How to fix your Sony Xperia L2 that is not recognized by a computer (easy steps)

There are certain instances when you’ll need to use a computer to manage contents and data on your smartphone like backing up contents and likewise doing system resets. The process is supposed to be simple and easy since all you have to do is plug your phone into the computer’s USB port via USB connector or data cable. However, there are some instances when things just don’t work as expected like when your computer doesn’t recognize your phone even when it’s securely plugged in. Problems like this can occur to any device regardless of the operating system. Here in this context, we will tackle a similar issue on a particular device that is the new Sony Xperia L2 smartphone. If ever you will encounter the same trouble in which your Xperia L2 is not recognized by your computer, then this post might be able to help you out. Read on to find out what to do in order to fix the problem on your end.

For smartphone owners who found our site while trying to find a solution, try to see if your phone is one of the devices we support. If it is, then visit the troubleshooting page for that device, browse through it to find issues that are similar with yours and feel free to use our solutions and workarounds. However, if you still need our help after that, then fill up our Android issues questionnaire and hit submit to contact us.

First solution: Reboot your phone.

This can be just a minor software issue on the phone, which will likely be remedied by a restart of soft reset. If you haven’t yet restarted your device for quite some time now, some apps might have crashed and eventually affected your phone system. That said, follow these steps to restart your Xperia L2 (soft reset):

1. With your phone plugged into power, press and hold the Power and Volume Up keys simultaneously for about 15 seconds.
2. When your phone vibrates three times release both keys. Your phone then shuts down.
3. After 30 seconds press the Power key again to turn it on.

When your phone boots up completely, try connecting it to your computer again and see if the problem is fixed. If not, then try the next option.

Second solution: Update your phone software to the latest Android version.

Software updates don’t only offer new features and system enhancements but also bug fixes. That said, installing the latest update available for your phone might be able to help especially if the problem is triggered by some bugs. To check for new software update on your Sony Xperia L2, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap About phone.
3. Tap Software update.
4. Usually you will be prompted with a notification if a new software version is available.
5. Read and review the update details then follow the rest of the onscreen prompts to complete the update download and installation process.

Your iPhone then restarts when the new update is successfully installed. When it has booted up completely, connect it to your computer again and see if it’s now recognized.

Third solution: Boot your phone into safe mode then reconnect to your computer.

Apps can go rogue or misbehave at some point. And when this happens, chances are that your device would be unable to work as intended. To make sure this isn’t what’s causing you this issue, try to enable safe mode on your Xperia L2 then connect it to your computer while running in safe mode. To find out, follow these steps to boot your phone in safe mode first:

1. While the device is powered on, press and hold down the Power button.
2. Then touch and hold Power off option until your phone shuts down.
3. Wait for your phone to restart in Safe Mode.

If the computer recognizes your phone that’s running in safe mode, then you need to identify which from your downloaded apps is the trigger. It’s probably the most recent app you’ve downloaded before the onset of the problem. You may have to uninstall your new apps individually.

Fourth solution: Reset your phone settings to factory defaults then reconnect.

The last option you may consider doing is a master reset. While this may not be a feasible choice, it can be the key to fixing the problem especially if complex software errors on your phone are to blame. Should you wish to give it a shot, back up all your data as they will be deleted in the process. Then follow these steps to master reset your Sony Xperia L2:

1. To to the Apps menu.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap Back up & reset.
4. Then select Factory data reset.
5. Tap Reset phone option.
6. If prompted, enter your device credentials like PIN or password to Continue.
7. Then confirm reset by tapping the option to Erase everything.

Your phone will restart when the reset is finished. Wait until it successfully boots up then connect it to your computer.

Remove any external devices from your computer then reconnect your phone.

External devices that are currently attached to your computer may also cause conflict with your phone or computer system especially when they get corrupted. To rule this out, remove any external devices including memory cards, flash drives, and others accessories from your computer then reconnect your phone without any of them inserted.

Download and install necessary drivers and software on your computer.

If your phone charges but not recognized when it’s plugged in, download and install the USB drivers for your Sony Xperia L2 on your computer (Windows PC). The required drivers might be missing so your computer couldn’t detect your phone. So the only thing your phone can do when you connect it to your computer port is charge. If you’re using Mac OS X, you may need to download and install the Android File Transfer tool first.

Disable security software or firewall on your computer.

If you have any firewall, antivirus, or other security suites enabled on your computer, try to disable them first to prevent any of them from causing errors. Security software might have blocked your device for security reasons so your computer won’t be able to detect or access your device even when it’s already connected. That said, disable any similar tools on your computer temporarily and see if that will fix the problem.

Seek further assistance

Contact the manufacturer of your computer and ask further assistance in configuring your device in such a way that allows it to recognize your Sony Xperia L2. Also confirm if all required drivers are installed on your computer. They can walk you through the entire process if necessary so give them a call.

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