Here are detailed, very simple step-by-step instructions written for someone who is not tech-savvy. I’ll break everything into tiny, easy steps with clear wording. We’ll do two main things:

  1. Make the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra allow file transfer (so the laptop can see and copy files from the phone via USB cable).
  2. Download the backed-up photos and videos from Google Photos to the phone (then copy them to the laptop).

Since the original Google account (the work email) is no longer accessible, this plan won’t work directly if the photos are only in that account’s Google Photos library and the app isn’t already signed in with it on the phone. Google Photos on the phone requires signing in to view/download the cloud library. If the phone is still signed into that old work account in the Google Photos app (or if Google account access is still possible on the phone), we can download from there. If not, the person may need to regain access to the old account (contact former employer IT for help recovering it or exporting data) or use a computer/browser to request a Google Takeout export if any recovery is possible. But assuming the Google Photos app on the phone can still show the photos (common if the account is still added), here’s how to proceed.

Part 1: Enable File Transfer (USB) on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

This lets the laptop see the phone like a USB drive so you can copy files over.

What you’ll need:

  • The USB cable that came with the phone (or a good data USB-C cable — not just a charging cable).
  • The phone unlocked and charged.
  • The laptop turned on.

Steps (do this every time you connect if it doesn’t remember):

  1. Make sure the phone screen is unlocked (enter PIN/pattern if needed).
  2. Plug one end of the USB cable into the phone (bottom port).
  3. Plug the other end into the laptop.
  4. Wait a few seconds. On the phone screen, look for a small notification that pops up near the top (it might say “USB charging this device” or “Charging”).
  5. Swipe your finger down from the very top of the phone screen (like pulling down a shade) to open the Notification panel. Do this 1–2 times if needed to see more.
  6. Look for a notification about USB (it might say “USB for charging”, “Android Auto”, or “Tap for other USB options”).
  7. Tap that USB notification.
  8. A menu will appear with choices like:
    • Charging this device only
    • Transferring files / Android Auto (or File Transfer, MTP)
    • Transferring images (PTP)
    • MIDI
  9. Tap Transferring files (or File Transfer / MTP — the exact words may vary slightly, but pick the one about files or transferring).
  10. If it asks “Allow access to your data?” or similar, tap Allow or OK.
  11. On the laptop, open File Explorer (Windows key + E, or search for “File Explorer”).
  12. Look under “This PC” or “My Computer” — you should now see the phone listed (something like “Galaxy S24 Ultra” or “S24 Ultra”).
  13. Click it to open — you can now see folders like DCIM (for camera photos/videos), Downloads, Pictures, etc.

Optional but helpful tip (set it to always do file transfer): If it keeps defaulting to charging and you want to make it permanent:

  1. On the phone, open Settings app (gear icon).
  2. Scroll down and tap About phone.
  3. Tap Software information.
  4. Tap Build number quickly 7 times (it will say “You are now a developer!” after a few taps — enter PIN if asked).
  5. Go back to main Settings.
  6. Now search for “Developer options” (or find it under System).
  7. Open Developer options.
  8. Scroll to Default USB configuration (near the top or search for it).
  9. Tap it and choose File transfer / Transferring files. Now it should default to file transfer every time you plug in.

If the phone still doesn’t show on the laptop: Try a different USB port on the laptop, restart both devices, or download/install Samsung Smart Switch from samsung.com (free) on the laptop — it often fixes driver issues.

Part 2: Download Photos & Videos from Google Photos to the Phone(Then copy to laptop using the USB setup above.)Important note: This assumes the Google Photos app on the phone is still signed in to the old work Google account (or can sign in — if it prompts for password and you don’t have it, this won’t work without account recovery). If signed out and can’t sign in, photos in the cloud can’t be downloaded via the phone app.

Steps to download everything (or in batches):

  1. Open the Google Photos app on the phone (it has a pinwheel/multicolor logo). If not installed, get it free from Play Store.
  2. If it asks to sign in, use the old work email — but if no access, stop here and seek account recovery (e.g., former work IT might export for you).
  3. Once inside, you should see all the backed-up photos/videos.
  4. To download many at once (best way for lots of content):
    • Tap the first photo you want (hold your finger on it to select).
    • Scroll down (or swipe up) to the last one you want.
    • While holding the first, tap others or use “Select” if shown.
    • For all: Tap the three dots (⋮) or menu at top > Select > tap Select all (if available) or manually select in groups.
    • Tap the three dots again > Download.
  5. The phone will start saving them to the Downloads folder or Pictures / DCIM (it may take time if many — keep phone charged and on Wi-Fi).
  6. Repeat in smaller batches if too many (e.g., by year or album) to avoid crashing.
  7. Alternative for individual or small groups: Open a photo > tap three dots > Download.

After downloading to phone:

  1. Follow Part 1 to connect phone to laptop via USB (set to Transferring files).
  2. On laptop File Explorer, open the phone.
  3. Go to folders like:
    • DCIM > Camera (main camera photos/videos)
    • Pictures or Google Photos (downloaded ones often land here)
    • Downloads
  4. Find the downloaded files (sort by date if needed).
  5. Select them (Ctrl+A for all, or drag to select).
  6. Right-click > Copy (or Ctrl+C).
  7. On laptop, go to a folder (e.g., make a new one like “Phone Photos”).
  8. Right-click > Paste (or Ctrl+V).
  9. Wait for copy — don’t unplug until done.
  10. Safely eject: Right-click phone in File Explorer > Eject, then unplug.

This gets everything local to the laptop hard drive. Once copied, you can delete from phone if space is needed (but back up first!). If Google Photos shows nothing because account access is lost, the only real fix is recovering the account or having the former employer provide an export (Google Takeout from their side). If photos are still on the phone itself (not just cloud), skip Part 2 and just copy from DCIM/Camera folder via USB.

Take it slow — one step at a time.

 

For Help Click Here