Smartphone owners Samsung often face a situation where they need to quickly find a downloaded file, move photos or clear the device’s memory. However, the familiar folder icon, which many call “Explorer,” may not be on the main screen on new models or may have a different name. This causes some confusion among users switching from other brands or just starting to explore the ecosystem of the Korean giant.
In fact, every device based on One UI has already installed a powerful file manager, hidden under the name “My Files”. It provides access to all internal memory, memory card microSD and even cloud storage. Understanding where to look for this tool and how to use it correctly is the key to effectively managing your smartphone data.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the ways to detect System Explorer, look at its interface, and give recommendations for optimizing work with files. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes when deleting data and how to turn a standard application into a convenient content management center.
My Files system application: main explorer
Unlike many other manufacturers, the company Samsung does not use the standard "pure" Android interface for managing files. Instead, she developed her own application called "My Files" (or My Files in English). This is not just a simple folder, but a full-fledged file manager with advanced functionality.
By default, the icon of this application is usually located in the "Samsung" folder, located on one of the main screens or in the all applications menu. If you swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open a list of all your installed apps, you'll find a yellow folder icon labeled "My Files." This is where all your documents, downloads, images and audio files are stored.
The application interface is divided into logical categories, which makes navigation much easier. You don't have to manually navigate the system's complex directories if you're looking for a specific type of content. The system automatically sorts the data, saving you time and stress when searching for the right document.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the My Files application with Google Drive or other cloud services that may be pre-installed. "My Files" works exclusively with the local storage of your device, although it has a function to connect to the cloud.
For quick access to frequently used functions, the developers have introduced a convenient favorites panel. You can customize it to suit your needs by adding the most important directories there. This is especially useful for those who regularly work with specific projects or folders.
Add the Downloads folder to favorites inside the My Files app to instantly jump to downloaded documents without unnecessary menu navigation.
Alternative ways to find a file manager
What to do if you can't find manual application icon? Modern launchers allow you to hide apps or change their location, which sometimes confuses users. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to find the tool you need without going through hundreds of icons.
The fastest method is to use the built-in search. From any main menu screen, swipe down to activate the search bar Google or system search Samsung. Enter the request “My Files” or “Files”, and the system will instantly offer to launch the desired application. This method works even if the icon was accidentally deleted from the desktop.
Another option is to use a voice assistant Bixby or Google Assistant. Just say the command “Open my files” or “Show explorer”, and your smartphone will perform the action automatically. This is especially convenient when your hands are full or you're on the move.
- 🔍 Use the search bar on the home screen for instant launch.
- 🗣️ Activate the voice assistant to open an app without touching.
- ⚙️ Check your home screen settings for hidden apps.
- 📂 Try to find the application through the settings in the "Applications" section.
If none of the methods worked, the application may have been disabled in the system settings. In this case, you need to go to the settings menu, select the “Applications” section, find “My Files” in the list and make sure that it is not in the “Disabled” state. If it is disabled, just activate it again.
Storage structure and section navigation
After launching the “My Files” application, the user is taken to the main screen, where summary information about the occupied space and the main categories of data is presented. Understanding the structure of these partitions is critical for proper management of the device's memory.
A visualization of the internal memory usage is displayed at the top of the screen. Here you can see how much space apps, images, videos and other files take up. By clicking on this diagram, you will be taken to a detailed analysis of the storage, which allows you to quickly identify memory “eaters.”
The main categories are located below: Images, Video, Audio, Documents, Downloads and APK files. Each of these folders aggregates files of the corresponding type from all corners of the internal memory. For example, if you downloaded a picture through a browser and saved it to another folder, it will still appear in the “Images” section.
| Category | Description of contents | Typical volume |
|---|---|---|
| Images | Photos from cameras, screenshots, pictures from messengers | High |
| Video | Camera recordings, downloaded videos, films | Very high |
| Documents | PDF, Word, Excel, presentations | Low |
| Downloads | All files downloaded from the browser | Medium |
| Audio | Music, voice recordings, ringtones | Average |
Section Internal storagedeserves special attention. When you go here, you will see a classic file structure with root directories like Android, DCIM, Download. This level is for advanced users who need access to system folders or application-specific data.
Categories in the main My Files menu are virtual collections that show files of the same type from different physical folders, making it easier to find.
File management: copy, move and archiving
The main function of any explorer is data manipulation. In the application from Samsung these processes are implemented intuitively, but have their own features characteristic of the shell One UI. To start working with a file, you need to select it with a long press.
After selecting a file or group of files, an action bar appears at the bottom of the screen. The buttons “Copy”, “Move”, “Delete”, “Share” and others are available here. The logic of the operation is simple: you select an action, then go to the target folder and confirm the operation with the “Finish” or “Paste” button.
A feature of file operations on Android is that when moving large amounts of data, the process may take some time. Interrupting this process may result in corrupted files. Therefore, it is important to wait for the completion of the operation, the indicator of which is displayed in notifications.
⚠️ Attention: When moving system files or application data from a folder
Android/datayou may disrupt the operation of apps. Act in these directories only if you know exactly what you are doing.
An archive creation function is also available. After selecting multiple files, you can select the "Compress" option to create ZIP archive. This is useful for sending multiple documents via email or saving space when making backups. Unzipping occurs in the same way by simply clicking on the archive file.
☑️ Correct movement of files
Setting up display and sorting data
Comfort of working with files in many ways depends on how they are displayed on the screen. In the settings of the My Files application, you can flexibly customize the type of lists and sorting order, which is especially important when there are a large number of documents.
By default, files are sorted by date modified, but you can change this setting. In the settings menu (three dots in the corner of the screen), you can choose to sort by name, size or type. To find specific versions of documents, sorting by date is often the most effective solution.
You can also switch between Grid view and List view. The grid view is useful for viewing images and videos as it shows previews of the files. The list view is more informative for documents and system files, as it displays the exact size and date in text format.
Another useful feature is the display of hidden files. By default, files whose names begin with a dot (for example, .nomedia) are not visible in Explorer. If you need to find such a file, activate the corresponding switch in the application settings menu.
Why are hidden files needed?
Hidden files are often used by applications to store configurations or to hide media folders from the gallery. The .nomedia file, for example, prevents the media player from scanning the folder.
Advanced capabilities and integration with the cloud
Modern Explorer on smartphones Samsung is not just a tool for local management, but also a hub for working with cloud services. The application allows you to connect accounts Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive and other providers directly to the interface.
To connect cloud storage, you need to go to the "Cloud Storage" menu and select the desired service. After authorization, files from the cloud will be displayed in the general list along with local data. This allows you to copy files from the Internet directly to your phone or upload photos from your phone to the cloud in a couple of touches.
In addition, the application supports working with network storage NAS and computers on the local network via the protocol SMB. This turns your smartphone into a powerful control panel for your home media library or office archive without the need to install third-party software.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and available functions may vary slightly depending on the version of One UI and the model of your smartphone. You can always check the latest features in the "About" section inside the application.
Using built-in analysis tools also helps to maintain order. Storage Analysis scans your storage and suggests removing duplicate files, unused apps, and large files you haven't opened in a while. This is an effective way to free up space without the risk of deleting something important.
Regularly use the Storage Analysis feature in the My Files app to delete duplicate photos and large forgotten video files, freeing up gigabytes of space.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible install another explorer instead of "My Files"?
Yes, you can download any file manager from the store Google Play, for example, Total Commander or Files by Google. However, the My Files application is deeply integrated into the Samsung system and often works more stable with system folders.
Where do the files go after emptying the recycle bin?
The My Files application has its own recycle bin. If you clear it, the files are deleted permanently. They can only be restored using specialized data recovery software, and this is not always successful.
Why don’t I see the Android folder in Explorer?
Starting with Android 11 and higher, access to the folder Android/data is limited in third-party applications for security reasons. In Samsung's native Explorer, access may be limited or require special permissions.
How to find downloaded files from Telegram or WhatsApp?
Files from instant messengers are usually saved in a folder Android/media or in the root folder with the name of the messenger (for example, WhatsApp). The easiest way to find them is through the "Documents" or "Pictures" category in the main menu of "My Files".
Is it possible to connect a flash drive to Samsung via File Explorer?
Yes, when you connect a USB drive via an OTG cable, it will automatically appear in the "My Files" section as a separate storage device (for example, USB Storage). You will be able to copy data between it and the internal memory.