The file manager on Android is an analogue of Explorer on Windows or Finder on macOS. Use it to view, copy, move, or delete files, installed applications, downloaded documents, and media. However, not all users know where this utility is located, especially if it is hidden by the manufacturer or replaced by a proprietary solution (for example, MI File Manager on Xiaomi or My Files on Samsung).

In this article we will analyze all possible ways to access the file manager - from standard methods to alternative solutions for devices without preinstalled application. You will learn how to open the manager through application menu, system settings, notification panel and even using voice assistantAnd we will also compare built-in and third-party managers so that you can choose the best option for your tasks.

1. Standard method: search in the application menu

The most obvious method is to find the file manager in the list of installed apps, however, its name may differ depending on the smartphone manufacturer:

  • 📱 Samsung: "My Files"** (My Files) - usually located on the main page. screen or in the folder Samsung.
  • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO: "Files"** (File Manager) or MI File Manager - often hidden in the folder Tools.
  • 📱 Huawei/Honor: "Files"** (Files) - can be called Huawei File Manager.
  • 📱 Google Pixel and "pure" Android: "Files"** (Files by Google) - a pre-installed application from Google.
  • 📱 Other brands (Realme, Oppo, Nokia): usually called simply "File Manager"** or File Manager.

If you do not see an application on the main screen, follow these steps:

  1. Tap the icon "All applications"** (usually at the bottom of the screen or by swiping up).
  2. Scroll down the list or use search** (magnifying glass at the top of the screen) and enter “file”.
  3. Click on the application found - it will open access to the internal memory and SD card (if installed).
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If the file manager is not in the list, check the "Tools" or "Utilities" folder - manufacturers often group utility applications together.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy with a shell One UI), the manager icon may be hidden in the quick access panel** (swipe down from the top edge of the screen Scroll to the bottom of the notification panel and find the icon My files among other shortcuts.

2. Access through Android settings

If the standard search did not help, the file manager can be opened through system settings**. This method works on most devices, regardless of the brand:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Go to the section Storage (or Memory, Storage —the name depends on the version of Android).
  3. At the top of the screen you will see information about the used and free space. There should also be a button "Open" or "View files", leading to the file manager.

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) the path may look like this:

Settings → Additional settings → Storage → File management
What to do if there is no “Open” button?

On older versions of Android (below 9.0) or custom firmware, this method may not work. In this case, try installing a third-party manager (we’ll talk about them below) or use Explorer via a computer. by connecting your phone via USB.

Also in the storage settings you can see which files take up the most space (photos, videos, applications) and immediately go to their folders for cleaning.

3. Using the notification panel (quick access)

Many manufacturers add a file shortcut. manager in notification panel** for quick access. To check its presence:

  1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel.
  2. Expand the panel completely (swipe down again or click on the arrow).
  3. View the icons in bottom of the screen - among them there may be an icon Files, My files or File Manager.
  4. If there is no shortcut, click on the icon Edit (pencil) and add it manually from the list available.

On smartphones Samsung the shortcut My files is often located next to Power saving mode and No Disturb. data-i="111">It can be added through the notification panel settings: Xiaomi it can be added through the notification panel settings:

Settings → Notification panel → Change order → Find "Files"
📊 What is the brand of your smartphone?
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Xiaomi
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4. Voice assistant (Google Assistant or Bixby)

If you are too lazy to search for the manager manually, you can use voice assistant** This method is suitable for devices. with Google Assistant (all Android) or Bixby (only Samsung).

For Google Assistant:

  1. Activate the assistant by voice (“Okay, Google”) or hold the button Home (on older devices).
  2. Say the command: "Open file manager" or "Launch My Files".
  3. If several managers are installed on the phone, the assistant will specify which application to open.

For Bixby (on Samsung):

  1. Press and hold the button Bixby (usually on the left under the volume buttons) or say “Hey, Bixby.”
  2. Say: "Open My Files"** (Open My Files in English).
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If the voice assistant does not recognize the command, try alternative wording: “Show my files”, “Open the Downloads folder” or “Launch Files by Google”.

This method is especially convenient if you are driving or busy with other things. However, please note that voice search requires an Internet connection (to process the request on Google/Samsung servers).

5. manager

If the built-in manager is missing, inconvenient or limited in functionality, you can install an alternative application** from Google Play. Popular options:

Application Peculiarities Rating Size
Files by Google Official manager from Google, lightweight, with garbage cleaning function 4.7★ ~15 MB
Solid Explorer Two-panel interface, support for cloud storage, FTP 4.6★ ~20 MB
FX File Explorer Advanced functions (root access, archiver, text editor) 4.5★ ~25 MB
ES Explorer Popular, but with advertising; supports network drives 4.3★ ~30 MB

To install a third-party manager:

  1. Open Google Play Market.
  2. Enter the application name in the search (for example, Solid Explorer).
  3. Click "Install"** and wait until the download completes.
  4. After installation, open the manager from the application menu or through the icon on the main screen.

Check user reviews|Pay attention to the presence of advertising|Make sure your version is supported Android|Compare functionality (for example, working with ZIP archives)|-->

Third-party managers often offer additional functions that are not available in standard ones:

  • 🔍 Search by file contents** (not only by names).
  • 🔐 Folder encryption** (for example, in Solid Explorer).
  • ☁️ Integration with clouds** (Google Drive, Dropbox, Yandex Disk).
  • 🖥️ FTP/SFTP client** for remote file management.
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Third-party managers require permission to access the storage. After installation, be sure to grant them rights in the Android settings (Settings → Applications → Permissions).

6. Access via computer (USB or Wi-Fi)

If the phone does not have a file manager or it does not open, you can manage files from computer**. To do this, connect your smartphone to the PC via USB cable or Wi-Fi (via applications like AirDroid).

Step-by-step guide for USB connections:

  1. Connect your phone to the computer using a cable (preferably original).
  2. On the phone screen, select mode File transfer (or MTP — Media Transfer Protocol).
  3. On computer open This computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) - the device will appear as a removable disk.
  4. Go to folders Internal Storage (internal memory) or SD Card (if available).

For Wi-Fi connection:

  1. Install the application on your phone and computer AirDroid or Portal by Pushbullet.
  2. Connect both devices to one Wi-Fi network.
  3. Scan the QR code on the computer screen using your phone.
  4. In the web interface you will see the file system of the smartphone and can manage it.

1. Reconnect the cable.

2. data-i="202">USB debugging USB debugging in the developer settings.

3. Update drivers MTP on the PC.-->

This method is convenient for bulk copying of files (for example, transferring photos) or when you need to free up space on phone without manually deleting data.

7. Solving problems: the manager does not open or is missing

Sometimes the file manager may not be in the menu or may not start. Let's look at typical causes and ways to solve them:

Problem Possible. reason Solution
The manager is not in the menu The manufacturer does not install it by default (rarely) Install Files by Google or another manager from Play Market
The application opens and closes immediately Cache or data failure Clear the cache: Settings → Applications → File manager → Storage → Clear cache
No access to SD card Memory card is not formatted or damaged Check the card on another device or format it
Some files are not displayed Hidden or system files Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings

If the manager was deleted** (for example, along with proprietary software), you can restore it like this:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Installed.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper corner and select Show system ones.
  3. Find in the list File Manager (or a similar name).
  4. Click "Enable" or "Install updates"if the application is disabled.
How to return the deleted manager to Xiaomi?

On Xiaomi some system applications (including MI File Manager) can be restored via Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Installed → Filter (three dots) → Show all. Find the manager in the list and click "Install"**.

On some firmware (for example, custom ROMs), the standard manager can be replaced with an alternative one. In this case, its restoration is only possible by flashing the device.

8. managers

The choice between a standard and a third-party manager depends on your tasks. Let's consider the key differences:

  • ⚡ Speed of operation**: built-in managers are usually lighter and faster, as they are optimized for firmware.
  • 🛠️ Functional**: third-party applications offer advanced features (archivers, FTP, clouds).
  • 🔒 Security**: standard managers are less likely to request unnecessary permissions.
  • 📱 Integration**: proprietary solutions (for example, My Files on Samsung) work better with the brand ecosystem.

Recommendations for selection:

  • 📂 For basic tasks** (viewing, copying, deleting), the built-in manager is enough.
  • 🔧 For advanced operations** (working with archives, network drives) choose Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
  • 🧹 For garbage cleaning** suitable Files by Google with the function Cleaning.
  • 🔐 For privacy** use managers with encryption (for example, Cx File Explorer).
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If you often work with files on your phone, test different managers for a week - most of them have free versions with limited functionality.

Do not forget that some manufacturers block the installation of third-party managers** on their devices (for example, Huawei without Google services. In this case, you will have to use the built-in solution or install APK files manually.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android Go (lightweight version for weak smartphones), the functionality of the file manager can be greatly reduced. In this case, it is recommended to install Files by Google —it is optimized for such devices.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the file manager on Android

🔹 Why does the file manager not see files on the SD card?

This can happen for several reasons:

  • The memory card is not formatted in the file system FAT32 or exFAT (try formatting it through phone).
  • Android does not have rights to access the card. Go to Settings → Storage → SD card → Settings (three dots) → Format as internal storage (data will be deleted!).
  • The card is damaged - check it on another device.
🔹 How to enable the display of hidden files?

In most managers this is done like this:

  1. Open the file manager.
  2. Click on icon ⋮ (three dots) or ⚙️ (settings).
  3. Find the option "Show hidden files"** (or Show hidden files) and activate it.

Hidden files are displayed automatically if their names begin with a dot (for example, Files by Google Hidden files are shown automatically if their names begin with a dot (for example, .nomedia).

🔹 Is it possible to use the file manager without the Internet?

Yes, all basic functions** (viewing, copying, deleting) work offline. However, some operations will require a connection:

  • Synchronization with cloud storages (Google Drive, Dropbox).
  • Updating the application.
  • Checking hash sums of files (in some managers).
🔹 How to transfer files from phone to phone without computer?

There are several ways:

  1. Via Bluetooth**: turn on Bluetooth on both devices, select files in the manager and send them through the menu Share.
  2. Via Wi-Fi Direct**: activate Wi-Fi Direct in the network settings, connect devices and transfer files.
  3. Via the cloud**: upload files to Google Drive or Yandex Disk from one phone and download to another.
  4. Using applications**: use ShareIt, Xender or LocalSend for fast transfer.
🔹 Why are some files not deleted?

This may be due to:

  • Protection systems**: files in folders /system or /data cannot be deleted without root access.
  • File usage**: if the file is open in another application (for example, a video is playing), close it and try again.
  • Access rights**: check if the manager has permission to change files (Settings → Applications → File manager → Permissions).

If the file is still not deleted, try using ADB (for experienced users) or special utilities like SD Maid.