Smartphone owners Samsung Galaxy often face a situation when the usual icon for managing documents suddenly disappears from the desktop. This is puzzling because access to downloaded files, images and system data becomes difficult. In fact, file manager didn't go anywhere, it could just be hidden in a folder or disabled in the interface settings. In the operating shell One UI this application is a system one and is called My files.
Understanding the structure of the Android file system is necessary for every user to properly organize data. Without a special tool, navigating the internal storage turns into a chaotic search. We will analyze in detail all possible scenarios: from a simple search for an icon to restoring a deleted or disabled system component. You will also learn how alternative solutions can replace the standard tool if for some reason you are not satisfied with it.
Standard location of the My Files application
By default, the company Samsung places its proprietary explorer in a special system folder. On most modern models, such as Galaxy S23 or Galaxy A54, this folder is called Samsung. It is usually located on the home screen or in the all applications menu, which opens by swiping up. Inside you will find a set of pre-installed utilities, including a voice recorder, a calculator and, of course, the manager we need.
If you do not see the folder Samsung on the first screen, try scrolling through the desktops to the right or left. Sometimes users accidentally move system groups to the end of the page list. It's also worth checking the menu of all applications: there icons can be sorted alphabetically or by frequency of use. In the alphabetical list, look for the name My files or English My Files, depending on the interface language of your smartphone.
Please note that in some regions or when using certain firmware versions, the name may differ. However, the icon remains recognizable - it is usually a yellow folder with a blue logo Samsung inside. You can also find it through a global search by phone. Simply pull down the screen to open the search bar and search for "files." The system will instantly highlight the desired application if it is active.
If you often use the file manager, long-press the application icon and select "Add to Home Screen" to create a quick shortcut outside the system folder.
Search through the settings and application menu
Sometimes visual search does not produce results due to customization features user interface. In this case, the most reliable way to detect hidden tools is through the settings menu. Go to section Settings, then select item Applications. You will see a complete list of installed software, including system services that do not have shortcuts on the desktop.
In the list of applications, use the search bar at the top of the screen or scroll through the list manually. Look for an application with the name My files. If you find it in the list, click on it to open the application card. Here you can see if it is enabled. If the button Enable is active, it means that the application was disabled, and that is why you could not find it earlier.
Also in this menu you can check whether the application is hidden in a special mode. Some versions One UI have a function to hide applications to increase privacy or reduce visual noise. Go to the main screen settings (press and hold an empty space on the desktop and select Settings), then find the item Hide applications. Check the list of hidden apps and remove My Files from there if it is found there.
Restoring a deleted or disabled explorer
System applications on Android, especially from the device manufacturer, are extremely difficult to remove completely without receiving it root access. Most often, users encounter not uninstalling, but disabling a component. If you find My filesin the application menu, but it is gray or inactive, press the Enablebutton. This will instantly return the icon to its place.
In rare cases, if the application was uninstalled through ADB (debug interface) or third-party tweakers, it can only be returned by resetting the settings or reinstalling the system package. However, for the average user it is enough to know that the standard explorer is part of the firmware. Even after a factory reset, it will appear again in the folder Samsung.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to remove system packages related to file management through third-party apps without a deep understanding of the consequences. This can lead to unstable system operation and errors when updating the software.
If the standard activation method does not work, there may be a failure in the launcher cache. Try clearing the application cache One UI Home in the settings. Go to Settings → Applications, find One UI Home, select Memory and click Clear cache. This action is safe for your data, but can rebuild the structure of desktops and return missing icons.
☑️ Checking application status
Alternative file managers from Google Play
If for some reason the standard solution from Samsung does not suit you or you just want to expand the functionality, the store Google Play offers hundreds of alternatives. Third-party developers often introduce features that are missing in stock versions, for example, built-in access to cloud services or advanced archiving capabilities.
- 📁 Files by Google - the official application from the search giant, featuring a clean interface and powerful tools for cleaning up garbage.
- 📂 Solid Explorer - an advanced two-panel manager with encryption support and connection to clouds via FTP and WebDAV.
- 🔍 FX File Explorer is a lightweight and fast tool with a convenient multimedia viewer and network capabilities.
Installing a third-party application does not require complex manipulations. Just go to the store, enter the name in the search and press the button Install. After installation, the new shortcut will appear in the general list of applications. You can set it as the default app for opening certain types of files, thereby replacing the default system choice.
When choosing an alternative, pay attention to the permissions that the application requests. A file manager by definition requires access to the entire storage, but some apps may request extra rights, such as access to contacts or microphone. Always check the permissions section before installing unknown software. Trusted apps have millions of downloads and high ratings.
Display settings and sorting files
After you have found or installed a file manager, it is advisable to customize it to suit your needs. The application My files from Samsung has flexible display settings. You can change the list view from tiled to detailed to see file sizes and modification dates. This is especially useful when searching for heavy videos or documents.
To access the settings, click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and select Settings. Here you can activate the display of hidden files, which usually begin with a period in the name. The Recycle Bin setting is also available: you can specify how many days deleted files will be kept before being permanently erased, or disable this feature to save space.
| Function | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Show hidden files | Displays system and user-hidden data | Settings → Show hidden files |
| Storage analysis | Visualization of occupied space by category | Home page → Analysis |
| Secure folder | Secure space for confidential data | Settings → Secure folder |
| Network storage | Connect to NAS or PC via local network | Memory → Network storage |
Usage functions Storage analysis helps to quickly identify files that take up a lot of space. The application groups data by type: images, videos, documents, downloads. This simplifies the process of cleaning your phone without having to manually go through each directory. Regularly checking this section allows you to keep your smartphone in optimal condition.
What is a Secure Folder?
A Secure Folder is an isolated encrypted space on your device. Files moved there are not visible in normal mode and require additional authentication (PIN code, fingerprint) to access. This is an ideal option for storing personal photos and documents.
Working with archives and network resources
Modern file managers on Android can work not only with internal memory, but also with external media. If you use a memory card microSDit will appear in the Memory section as a separate drive. You can freely move files between internal storage and the card using standard copy and cut operations.
In addition, the built-in tool supports working with archive formats ZIP i RAR. You do not need to install additional apps to unpack downloaded archives. Just click on the archive file and the system will offer to extract its contents. To create archives, just select several files, press the menu and select the item Compress.
⚠️ Attention: When moving large amounts of data (more than 10 GB) to a memory card, make sure that it has a high speed class (U3 or V30). Slow cards can cause the copying process to freeze.
For advanced users, the function of connecting to network storage is available. Through the menu Network storage you can add an FTP server address or connect a computer on the same Wi-Fi network. This turns your smartphone into a full-fledged terminal for managing files on remote devices without the need to remove a memory card or use a cable.
The built-in Samsung manager supports working with cloud services (Google Drive, OneDrive) directly, allowing you to download and upload files without installing separate applications.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Despite the stability of the work, users may encounter errors when opening the file manager. The most common problem is that the application closes immediately after launch. This is often due to a full cache or a conflict after a system update. In this case, clearing application data (not files, but the app cache) usually solves the problem.
Another situation is lack of access to certain folders, for example Android/data. Starting with Android 11, Google has restricted third-party app access to these directories for security purposes. The standard manager My files from Samsung has special rights and can open these folders, but when trying to copy, it may ask for additional confirmation through the system window.
If you cannot find the downloaded files, check the settings of the browser or messenger through which they were received. Sometimes the default save path changes to an application specific folder. Use a search by file name inside the manager - this is the fastest way to localize a document deep in the file structure.
Why are some files not deleted?
The file may be locked by a running process. Close any applications that use this document or restart your phone before attempting to uninstall. Also, the file may be located in a protected system area.
Is it possible to completely remove the My Files application?
Without obtaining root access and using complex tools like ADB, it is completely impossible to remove a system application. You can only disable it, but this is not recommended, since other apps may depend on its libraries to open files.
Why did the icon disappear after a firmware update?
With major updates to Android or One UI, the desktop structure may be reset. The icon may have returned to the general application menu or been moved to the Samsung folder. Check the settings of hidden applications.
How to open files on your computer through this manager?
Use the “Network Storage” function or connect your phone with a cable. In file transfer mode (MTP), the computer will see the internal memory of the smartphone as an external drive, and you will be able to manage files through Windows Explorer or macOS.
Is it safe to use third-party file managers?
Yes, if you download them from the official Google Play store. Avoid installing APK files from unverified sources, as managers have full access to all your data and can become a tool for stealing information.
Where are files received on Telegram or WhatsApp stored?
Messenger files are usually located in a folder Android/media or in the root of memory in folders with the name of the messenger (for example Telegram, WhatsApp). In new versions of Android, the path has become deeper due to access restrictions.