Internal memory and external drives on Android are not just a place to store photos and applications. System files, caches, account data, and even traces of deleted apps are hidden here. But how to get there if the standard file manager shows only the tip of the iceberg? This article will reveal all the methods - from basic to advanced, including those that even manufacturers are silent about.

You will learn how to bypass restrictions Android 14+ on access to root folders, why some files become “invisible,” and how to safely work with storage without the risk of damaging the system. And for those who are ready to experiment, we’ll look at ADB commands and root access taking into account the latest security updates from Google.

1. Standard access through a file manager

On most smartphones (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel), access to the storage is provided through the built-in file manager. But even here there are pitfalls: manufacturers often hide system folders, and after updates the interface may change.

To open the storage:

  • 📱 Open the application "Files"** (or My Files on Samsung).
  • 🔍 In the menu, select Internal memory or Device.
  • 🔒 Permission may be required to access the SD card - confirm it.
  • ⚙️ In the manager settings, enable display hidden files (the option is often hidden in Three dots → Settings → Show hidden files).

On Android 13+ some folders (for example, /Android/data/) can be blocked even for reading. This is due to the policy Scoped Storage, which Google which is tightened with each update. If you need to copy files from there, read the section about ADB.

📊 Which file manager do you use?
Built-in (from the manufacturer)
Google Files
Solid Explorer
FX File Explorer
Other

2. Connecting to a PC: MTP, PTP and alternatives

Connecting a smartphone to a computer via USB is a classic way to manage files. But not everyone knows that Android there are three data transfer modes and a choice. incorrectly can limit access:

  • 🖥️ MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) —standard mode for transferring files. Works on all devices, but can slow down when copying a large number of small files.
  • 📷 PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) —designed for photos. In this mode, the smartphone is displayed as a camera, and only folders are available DCIM and Pictures.
  • 🔌 RNDIS —a rarely used mode for sharing. Internet (not suitable for files).

To select the mode:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the PC via USB.
  2. Swipe down the notification panel and tap on the notification Charging via USB.
  3. Select File transfer (MTP).

If the computer does not see the device:

  • 🔄 Try a different USB cable (cheap cables often do not support data transfer).
  • 🔧 Update drivers Android on a PC (especially relevant for Windows 10/11).
  • 📱 In the developer settings, enable USB debugging (more on this in the next section).
💡

If the PC does not see the SD card via MTP, remove it and connect via card reader. Android sometimes blocks access to external drives when connected via USB.

3. ADB commands for advanced users

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a bridge between your smartphone and a computer that allows you to perform commands that are not available through the standard interface. Using it, you can access protected folders, copy system files, or even bypass restrictions. data-i="84">To get started with Scoped Storage.

To get started with ADB:

  1. Enable Developer mode:
    • Go to Settings → About phone → Build number.
    • Tap Build number 7 times until a notification appears You have become a developer!.
  • Go back to Settings → System → For developers and enable USB debugging.
  • Download ADB Tools for PC (official package from Google or Platform Tools).
  • Connect your smartphone to the PC and enter in the command line: 
    adb devices

    If the device is displayed, everything is ready.

    • Examples of useful commands:

    Command Description
    adb pull /sdcard/Download C:\Backup Copy folder Download from phone to disk C:\Backup.
    adb shell ls /storage/emulated/0/ View the contents of the internal storage.
    adb shell "su -c 'chmod 777 /sdcard/secret'" Change folder access rights (requires root).
    adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -shared -all Create a backup copy of all data and applications.
    What to do if ADB does not see the device?

    1. Check if software debugging is enabled USB. 2. Try another USB port (preferably USB 2.0). 3. Install drivers manually through Device Manager. 4. Restart your smartphone and PC.

    ⚠️ Attention: Commands chmod and rm may disrupt the system if applied to critical ones. folders. Always check the paths before execution.

    4. Root access: full control over the storage

    Receiving root access is like taking the keys to all the doors in your smartphone. You can edit system files, delete pre-installed applications (bloatware) and access folders that are even ADB does not show. But there is a downside: loss of warranty, the risk of “bricking” the device and vulnerability to malware.

    Ways to get root:

    • 📲 Magisk - the most popular method (works on most devices with Android 8+). Installed via custom recovery (TWRP).
    • 🔧 OneClick solutions (for example, KingRoot) - simpler, but less reliable and may contain malicious code.
    • 🔨 Unlocking the bootloader is a required step for most methods (on Xiaomi, Google Pixel, OnePlus).

    After getting root you will be able to:

    • 🗃️ View and edit files in /data/data/ (where application settings are stored).
    • 🧹 Delete system applications using Titanium Backup or Root Explorer.
    • 🔍 Change access rights to folders using chmod.
    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung Knox), obtaining root leads to irreversible activation of the flag KNOX 0x1, which blocks the operation of Samsung Pay, Secure Folder and other functions.

    ☑️ Preparing to obtain root

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    5. Working with hidden and system folders

    Even with root access, some folders remain “untouchable”. For example, /data/media/0/ is a symbolic link to /sdcard/, but real data can be stored. in other sections. Here's what you need to know:

    Key system folders:

    • 📁 /data/app/ — APK files of user applications are located here.
    • 🗄️ /data/data/ —private application data (databases, cache, settings).
    • 🔐 /system/ —system files (change without root) impossible).
    • 📱 /storage/emulated/0/ —the “visible” part of the internal memory (what you see in the file manager).

    To view the contents of these folders:

    1. Use Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with enabled root access.
    2. In ADB Shell enter: 
      su

      ls /data/data/

    3. To copy system files, use: 
      adb pull /system/app/ C:\system_backup\

    On devices with Android 12+ and dynamic partitions (Dynamic Partitions) structure /system may differ. For example, on Google Pixel 6 system files are stored in a compressed form, and editing them requires special tools.

    6. Alternative methods: FTP, Samba and cloud services

    If USB connection and ADB are not suitable, you can organize access to the storage over the network. This is convenient for remote control or transferring large files.

    Network access methods:

    • 🌐 FTP server:

      - Install the application FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer.

      - Enable the built-in FTP server and connect via FileZilla or Total Commander on a PC.

      - The address will look like ftp://192.168.x.x:2221.

    • 📡 Samba (SMB):

      - Applications like MiXplorer or Amplifi allow you to create SMB server.

      - Connection is made via \\192.168.x.x\share in Windows Explorer.

    • ☁️ Cloud services:

      - Upload files to Google Drive, Dropbox or Mega directly from a smartphone.

      - Some managers (for example, Files by Google) support direct upload to the cloud.

    Advantages of network access:

    • ⚡ No needs a USB cable.
    • 🔄 You can transfer files between several devices at the same time.
    • 🔒 Encryption is supported (in the case of SFTP or WebDAV).
    ⚠️ Attention: When using FTP or Samba over an open network (for example, in a cafe) your data can be intercepted. Always enable password protection and use SFTP instead of the usual one FTP.

    7. Restoring access to damaged storage

    If the smartphone does not see the internal memory or SD card, the reasons may be different: from a software failure to physical damage to the drive. Here is the algorithm. actions:

    Diagnosis of the problem:

    • 🔍 Check in another device:

      - Remove the SD card and insert it into another smartphone or card reader. If it is not readable, the problem is in the drive.

    • 📱 Internal memory test:

      - Enter in ADB Shell:

      df -h

      If the partition /data shows 0% use, a mounting error may have occurred.

    • 🛠️ Checking for errors:

      - For SD card in Windows use chkdsk E: /f (where E: is the drive letter).

      - For internal memory on Android reset via Recovery Mode.

    If the data is critical, but the storage is not readable:

    • 💾 Use utilities like PhotoRec or TestDisk to recover files from damaged partitions.
    • 🔧 Contact a service center - sometimes flashing the firmware while saving user data helps (not reset!).

    On devices with UFS 3.1+ (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22, OnePlus 10 Pro) data recovery after physical damage is almost impossible due to hardware encryption. Regular backups are the only reliable way to protect.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about accessing Android storage

    Is it possible to access the Android/data folder without root?

    On Android 11+ Access to /Android/data/ is limited even for file managers. you can:

    • Through ADB with the command adb pull /sdcard/Android/data/.
    • Using applications with permissions MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE (for example, MiXplorer with a plugin).
    • By connecting the smartphone to the PC in mode MTP and using Total Commander with the plugin MTP.

    On Android 14 these methods may not work due to stricter policies Scoped Storage.

    Why does the PC not see the SD card via USB, although it works on phone?

    Possible reasons:

    • SD card is formatted in exFAT or F2FS, and the PC does not support these file systems (relevant for older versions Windows).
    • B settings Android the option is enabled Use as internal memory (then the card is encrypted and inaccessible on the PC).
    • Problems with drivers MTP (try reinstalling them via Device Manager).

    Solution: remove the card and connect via a card reader or format it in FAT32 (but you will lose data!).

    How to copy files from your phone if the screen is broken?

    Methods without a working screen:

    1. Connect the smartphone to the PC in MTP (if developer mode was previously enabled and USB debugging).
    2. Use ADB for copying: 
      adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Backup\
    3. If ADB is not configured, connect the mouse via OTG adapter and control the smartphone manually.
    4. For Samsung you can use Smart Switch (sometimes it works even without unlocking the screen).

    If all else fails, contact the service center to retrieve data via JTAG or Chip-Off.

    Is it possible to expand the internal memory using an SD card?

    There is a function Android 6.0+ there is a function Adoptable Storagethat allows you to “merge” an SD card with the internal memory However:

    • 🔄 The card will be encrypted and will not be readable on other devices.
    • ⚠️ Once the card is removed, applications installed on it will stop working.
    • 📉 Performance depends on the class of the SD card (recommended UHS-I U3 or faster).

    To enable:

    1. Insert the SD card.
    2. Go to Settings → Storage → SD card → Three dots → Storage settings → Internal memory.
    3. Follow the instructions (card will be formatted!).

    On Android 11+ this function can be disabled by the manufacturer (for example, on Samsung i Xiaomi).

    How to hide files from prying eyes without third-party applications?

    Built-in methods:

    • 📂 Hidden folders: add a dot at the beginning of the name (for example, .secret) They will not be displayed in the standard manager.
    • 🔒 Secure folder:

      - On Samsung: Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder.

      - On Xiaomi: Settings → Privacy → Private files.

    • 📌 Archiving with a password: zip files to ZIP or RAR with encryption via WinRAR or 7-Zip.

    For reliability, combine methods: for example, a hidden folder inside Secure Folder.