Connect your Samsung Galaxy Note8 or Galaxy S8 to your computer and transfer files between the smartphone and your PC.
- Windows users should download and install the USB drivers for the Galaxy Note8 or S8. Mac users can download and install Android File Transfer. Optionally, Windows and Mac users can  download and install the Smart Switch software from the Samsung website.
- Connect the device to an available USB port using the included USB cable.
- A prompt will appear on the screen of the phone. It should default to “USB for file transfer“. Ensure this option is chosen.
- The Galaxy should show under “Computer” or “This PC” for Windows users, and should show on the Desktop. MacOS users can open the Android File Transfer application.
- Pictures are found under “DCIM” >”Camera“.
- Screenshots are under “DCIM” > “Screenshots“.
FAQ
You can also connect your Android to your Windows computer via Bluetooth.
Does Samsung Kies work with the Galaxy Note 8 or S8?
Nope.
Why is my computer not detecting the Galaxy Note8 or S8?
If you are using Windows, ensure you have installed the proper drivers. Otherwise, I recommend using the cable that was included with your device, but some users have discovered that another cable works better. You may also want to try a different USB port. Also, ensure the S8 is connected directly to a port on your computer and there are no hubs or other equipment being used.
This tutorial applies to the Samsung Galaxy S8 models SM-G955, SM-G950, and Note8 model SM-N950.
John Mareda says
As others had done, I spent hours trying to get my Samsung Note 8 to connect to my HP desktop computer to no avail. Finally, I said, “OK, makes no sense to me, but I’ll go get the original cable from upstairs and try it. It worked. :)
Angie says
Re Samsung S8 plus and prob all phones. I spent three days pissing around with my phone only changing when connected to windows 10. Developer options and selecting debug and transfer method did not work. I found device manager. It suggested updating drivers from manufacturers site. I hit fix problem and followed the link to settings and update drivers. It showed up as Samsung device. I hit links for updates. Hit download and restart now, had to close all open apps programs, and restart both devices. It took awhile to update and reload and reboot. It was working before so I don’t know why it couldn’t read my phone. So much bull. Samsung ought to send out notifications to customers. So….I checked connection and computer now reads phone connection. Photos app pops up automatically. I use file transfer app to read my phone. Photos and videos are stored in the DCIM file and can be easily transferred from phone to computer. I organized all my gallery photos into different folders and subjects on phone. Then I create a the same new folder in pictures on computer. I don’t like the photo app with windows 10 . It just shows a bunch of garbage.
Jam says
Plugged into PC via usb and no response. Unlplugged and replugged and locked unlocked phone and nothing. Just charging. Tried googling it. Came to this site. Read all these things. Then unplugged and replugged one last time and it worked option came on phone screen asking if I wanted to allow access.
Georgi says
I connect my S8 to the PC and after that I go to device manager and uninstal my S8 in the “portable devices” menu. After that i disconnect the cable and connect it again and the new drivers are installed and it’s working.
BILL jackson says
What really is wrong is you need to replace the C usb/charger board in your phone yhey are about 8 dollars on ebay. I did and my phone works with every cable. while you are in there replace the battery.
justposted says
Get this: my S8 only shows up on PC when it is face down! If I turn it face up, it disappears from Windows Explorer again. Must be something to do with the Always On screen.
Just Me says
I tried 3 cables and 2 computers to get my pictures transferred to my computer. it kept crashing with an error message saying a device is not responding. I finally looked up a solution on yahoo search. the first one I checked said to download Samsung’s software,,,bla bla bla.. and then I found this one.. turns out all I needed to do was use the original cable that came with the phone.
Thanks Guys, you have saved my sanity
Piet says
Same problem, installed drivers (Windows 7). Note 8 does Cable Charging but does not see the transfer mode. On laptop (also Samsung) does not recognise Note 8. It does recognise old S6
Michael says
Same problem as above, sometimes to get the prompt I have to unplug and replug the phone multiple times, sometimes it does not show up at all. This is totally unacceptable for such an expensive phone.
S Devey says
You do require original USB cable as it will not work/connect Via USB worked wonders and connected to SmartSwitch
Will says
I don’t want to tranfer all files select and transfer how do I do that
Bluey says
After an hour so dinking around with samsung and smart switch, i have my S8 talking to my PC (windows 7).
When plugged in, go to device manager, go to the USB controllers – samsung USB (clearly labelled samsung blah blah blah), right click – properties, and choose the driver tab. then click on update driver. It updates and then works.
Samsung switch was a lost cause.
Steve says
Try making sure your phone is charged beyond 65%, I couldn’t get mine to connect until I charged It up from 50%. And since I am at work, I am not using the original cord, that one stays at home
Ola says
A prompt DOES NOT appear on the screen of the phone. It should default to “USB for file transfer“. Ensure this option is chosen.
So it only charges from any cables – and original as well
Jay says
I have a samsung note 8 and I have trieddowloding smartswitch & using different cable but still my macbook does not recognise the phone. Does anyone have any other solutions?
Marjan says
I did everything above and I still can’t access to note8on the desktop
when I installed new windows 10 update I can no longer access to my galaxy note 8.
what should I do?
Ken says
Pathetic though it is, it looks like you can only connect the Samsung S8 to your computer works if you use the Samsung cable, as William says above.
Very poor Samsung!! You can do better than that!!!!
Luckily, I located the original Samsung cable.
William says
I tried everything until I used the original cable that came with the phone. worked immediately
Michael says
Did not answer my question.
My S8+ used to bring up a box asking allow file transfer or some such when connected to my mac but some how i have lost this option. The phone still reacts on connection but only briefly by the appearance of a small radiating semi circle from the home square. I can’t find a way of brieng back this option. Any ideas?