composite ADB Interface USB Drivers:

When you connect your phone to the PC for the first time, the PC automatically installs the necessary drivers to get your connection all set up. But in some instances, you might have to do this manually. Once the essential USB drivers are installed, you should be able to transfer files between your Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro and your PC.

To install the latest drivers, follow the steps mentioned below.

  • First, connect your device to the PC using the USB cable.
  • Download the USB drivers from here.
  • Extract the downloaded file to any location on your PC.
  • Press Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager from the list of options.
  • Expand the other devices section. You will see an exclamation mark next to the name of your connected device.
  • Right-click on it and choose Update Drivers.
  • Select “Browse my computer for drivers.”
  • Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers option.
  • Then select Show All devices and click on Next.
  • Now click on the Have Disk button.
  • Then click on the browse button.
  • Navigate to the folder where you have stored the download USB drivers file.
  • Select the android_winusb.inf file and then click on Open.
  • Then click on Ok.
  • A new window will open up now. Here, select Android Composite ADB Interface and click on Next.
  • If a prompt window appears on your screen, click on Install.
  • The installation process will begin, and you will be notified on your screen once it is done.

This should move your Pixel device from the list of other devices to the USB device in the Device Manager. After that, you should be able to transfer files between your Pixel 6/ Pixel 6 Pro and your PC.

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If you still cannot do so, try the next solution.

Change USB Configuration:

A setting in your phone lets you determine the default action for your phone when it is connected to a PC via a USB cable. By default, it is set to No Data transfer, and if it stays like that, you won’t be able to transfer anything between your PC and phone. To fix this, you need to change this setting.

  • Open up Settings on your Pixel 6/ Pixel 6 Pro and go to About.
  • There tap on the Build number 7 times. You will see a pop-up on your screen that reads, “You are now a developer.”
  • Afterward, go back to the Settings main page and navigate to System.
  • Inside System, you will find the option Developer Options.
  • Inside Developer Options, go to USB configuration and change it to File Transfer.

After this, you should be able to transfer files between your Pixel 6/ Pixel 6 Pro and your PC. If you still cannot do so, try the next solution.

Reinstall USB drivers:

If you previously connected your phone to your PC, and the file transfer feature was working back then, the problem could be with the drivers themselves. There is a chance that the installed drivers on your PC might be corrupted. To fix this, you need to uninstall the previously installed drivers and install them again. Let’s see how one can do it.

  • Press Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager from the list of options.
  • Expand the Android Device Section and right-click on Android Composite ADB Interface.
  • Choose the option Uninstall Device.
  • Now, restart your PC.
  • After the restart, connect your phone to the PC via the USB cable.
  • Wait a while till the USB drivers get automatically installed on the PC.
  • Once that is done, check whether the PC recognizes your device.

Try the next solution if you still can’t transfer files between your PC and Pixel device.

Enable PTP mode:

This is a workaround if you are trying to transfer only pictures between your PC and Pixel device. There is an option called PTP or Picture Transfer Protocol in the USB configuration setting. If the File transfer mode is not working and you only need to transfer pictures, you can also try this.

To enable PTP mode, follow these steps.

  • Open up Settings on your Pixel 6/ Pixel 6 Pro and go to About.
  • There tap on the Build number 7 times. You will see a pop-up on your screen that reads, “You are now a developer.”
  • After this, go back to the Settings main page and navigate to System.
  • Inside System, you will find the option Developer Options.
  • Inside Developer Options, go to USB configuration and change it to Picture Transfer Protocol(PTP).

Now you should be able to transfer pictures without any issues.

Use a USB device:

You could try this workaround if none of the above solutions worked. Several USB sticks in the market come with USB-C connectivity. Buy a USB stick with a C Type connection and use it to transfer files from your PC to the USB device and then from the USB device to your PC. This should take care of any file transfer needs. However, this has limitations as the transfer quantity will be limited to the USB’s storage.

So these are all the solutions to fix the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro USB file transfer not working issue. If you have any questions or queries about this article, comment below, and we will get back to you. Also, check out our other articles on iPhone tips and tricks, Android tips and tricks, PC tips and tricks, and much more for more helpful information.