FIX 'the device has either stopped responding or is disconnected' Error

"I get this error 'Cannot copy item. The device has either stopped responding or has been disconnected' when trying to copy some large HD videos and pictures from Windows 10 computer to an Android device. The device is connected via USB and USB debugging is enabled. What's the problem?"

What Does "The device has either stopped responding or is disconnected" Imply

The error message 'the device has either stopped responding or is disconnected' error usually appears on your computer screen when you copy files on iPhone, iPad, phone, USB drive or SD card.

Do you have some clues how did this error come or what prevents you from copying files properly from your computer to a connected device or vise versa? We summarized some of the following factors.

• You're trying to copy a lot of files together or does multiple tasks at the time with the phone or SD card or USB drive.
• It's all about the connection problems. Did you use the card reader for SD card? Or the original USB cable for your Android, iPhone or iPad?
• Driver or hardware problems stopped you from using the drive as normal.

To avoid driver problems affecting your hard drive, you can update your drivers regularly. Here is a great utility to help you, EaseUS DriverHandy. It can automatically scan and update your drivers to the latest version. Now, download it to try.

General Troubleshooting Solutions

There are four common tips that you should try first.

Method 1. Reconnect Your Device

Step 1. Unplug the phone, SD card or USB drive from the computer

Step 2. Close all the applications that are open in the background and then plug the device back in and check if the error persists.

Method 2. Restart Your Devices

Restart your phone and PC. After it's off, plug your phone into a USB port again to turn your phone and PC back on.

Method 3. Check Your Device Settings

Some phones have USB settings that allow the data connection to be enabled separately from the charging connection. If your phone has this option, check the settings to ensure your USB data connection is enabled. 

For example, Android phone, the simplest way is to go to settings > developer options > select USB configuration > select audio source while connecting to computer > select media transfer protocol (MTP). The device driver will install automatically.

Method 4. Check the USB Port

A broken USB port could also create problems. You got two options to check the USB port. One, plug another USB into the same port on your computer and check it works or not. Two, use the same USB cable on another computer's USB port.

If problems were confirmed, see how to fix USB port not working.

Advanced Troubleshooting Solutions

If none of the tips above works, you can try the more advance methods below.

Method 1. Troubleshoot the Hardware Issue

Use the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter in Windows to troubleshoot the hardware issues that may cause your device stopped responding or disconnected.

Step 1. Press "Win + I" to open the Windows Settings panel and navigate to "Update & Security" > "Troubleshoot".

Step 2. On your right-hand side, you should see the Hardware and Devices option. Click on this option and then click on the "Run the troubleshooter" button.

Method 2. Reinstall the USB Controller

Meanwhile, an internal issue with the USB controller will also invoke the error "The device has either stopped responding or has been disconnected". Try to uninstall and reinstall USB controllers to remove the error.

Step 1. Press "Windows + R" keys to open the Run dialog box. Type devmgmt.msc and hit "Enter".

Step 2. Then the Device Manager will open. Navigate to "Universal Serial Bus controllers".

Step 3. Expand the menu, and find out the current USB device that is creating the problem. Right-click on it, and select "Uninstall Device".

Step 4. A popup will open. Select the "Uninstall" option.

Step 5. Unplug the device, restart your computer and plug the device in. Later, you will be asked to install the controller again.