Hi jacqueline hill,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!
I understand how frustrating it is when your Samsung A13 no longer connects to your PC, especially since it used to work fine and now even the USB connection fails. If the issue is caused by Windows, here’s something you can check for it:
1 - Re-establish the connection
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices
- Expand your phone > Personal Area Network > Join
- Try Connect with Access Point > then Direct connection
- If that doesn't work, click Remove > re-add your phone.
2 - Force the phone into File Transfer (MTP) mode
- Unlock the Samsung A13 > connect it to your PC
- Check the notification panel for other USB options
- Choose Transferring files / Android Auto (similar)
- On your PC, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices
- Scroll down and choose AutoPlay > turn ON
- If you see your phone > open the dropdown
- Select Open device to view files (File Explorer)
3 - Reset the phone’s USB system service
- On phone, go to Settings > Apps
- Tap the filter icon > Show system apps.
- Search for and open USBSettings > Storage
- Tap Clear cache and Clear data > restart phone.
- Reconnect via USB and check for USB options again.
4 - Reconnect phone with built-in options (if it's applicable)
- Disconnect your phone from PC completely > Restart both
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices
- Turn ON Allow this PC to access your mobile devices
- Click Add device > Sign in and scan QR with your phone
- Follow the instructions on your phone to add it to your PC.
- Go back to Mobile devices > select your phone > turn on all features.
If none of the above works or/and the options don’t appear as expected, it might not be a Windows issue. It’d be helpful if you can test your phone with another PC to see if the connection can be established. I’m looking for the results!
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