Learn how to connect the Samsung Galaxy S9 to your Microsoft Windows or Apple MacOS computer so you can transfer pictures, music, or whatever other files you need between the devices using these steps.
- Windows users should download and install the USB drivers from the Samsung Website. MacOS users should download and install Android File Transfer.
- Connect the device to your computer using the included USB cable.
- Unlock the S9. If prompted, accept any prompts to trust the computer.
- Swipe down the notification area by swiping downward from the top of the screen with 2 fingers.
- Ensure the “File transfer” option is selected.
- The Galaxy S9 will show in the File Explorer as an option under “This PC“. MacOS can access the device from the Android File Transfer application.
- Pictures are found under “DCIM” >”Camera“.
- Screenshots are under “DCIM” > “Screenshots“.
FAQ
Can I mirror the screen of the Galaxy S9 to my PC?
Yes. Windows and Mac users can use the Smart Switch software will allow mirroring and provide an interface for file transfers.
Why is my Windows computer not detecting the Galaxy S9?
Try some of the steps outlined in our Windows 10 Doesn’t Recognize Android Device post.
This tutorial applies to the SM-G960V, SM-G965V models of the Samsung Galaxy S9.
David says
“Swipe down the notification area by swiping downward from the top of the screen with 2 fingers.
Ensure the “File transfer” option is selected.”
Swiping down with two fingers on my S9 is no different to doing so with one finger, and there is no icon called “file transfer” in that menu.
Alice says
Hi Mitch, Thanks for the article.
Neither the Windows 10 nor my new Galaxy S9 Plus recognizes each other. I wonder if that cable is the problem, The cable seems to be working properly with charging the device though. My very old S5 and the same PC had instantly recognized each other. What can I try now? Thanks.
Vincent Wingfield says
An excellent post, congratulations !!
paul bennett says
> Solved Connecting my s9+ to my PC via usb to transfer files ?
The supplied Samsung cable if plugged into my PC (windows-10) will only slow charge my phone, and will not offer any functions like file transfer ect ect, it does not even show on my PC.
I downloaded the USB drivers from the link in this article (drivers are in the >SOFTWARE< download) but still my pc would not connect to my phone.
Also supplied with my phone were 2 x small adaptors (1 was usb and 2nd was micro usb) as the only other cable i had was micro usb from my old s6-edge, i tried this cable with the 2nd adaptor and this worked fine, allowing me to choose how i used the cable, so i chose file transfer and installed all my music files directly to my phone from my PC.
Please don't shoot the messenger, as i have no idea why the normal cable can't perform this function, i'm just telling how i managed to fix/overcome this stupid problem!
Thx Paul
MARIA LULU REYES says
i cannot retrieve anything on my s9 phone to my pc (windows) if i connect using the provided usb. if i take out my sd card from my phone, i need a card reader to get those files in it,
Al says
When plugged-in via the USB cable, there should be a phone icon in Windows Explorer that allows copy/pasting .
WENDY says
Just like other comments. I do not have the “file transfer” option on my 9+
Hero says
My android cant find my laptop in smartview
roger says
not finding “File Transfer” on s9
oy says
Make sure you are using a good USB to Type C connector. I was using my old USB mini cable with an adapter and it did not work…
Mitch Bartlett says
It’s under “Manuals and Downloads” > “Software”.
HoggyDog says
Link labeled “download and install the USB drivers” does not lead to any USB drivers on the Samsung site. Clicking the link on the Samsung Site labeled Manuals and Downloads” does not reveal any download even remotely resembling “USB Drivers.” Searching the Samsung site for “USB Drivers” returns zero hits.
In short, since the entire “how to” article here depends on installing Samsung USB Drivers on my PC, the entire article is invalid because the link to the required software is invalid.
Adil El Hadari says
A big company like Samsung doesn’t have a suite for it’s new phones what a shame.I upgraded to S9+ and they have Smart Switch which does nothing in my opinion.Before they had Kies3 which was awesome. I wonder if there is any company which has a suite compatible with Samsung 9 Plus I would trade my phone if that be the case
Bob V says
Still can’t get the S9 to show up on my macbook. I’ve tried everything.
Is Android File Transfer even working for Mac and S9?
Bob V.
ALAN NICOLL says
I have no ‘file transfer’ on my s9+.