The folder Data on Android is a real “black box” of a smartphone where application settings, caches, databases and other critical files are stored. But finding it is not so easy: the system hides this directory from users without root access, and standard file managers often do not show its contents. Why does this happen?

It's a matter of security: the folder /data contains confidential information - from passwords to messenger data. Manufacturers restrict access to it to prevent accidental deletion of system files or leakage of personal data. However, sometimes access to this folder is necessary: ​​for backup, transferring data between devices, or debugging applications. In this article, we will look at all working methodshow to find and open the Data folder on Android - from simple to technically complex.

1. What is the Data folder on Android and why do you need it?

Folder /data is a section of Android internal memory where:

  • 📁 Data applications (/data/data/) are stored - settings, cache, databases (for example, correspondence in WhatsApp or saves in games).
  • 🔑 System files —Android configurations, error logs, temporary files.
  • 👤 User profiles (if there are several accounts on the device).
  • 🔒 Encrypted data —for example, Wi-Fi passwords or bank details applications.

By default, the folder is hidden and rights-protected root. This is done for:

  • 🛡️ Virus protection —many malicious apps try to gain access to /datain order to steal data.
  • ⚙️ System stability —accidentally deleting files from this folder can lead to crashes or bricking of the device.
  • 🔐 Privacy —authorization tokens, browser history and other sensitive information are stored here.
⚠️ Attention: Changing files in /data without understanding the consequences can disrupt the operation of applications or the entire system. For example, deleting a folder /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/ will reset all smartphone settings to factory settings.

When may you need to access this folder?

  • 🔄 Data Transfer between devices (for example, saving games or chats).
  • 📱 Backup before resetting settings.
  • 🐞 Debugging applications (for developers).
  • 🔧 Recovering deleted files (if they were not overwritten).
📊 Why do you need access to the Data folder?
Transferring data between phones
Recovering deleted files
Debugging applications
Curiosity
Other

2. Method 1: View through a standard file manager (without root)

On most smartphones, the folder /data is not displayed in the standard file manager (for example, Files by Google or Mi File Manager). However, some manufacturers leave loopholes:

  1. Open any file manager (for example, Total Commander or FX File Explorer).

  2. Go to the root directory (/). If folder data no - it means access is blocked.

  3. Try to manually enter the path in the address bar: /data/data/. On some devices (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) this will work for viewing. only your data (folders like /data/data/your.application/).

What will you see?

  • 📂 Folders with the names of application packages (for example, com.whatsapp, com.android.chrome).
  • 🔒 Folders of other users (if any) will be inaccessible.
  • ❌ System folders (system, dalvik-cache) will remain hidden.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 11+ even this limited access may be blocked due to policies Scoped Storage. In this case, only root or ADB will help.

If the file manager does not show the folder /data, try:

  • 🔄 Update the manager up to the latest version.
  • 🔧 Enable the display of hidden files in the settings (usually in the "View" or "Settings" section).
  • 📱 Use alternative managers (see the next section).
💡

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS or EMUI), the folder /data may be displayed as /sdcard/android/data/ —but this not the sameonly external application data is stored there, not system data. files.

3. Method 2: Using third-party file managers with root access

If your device has root access, you can use specialized file managers that can work with system partitions:

  • 📂 Root Explorer —a classic manager with root support, a user-friendly interface and a built-in text editor.
  • 🛠️ FX File Explorer —supports root, FTP, cloud storage and has a built-in archiver.
  • 🔍 Solid Explorer —modern design, two-panel mode and support for encrypted archives.
  • 🐧 Mixplorer - a powerful tool with support for many protocols (including SMB and WebDAV).

Setup instructions (using Root Explorer as an example):

  1. Download and install Root Explorer from Google Play (or from the official website if the application is removed from store).

  2. Start the manager and provide root access when prompted (click “Grant” or “Allow” in the window SuperSU/Magisk).

  3. Go to the root directory (/) and find folder data. It will be marked with a 🔒 (protected) icon.

  4. To open the folder, click on it and select “Mount as R/W” (mount for reading/writing). Now you can view and edit files.

Important: Changing files. c /data/data/ may cause applications to malfunction. For example, if you delete the folder com.android.providers.contacts/, all contacts will be lost.

Manager Root support Editing files Additional functions
Root Explorer ✅ Yes ✅ Text/binaries SQLite editor, multi-user mode
FX File Explorer ✅ Yes (plugin) ✅ Text/hex FTP server, clouds, archiver
Solid Explorer ✅ Yes ✅ Text/images Double-panel mode, dark theme
Mixplorer ✅ Yes ✅ Full access Support for SMB, WebDAV, encryption

If you do not have root access, but have unlocked bootloader, you can temporarily get root via Magisk or SuperSU. However, this will void the warranty and may interfere with the operation of some applications (for example, banking).

Install a root management application (Magisk, SuperSU)

Make a backup a copy of the data (via TWRP or Titanium Backup)

Check the free space on the device (minimum 1 GB)

Disable the antivirus (it may block access to system files)-->

4 Method 3: Access via ADB (without root, but with). restrictions)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a tool for debugging Android devices via a computer. With its help you can access some files in /data, even without root access. However, the capabilities will be limited:

  • ✅ You can copy files from /data/data/your.application/.
  • ❌ You will not be able to view or change files other users or system data.
  • ⚠️ On Android 10+ access is even more limited due to policy Scoped Storage.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Install ADB on your computer:

    • For Windows: download Android SDK Platform-Tools and unzip to any folder.
    • For Linux/macOS: install via the package manager (sudo apt install adb or brew install android-platform-tools).

  • Enable USB debugging on your phone:

    1. Go to Settings → About phone → Build number and press 7 times to activate developer mode.
    2. Go back to Settings → System → For developers and enable “USB Debugging.”

  • Connect your phone to the computer and confirm trust in the device (a request will appear on the smartphone screen).

  • Open the command line (or Terminal) and run: 

    adb shell

    ls /data/data/

    This will show a list of application folders to which you have access.

  • To copy files to your computer, use: 

    adb pull /data/data/com.example.app/file.txt C:\path\on\computer

    • Example: to copy the database WhatsApp, run:

    adb pull /data/data/com.whatsapp/databases/msgstore.db ~/Downloads/
    ⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ even ADB will not give full access to /data without root. You will only be able to work with your user's files and only within the application permissions.

    If the command ls /data/data/ returns an error Permission denied, which means that additional restrictions are enabled on your device. In this case, the only thing that will help is:

    • 🔓 Obtaining root access.
    • 🔄 Using TWRP (custom recovery) to create backup partition /data.
    What to do if ADB does not see the device?

    1. Check if the drivers are installed (download for Windows Google USB Driver).

    2. Try a different USB cable (not all cables support data transfer).

    3. Restart the phone and computer.

    4. Enable the “Cancel USB debugging authorization” option in the developer settings and reconnect the device.

    5. Method 4: Using TWRP to backup the Data partition

    TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to create full backups partition /data, including hidden files. This method is suitable if:

    • 🔓 You unlocked bootloader.
    • 📱 The device supports installation TWRP (check website twrp.me).
    • 🔄 You want to make a backup copy before experimenting with the system.

    Instructions:

    1. Download the official version TWRP for your phone model (for example, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-redmi_note_10_pro.img).

    2. Install TWRP via fastboot: 

      fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

      fastboot boot twrp.img

    3. In the menu TWRP select Backup → tick the section Data → press Swipe to Back Up.

    4. The copy will be saved to a memory card or internal storage in a folder TWRP/BACKUPS/.

    Advantages of the method:

    • 🔄 Full backup all data, including hidden files.
    • 🔒 Ability to restore the system if something goes wrong.
    • 📱 Works even without root (but requires an unlocked bootloader).

    Disadvantages:

    • ⚠️ Risk data loss, if you interrupt the backup process.
    • 🔧 Requires technical skills (inappropriate version TWRP can lead to a “brick”)
    • 📵 Not all new devices support TWRP (for example, many Samsung s Exynos or Google Pixel s Android 12+).
    💡

    TWRP is the most reliable method of backup /data, but requires preliminary preparation. If you are not confident in your actions, it is better to use ADB or cloud backups.

    6. Method 5: Viewing through backup applications

    If you do not need direct access to files, but only need save application data, you can use specialized backup apps. They work without root, but have limitations:

    Application Requires root? What it saves Limitations
    Titanium Backup ✅ Yes Applications + data, SMS, logs Does not work on Android 10+ without root
    Swift Backup ✅ Yes Applications, data, contacts Requires Magisk or SuperSU
    OAndBackupX ❌ No Only user data Does not save system settings
    Helium ❌ No Application data (partially) Does not work on new versions Android

    Recommendations for selection:

    • 🔄 If you have root —use Titanium Backup or Swift BackupThey will save all data, including settings. Wi-Fi and SMS.
    • 📱 Try without root OAndBackupX, but keep in mind that it will not be able to copy system application data.
    • ☁️ For cloud backup, use the built-in Android functions (Settings → Google → Backup).

    Example of backup via Titanium Backup:

    1. Install the application and provide root access.
    2. Select the “Backups” tab.
    3. Click “Batch action” → “Backup all user applications + data”.
    4. Wait for completion and save the copy to a memory card or cloud.
    ⚠️ Attention: When restoring a backup via Titanium Backup on another device, errors may occur if the Android version or architecture processors (ARM/x86) are different.

    7. Risks and precautions when working with the Data folder

    The /data folder is the “heart” of your Android device. data-i="298">— deleting the application folder will delete all its settings and files.

    • 💥 Data loss — deleting an application folder will delete all its settings and files.
    • 🔄 System failures —changing system files can cause freezes or reboots.
    • 🔒 Locking the device —some files (for example, /data/system/gesture.key) are responsible for unlocking the screen.
    • 🚫 Loss of warranty - getting root or unlocking the bootloader often voids the warranty.

    Rules security:

    1. Always make a backup before changing files. Use TWRP or Titanium Backup.

    2. Do not change system application files (folders like com.android.*).

    3. Check file extensions. For example, .db is a database (can be opened via SQLite Browser), and .xml is a configuration file.

    4. Do not delete folders with unknown names. For example, dalvik-cache responsible for application performance.

    What to do if, after changes in /data the phone stops working?

    • 🔄 Restore the backup via TWRP.
    • 📵 Reset settings (Wipe → Factory Reset to recovery).
    • 🔧 Reflash the device via Fastboot or Odin (for Samsung).

    If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to use safe alternatives:

    • ☁️ Cloud backups (Google Drive, Dropbox).
    • 📁 Exporting data through applications (for example, WhatsApp allows you to save chats to a file).
    • 🔄 The “Backup” function in Android settings.

    8. Frequently asked questions about the Data folder on Android

    🔍 Is it possible to open the Data folder without root?

    Yes, but with serious limitations:

    • Through ADB you can only copy files of your applications.
    • Some file managers (for example, FX File Explorer) show some folders, but without editing capabilities.
    • On Android 11+ even ADB does not provide full access without root.

    For full access you need root or custom recovery (TWRP).

    📂 Where is the Data folder stored on the memory card?

    Folder /data always located in internal memory There may be a folder on the memory card (SD) /Android/data/, but this:

    • 📁 Storage external application data (cache, downloads).
    • 🚫 Does not contain system files or settings.
    • ✅ Can be viewed and edited without root.

    Example path: /storage/1234-5678/Android/data/com.example.app/ (where 1234-5678 — ID of your SD card).

    🔄 How to transfer data from the Data folder to another phone?

    There are several ways:

    1. Via backup Titanium Backup or Swift Backup:
      • Create a backup on the old phone.
      • Transfer the backup file to the new phone.
      • Restore the data through the same application.
    2. Via TWRP:
      • Make a backup of the partition Data on the old phone.
      • Copy the folder TWRP/BACKUPS/ to the new phone.
      • Restore the backup via TWRP.

    ⚠️ This method only works on identical models phones!

  • Via ADB (for individual applications): 
    adb pull /data/data/com.example.app/ C:\backup\

    adb push C:\backup\com.example.app /data/data/

    Requires root on both devices.

    • 🔒 Is it possible to recover deleted files from the Data folder?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • 🔄 If the files have been deleted recently, they can be restored via DiskDigger or Undeleter (root required).
    • 📁 If the folder /data was fully formatted, the chances are minimal.
    • ⚠️ On Android 10+ recovery is difficult due to partition encryption Data (FBE).

    Instructions for DiskDigger:

    1. Install the application and provide root access.
    2. Select the partition /data to scan.
    3. Wait for completion and save the found files.
    🛡️ How to protect data in the Data folder from theft?

    The folder /data contains confidential information, therefore:

    • 🔒 Encrypt device (Settings → Security → Encryption). On Android 10+ encryption is enabled by default.
    • 🚫 Do not give the phone to strangers with USB debugging enabled.
    • 🔄 Regularly update software —new versions of Android close vulnerabilities.
    • 📱 Use strong passwords to unlock the screen (PIN or biometrics + password).
    • 🛡️ Install an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes or Bitdefender).

    If the phone is stolen:

    • 📍 Use Find My Device from Google to block and clear data.
    • 🔄 Change passwords from accounts (Google, social networks, banks).