Droid Lessons

Want to access your Android device through a computer? Whether it be for transferring files, tethering, executing commands, rooting, or backing up your important data. If you want your PC to recognize your Android device, you’ll need to learn about Drivers and how to install them on your computer. Check out this lesson below to get you started!

WHAT ARE DRIVERS?

A driver is software that communicates/interacts with the hardware in order to get it functioning properly. Drivers are used for a variety of technology, ranging from smartphones to PCs and Macs. Without drivers, hardware and software wouldn’t be compatible with each other. They sort of act as a bridge between the two, making them work hand in hand.

 

WHY DO I NEED THEM?

You need to have the proper drivers installed when connecting your smartphone, or in fact, any device via USB to your computer. Without the drivers, the computer won’t be able to detect your device, rendering it useless to transfer data, such as pictures, music, documents, and other files between the two. Sometimes Windows is able to detect the drivers you are missing when you plug in the device, but more often than not it fails. Your best off downloading them manually and installing them, which works all the time.

 

DRIVERS FOR MAJOR ANDROID OEMS:

Acer: http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/mobile.html

Asus: http://support.asus.com/download/

Dell: http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspxc=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=anavml

HTC: http://www.htc.com (Click on ‘Support’ and download the relevant drivers.It is region-specific)

Huawei: http://www.huaweidevice.com/worldwide/downloadCenter.do?method=index

Lenovo: http://developer.lenovomm.com/developer/download.jsp

Motorola: http://developer.motorola.com/docstools/USB_Drivers/

Pantech: http://www.pantechusa.com/support/download/

Samsung: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads

Sony/Sony Ericsson:

http://developer.sonyericsson.com/wportal/devworld/search-downloads/drivercc=gb&lc=en

Toshiba: http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/support/jsp/home.jsp?nav=Download

Note: Be sure to choose the drivers based on your OS. Ex- Windows 7 32 bit, Windows 7 64 bit

 

HOW DO I INSTALL DRIVERS?

The process varies for almost every driver but it is relatively simple. Just double click on the driver file after it has fully downloaded and follow the directions from there. Let it install and then it is recommended you restart your computer to complete installation.

You have just successfully installed drivers for your phone! You can now connect your phone via USB to your computer and transfer all sorts of data to and fro from both devices. Drivers also enable you to use ADB to tinker and develop your phone.