The PlayStation Portable is a very old handheld console, but it still has some interesting features that are relevant to this day. For instance, you can connect your PSP to a Wi-Fi network and download games from PlayStation Plus. It can also connect to a computer or PS3 via the USB port.
Why is your PSP not showing files in USB mode? It could be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from a power-only USB cable to the wrong folder being selected. Make sure you have selected the memory stick, instead of UMD/ Flash storage, and enable the setting in Windows that lets you see hidden files.
If none of the above steps work, you can also try plugging your PSP into a different computer. Maybe a Mac or Linux PC to see if it’s an issue with Windows. Some PSP memory sticks get their data corrupted over time; a simple format should fix this issue.
Why Is Your PSP Not Showing Files In USB Mode?
If you have a PSP that’s running the official firmware, it could be due to an error within the memory card. Corrupted files, bad memory card, that sort of thing. Users who have jailbroken PSPs and use SD card adapters might be facing this due to entirely different reasons, like a bad firmware patch.
First, make sure that it isn’t a hardware issue. Swap one memory card for another, then change out the USB cable for a fresh one. If you have a second computer, try plugging your PSP into that one.
The PSP can only display files if it is connected to a USB cable with data transfer. Some USB cables are for power only, and won’t show any files on the memory stick. While purchasing a USB cable for your PSP, make sure it’s a mini-B and is capable of transmitting data.
After you’ve double-checked everything to make sure it’s not a hardware issue, switch your PSP into USB mode. If you have cracked firmware installed, try reverting to the official firmware. Turn off USB Auto Connect, restart the console, and manually choose USB connection.
If your computer can read the memory card only when it’s connected via an adapter, it might be an issue with cracked firmware. To make sure it’s not a memory card issue, copy the files into a backup folder on your computer. Then, format the card and paste the files back into it.
Finally, make sure you’re looking in the right place. You should be browsing the memory stick and not the UMD drive/ flash storage of your PSP. Turn on the option within Windows Explorer that lets you see hidden files (can be found in the View tab, it’s a checkbox under “file name extensions”).
How Do I Put My PSP In USB Mode?
First, you need a mini-B USB cable to connect your PSP and computer (the large end goes into your computer). Then, you open the settings menu on your PSP and select “USB Connection”. Press “Accept”, and you’ll be able to view photos, games, music, videos, etc. stored on your PSP.
While you’re in the settings menu of your PSP, turn on “USB Auto Connect”. If you want a dedicated memory stick reader, you can buy one for your PC. These connect via USB and let you create backups of your game saves, photos, etc.
How Do I Transfer PSP Games Via USB?
You can transfer games from a PS3 or computer to your PSP with a USB cable. First, make sure you’re signed into the correct PSN account on your PS3 (the one that has purchased the PSP game). Then, you’ll need a PSP with a memory stick inserted.
Your PSP’s memory stick must be large enough to contain the game you plan on transferring. Connect your PSP and PS3 with a USB cable, by selecting “USB Connection” from your PSP’s system menu. On your PS3, select the game you want to send and press the triangle button on your controller to confirm.
If you have a PSP Go, you can also transfer games to its internal storage. The PC transfer process is similar, you just need the Sony MediaGo application. From this app, you can access your download list and select items that you want to copy onto your PSP.
Why Won’t My PSP Connect To My PC?
Reboot your PSP, try disabling the auto-connect feature, and manually enable the USB connection. If it still doesn’t connect, you might have a faulty USB cable (one that only transfers power and not data). Switch cables and try connecting to different PCs, this will help you understand where the issue lies.
Check the USB port on your PSP to make sure it isn’t filled with dust. If the cable can’t make proper contact, your PSP won’t be able to transmit or receive any data from the PC. Finally, hard reset the PSP by taking out the battery or holding the power button for 30 seconds.
Restart the PSP and select factory default settings, then reconnect to your computer. You can also go into “device manager” on your PC, and check which USB port the PSP is connected to. Uninstall the device, this will delete the driver (it will reinstall when you plug your PSP back in).
PSP Memory Stick Won’t Work
Make sure the memory stick slot is free from dust and other obstructions. The stick needs to be inserted all the way in, so it’s making contact with the pins inside the slot. The logo side needs to face upwards.
Format the memory stick, and reboot your PSP. Make sure files are loaded into the designated folders for music, games, photos, etc.
If your PSP is running cracked firmware, flash it back to the original one. To make sure it isn’t a hardware issue with the PSP or that particular memory stick, insert another stick into the slot.
Can A PSP Use Any SD Card?
PSPs don’t use SD cards, but proprietary Sony memory sticks. The later PSP Go model uses M2 memory cards.
However, modern adapters are available for the PSP that let you insert microSD cards into your console. With cracked firmware, you can play your entire game collection from ROMs loaded into this microSD card.
Conclusion
I hope this article helped you troubleshoot USB connection issues with your PSP. There are many reasons for this issue, and you must follow a step-by-step troubleshooting process to eliminate as many variables as possible. Before you begin troubleshooting, ensure that your PSP has at least 60 to 80% of charge.
Because you might need to flash the firmware (especially if it’s running cracked firmware). If your computer can read the PSP memory stick or card, create backups. Once you format the card, you can paste the files from your PC.