8 Effective Solutions for the “Please Update Your Device’s Settings to Accept Media Transfers” Error on Windows 11

The Photos app in Windows 11 aims to simplify importing pictures and videos by eliminating the need to go through File Explorer. However, many users come across the Please update your device's settings to accept media transfers error message.

Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to fix this irksome notification. This guide will walk you through 8 effective solutions to resolve the problem.

Change USB Connection Preferences on Android Phones

If your Android phone connects as a charging device instead of a media transfer device, Windows cannot access its contents.

To enable media transfers, plug the phone into your computer using a USB cable.

Tap the Android System notification, then select Transfer files / Android Auto. This switches the phone into media transfer mode.

Configure iPhones to Trust the Windows 11 PC

By default, iPhones restrict connections to unfamiliar computers to prevent data leaks. You must make the iPhone trust your PC first.

Connect the iPhone using a USB cable, unlock it, and tap Trust when Windows asks you to authorize the computer.

If you previously selected Don't Trust, reset the Location & Privacy settings on the iPhone. Then, reconnect it to have Windows prompt you again.

Try Using a Different USB Cable

Incompatible USB cables sometimes cause connectivity issues between phones and computers.

If Windows shows the error despite correct transfer settings, the cable could be faulty.

Swap your current USB cable for a different one that firmly fits both devices. Avoid low-quality cables prone to premature failure.

Switch to a Functioning SD Card Reader

When transferring data to and from SD cards, Windows relies on connected card readers.

If your reader gets damaged, Windows cannot interface with inserted SD cards properly.

Use a separate card reader as a workaround when you see errors during SD card data transfers.

Activate USB Debugging on Android Devices

Media transfers require USB debugging enabled on Androids running Android 4.2 and higher.

Access developer settings by opening Settings, going to About phone, then tapping Build number seven times.

Return to Settings, enable Developer options, then toggle USB debugging on. Reconnect your device to allow file transfers.

Prevent USB Selective Suspend in Windows

To save power, Windows 11 automatically suspends unused USB devices.

This power-saving feature unintentionally disrupts media transfers in progress and triggers error messages. Rectify this by typing edit power plan in the search box.

Click Change advanced power settings, unfold the USB selective suspend menus, and set them to Disabled.

Check for Outdated USB Drivers in Windows

Media transfer problems often arise from corrupt or outdated USB drivers that hinder communication between Windows and connected devices.

Let Windows automatically fetch the latest drivers by going to Settings > Windows Update and clicking Check for updates.

Also, install optional updates under Advanced options for any available USB driver updates.

Update Buggy Firmware on Android and iPhones

Finally, outdated firmware versions on phones sometimes conflict with Windows 11 during media transfers.

Update your Android device by going to Settings > Software Update and install over-the-air updates.

For iPhones, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update to check for the latest iOS firmware version from Apple.

Conclusion

Tabletmonkeys hopes these 8 fixes for the pesky Please update your device's settings to accept media transfers error will help you successfully import photos and home videos from phones and cameras in Windows 11.