No data transfer/tethering using USB-A to USB-C cable; can only charge

[jan4321]

Hello,

It appears that Fairphone 6 is unable to connect in data transfer mode, tethering mode, etc. when being connected using USB-A to USB-C cable.

• I checked vs. another Android phone

The other phone was capable to provide data transfer, tethering, etc.

• I checked using new branded cable

It had no impact.

• I checked using laptop and router

Same issue on any device.

This seems to be a bit problematic because any device that does not have USB-C, but USB-A only, will not be able to communicate with Fairphone 6. All that Fairphone 6 can do is only charge its battery.
Myself I have two such devices where I needed to connect my Fairphone 6.

Q1: is it a known problem?
Q2: is it a software limitation that could be resolved in future firmware upgrades?
Q3: are there any workarounds, like special USB-C to USB-A adapters that could make it work?

I am on latest firmware, just updated 2 days ago.

[T4om]

Hi @jan4321,

sorry to hear you have problems using your Fairphone 6,

Maybe you are already aware of this.

Not all USB-C (to USB A) kabels are the same. some are only made for charging. others for data transfer or even various functions. a charging cable can not be used for data transfer.

Please dubbele check the package of the cable to know what type of cable you are using.

maybe a anser here:

FP6 Discussion about USB-2 and missing Desktop Mode

So sad. Nice and clean design but it’s clearly a downgrade in some places. At least FP5 is not obsolete, it’s just an alternative to FP6.

Known reproducible and reported issues of the Fairphone 6

Introduction This topic should not be seen as a list of reasons for not buying the Fairphone 6. Fairphone is a professional company that does its best to produce quality hardware and software. This topic maintains a list of known reproducible and reported issues of the fp6 so that we as a community can keep each other informed about workarounds and communication with Fairphone support. As a result we may also lower the workload of the Fairphone support staff. This will free up their r…

greetings,

Tom

[jan4321]

I am aware of this, that is why I have checked that cable is capable of doing so by using another android mobile phone.

It seems that you missed that part of my post.

[mike_1312]

Did you activate data transfer mode (MTP) in the settings, either as general setting or manually activated over the navigation bar after connecting the phone with the cable to the computer?

[jan4321]

There is no general setting for “map” in the phone.
Manual activation is not possible because there is no such option, only charging.

Considering that usb-c to usb-c cable works as expected then I assume this should not be a concern.

Could any of you confirm that usb-a to usb-c cable works for him/her as expected?

[mike_1312]

I can confirm that my FP6 works with USB-A to USB-C cables. I’m using randomly the following ones:

• from Asus Zenfone 8
• from HMD Nokia 8
• unknown one from Hama

If your cable is recognized correctly, you can see a notification in the top notifaction bar that shows the option to change the setting for the USB port.

[FroggyFP6]

I can confirm it works for me too although I have glitches when plugin in a USB3 port. It seems more reliable with USB2.

[jan4321]

It seems therefore it must be an issue with my particular device.
I will do some more testing, document the issue and reach out to support then.

[jan4321]

Thanks to everyone and thanks to FP support. I used two mobiles and two cables for testing, although what I didn’t expected was that USB-A ports in my laptop behaves slightly differently. Issue is resolved now.

[jordicalverol]

Please can you explain how you solved it? I have different cables and computers, and it doesn’t work for me. The other phones in the family work fine. I’ve tried developer mode and everything, and I can find it. Thanks!!!

[jan4321]

Try using same USB port that works for another mobile, and same cable that works for another mobile. Ensure OS is upgraded, and possibly restart your mobile - not sure but this might have impact as well.

[Roel_van_der_Vegte]

For data transfer without a cable I now use LocalSend

[mike_1312]

Thank you for your hint with LocalSend!
Didn’t know it, so I had a look at it. It convinced me and now replaces Warpinator/Winpinator on my devices.