FP3 not connecting to Windows or macOS. USB data dead? Can I install LineageOS without USB?

Help Fairphone 3
1

Hi everyone

I’ve got a Fairphone 3 I bought used for about $150 AUD. It charges fine via USB, but it won’t connect to Windows or macOS at all. There’s no ADB, no file transfer prompt, and I’m never given the option to change USB mode. It just silently charges.

On Windows, it briefly shows a message saying: “USB Device not recognized.”

What I’ve tried so far

  • Enabled USB debugging (and toggled it off and on again)
  • Tried multiple known-good data cables
  • Tried different computers (Windows and macOS)
  • Removed and reinstalled USB drivers on Windows
  • Plugged in a USB OTG flash drive which works on other Android phones, but here it only charges
  • Tried booting into Recovery and Fastboot. Still no ADB detection

It really seems like the USB data lines aren’t working, even though the port looks perfectly clean and undamaged.

My main questions

  1. How likely is it that replacing the bottom module will fix this?
    Has anyone had success fixing similar USB data issues this way?
  2. Are there any known software bugs or hidden settings that might block USB role switching or OTG access?

Bonus question

I want to install LineageOS, but with USB non-functional:

  • Wireless ADB connects, but it doesn’t support sideload
  • Recovery mode can’t mount the SD card (I’ve tried 3 different cards, all FAT32)

So I’m stuck. No sideload. No SD install.

Is there any known method to install LineageOS or TWRP on an FP3 without working USB?

Appreciate any help or ideas before I commit to buying a new bottom module (which isn’t cheap with shipping to Australia)

2

Do you swipe down when the cable is attached to change from charging to transfer?

3

No options come up in the swipe down menu.

4

I have the same issue. My laptop does not recognise my phone and it suggests it is a driver error on the phone. Any thoughts anyone?

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5

I have the same issue and I recently replaced the bottom module, but this issue did not get fixed for me.

But I do have a reliable connection for charging again, so if charging were your issue, then a new bottom module does help.

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6

Me too! So annoying, I spent quite a lot of money to get the bottom module as they are not available her in Australia.

Could I roll back the android version with an ota downgrade some how?

The phone is not being detected in windows or Mac os with numerous cables. Doesn’t work in recovery mode or normal android.

7

Presumably as you are intending installing LineageOS did you ever get as far as unlocking the bootloader? Did you try installing the latest FP3 6.A.035.2 via fastboot? Forget about ADB for now.

FP3_Fastboot
FP3_Fastboot1920×1440 330 KB

8

Just to clarify the screenshot is not showing bootloader aka fastboot you need to install whatever using a cable connected to PC.

No

ADB would never work in fastboot.

For fastboot when using windows often the bootloader driver need to be manually installed.

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