How to access the /data folder on Android 11: from simple to advanced methods

• ✅ No need to install Magisk or SuperSU.
• ✅ You can copy files to an external drive or PC.
• ✅ Works even if the system does not boot.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires bootloader unlocking (data reset).
• ❌ Not all devices support TWRP on Android 11.
• ❌ Risk of damaging data if mounted incorrectly.

Instructions:

1. Boot into TWRP (usually by holding Power + Volume up when turning on).
2. Go to section Mount and mark check mark Data.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and use the command:

   adb pull /data/path/to/file C:\backup\

   or copy the files manually via Advanced → File Manager to TWRP.

4. After completion required unmount Data and reboot into the system.

Important: Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei) block the ability to install TWRP on new devices. Before trying, check the compatibility of your model on the forum XDA Developers.

Method 3: Obtaining root access and full access to /data

The most reliable way to get full control over a folder /data is to root the device. With root access you can:

• 📂 View and edit any files in /data.
• 🔧 Modify system settings (for example, in /data/system).
• 📱 Install applications in /data/app manually.
• 🔍 Recover deleted files (if they have not been overwritten).

How to get root on Android 11:

1. Unlock the bootloader (will reset the data!).

   For most devices:

   adb reboot bootloader
   fastboot flashing unlock

   On some brands (for example, Xiaomi) you need to link your account to the device via Mi Unlock Tool.

2. Install Magisk:
   1. Download the latest version Magisk from GitHub.
   2. Flash magisk_patched.img via Fastboot:

      fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

   3. Reboot and check the root through the app Magisk Manager.
3. Use root explorer, for example:
   • Root Explorer
   • Solid Explorer (with root mode enabled)
   • FX File Explorer

Warnings:

• 🚨 Root disables the ability to use banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff etc.) without Magisk Hide.
• 🚨 Some games (for example PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact) block rooted devices.
• 🚨 OTA updates can breaking the root or lead to bootloop.

Yes, successfully|Yes, but it turned out to be brick|No, I'm afraid to take risks|I plan in the future|I don't see the point in this-->

Method 4: Using ADB with superuser rights (for rooted devices)

If you already have root access, you can get full control over /data via ADB with superuser rights. This is convenient for automating tasks or working with files directly from the command line.

Basic commands:

• View content:

  adb shell
  su
  ls -la /data

• Copy a file to PC:

  adb pull /data/path/to/file C:\backup\

• Editing a file (for example, build.prop):

  adb shell
  su
  mount -o rw,remount /data
  nano /data/path/to/file

  (use Ctrl+O to save, Ctrl+X to exit)

Example: backing up the application folder

Suppose you want to save application data Telegram (package org.telegram.messenger):

adb shell
su
tar -cvzf /sdcard/telegram_backup.tar.gz /data/data/org.telegram.messenger
exit
exit
adb pull /sdcard/telegram_backup.tar.gz C:\backup\

Important: when working with superuser rights, never delete or change files in /data/systemif you are not sure of their purpose. For example, deleting /data/system/gesture.key will reset the pattern key, but may cause problems with encryption.

adb shell
su
cp /data/path/to/file /data/path/to/file.bak

This will allow you to quickly roll back changes if something goes wrong.-->

Method 5: Alternative methods (for specific tasks)

If none of the above methods are suitable, consider alternative options:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings and save data:

  Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung) allow you to create a backup copy /data before resetting. This will not provide direct access, but will save important data. Smart Switch before reset. This will not give direct access, but will save important data.

• 📱 Using applications for backup. copying:
  • Titanium Backup (requires root)
  • Swift Backup (works with Magisk)
  • OAndBackupX (free analogue)

  These apps can create backups of applications and their data in a convenient format.

• 🔧 Operation vulnerabilities (only for experienced ones):

  On some devices with Android 11 there are vulnerabilities that allow you to access /data without root (for example, through dirtycow or CVE-2021-0316However, their use requires deep knowledge and knowledge). is fraught with consequences.

When alternative methods do not help:

• If the device encrypted and you do not know the password.
• If the manufacturer has blocked all ways to get root (for example, on some models Huawei or Google Pixel with the latest updates).
• If you are trying to access data another user (this illegal!).

Frequent errors and their solutions

When working with a folder /data users often encounter typical problems and ways to resolve them:

If nothing works:

1. Check if your device supports the selected method (for example, on Samsung Exynos often does not work TWRP).
2. Update all tools (ADB, Magisk, TWRP) to the latest versions.
3. Look for instructions for your specific model on XDA Developers or 4PDA.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions