Facing restricted access to system directories on modern smartphones is becoming an increasingly common problem for advanced users. After the update was released, Google tightened its security policy by introducing the Scoped Storage mechanism, which by default hides the contents of directories from most third-party applications. This change was intended to protect users' personal data from spyware, but at the same time complicated the process of transferring game caches, modifying application files, and manually clearing garbage. Android 11 Google has tightened its security policy by introducing the Scoped Storage mechanism, which hides the contents of directories by default Android/data And Android/obb from most third party applications. This change was intended to protect users' personal data from spyware, but at the same time complicated the process of transferring game caches, modifying application files, and manually clearing garbage.
Users who are accustomed to freely managing the file system are often perplexed when they see empty folders where gigabytes of data were previously stored. However, there are several proven methods to bypass these restrictions that do not require obtaining root access or flashing the device. In this article, we will examine in detail legal ways to gain full control over file storage using special versions of file managers and debugging tools.
Reasons for blocking access in the new version of the OS
The introduction of restrictions in Android 11 and subsequent versions is dictated by the need to prevent leaks of confidential information. Previously, any application could request permission to access the entire storage and freely scan the data of other apps, which created huge security holes. Now each application is isolated in its own sandbox and cannot simply look into other people's folders without the explicit consent of the system or the use of special APIs.
For the average user, this means that the standard Explorer installed by the smartphone manufacturer deliberately does not display files inside system directories. This is done to prevent accidental deletion of critical files, which could lead to unstable operation of the operating system or loss of progress in games. Understanding this logic is important when choosing a method to bypass protection.
⚠️ Attention: Forcing access to protected sections of the file system removes some of the security guarantees. Make sure that you trust the applications to which you grant such rights, and do not install dubious file managers from unverified sources.
Developers of popular software must also adapt their products to the new rules using a special Storage Access Framework. However, many utilities for working with archives or download managers still rely on direct access to paths, which causes errors when trying to save a file to the desired directory on new devices.
Using a special file manager
The easiest and most effective way to regain access to folders data i obb — use of a specialized version of the popular file manager Files by Google or similar utilities, such as X-plore or Solid Explorer. These applications have built-in mechanisms for requesting special permissions from the system, which allow you to bypass Scoped Storage restrictions in a legal way using system Intents.
The process of gaining access usually looks like this: after installing the application, you go to the desired directory, and the system automatically prompts you to request permission to view the content. You need to confirm the action in the system dialog box by clicking the “Use this folder” button. After this, the restrictions are removed for the current session of working with this manager.
If the standard permission request does not appear, try manually navigating to the full path to the folder through the address bar of the file manager by entering /storage/emulated/0/Android/data
It is important to note that different versions of the same application may behave differently. Often, a version with reduced functionality is posted in the official Play Market store due to store rules, while the version from the developer’s website or from alternative directories (for example, F-Droid or 4PDA) contains a full set of tools for working with system files.
- 📂 Download the current version of the file manager that supports Android 11+.
- 🔓 When you first enter the Android folder, confirm the system request for access.
- 📁 Use the built-in archiver to unpack files directly into protected directories.
- 🔄 Do not delete the file manager immediately after use, as permissions may be reset.
Settings access via computer and ADB
For users who need deep control over the file system or who prefer to work with a PC, the ideal solution is to use the toolkit Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method allows you to grant storage access permissions to specific applications through the command line, bypassing the smartphone's GUI.
Before you begin, you must enable USB debugging mode in the "Developer Options" menu on your device. Connect your smartphone to your computer with a cable and make sure that the drivers are installed correctly. At the command line on your PC, enter the command to grant full storage permissions for the application package you want.
adb shell pm grant com.android.providers.media.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGEHowever, a more effective method for accessing data folders specifically is to grant special permissions through appops attributes. This allows the manager application to act as if it has system privileges. The command may look complicated, but it guarantees results even when the GUI is blocking the action.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of ADB commands can cause system services to fail. Enter the commands carefully and check the name of the application package before executing.
After executing the command, a device reboot is not required, the changes take effect instantly. Now the selected file manager will be able to see and edit files in previously inaccessible directories. This method is especially useful for automating processes or bulk data transfers.
☑️ Preparing to work with ADB
Comparison of methods for obtaining root access
The choice of access method depends on your technical skills and specific tasks. For one-time operations, such as installing a mod for a game, it is enough to use a special file manager. If you plan to regularly work with system files or develop applications, then setting up via ADB will be a more reliable and flexible solution.
Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of various methods of bypassing access restrictions in Android 11. It will help you choose the best option based on the availability of root access, complexity of setup and security level.
| Access method | Difficulty | root access required | Security | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special. File manager | Low | No | Medium | High |
| ADB (Appops) | Medium | No | High | High |
| Root access (Magisk) | High | Yes | Low | Depends on the firmware |
| Shizuku + Manager | Medium | No | High | Very high |
It is worth noting that using root access gives absolute control, but at the same time voids the warranty on the device and can disrupt the operation of banking applications. Methods without_root, such as using a framework Shizuku in conjunction with a file manager, are today considered the “gold standard” for advanced users.
Working with archives and transferring data
A frequent task is the need to unpack an archive with game data (cache) directly into folder Android/obb. Standard archivers often cannot perform this operation due to recording limitations. The solution is to use the built-in tools of advanced file managers that can work with data streams directly.
When transferring large amounts of data, it is recommended to use the “Cut-Paste” function instead of “Copy-Paste” to avoid duplicating files and filling up free space. If the process is interrupted, make sure that temporary files are deleted so as not to damage the application directory structure.
What to do if the game does not see the files after transfer?
If after transferring the cache files the game writes that the data was not found, check the access rights to the files themselves. Sometimes when copying via ADB, the owner attributes are lost. Try restarting your device or clearing the application cache in system settings.
It is also important to monitor the folder structure. Often, users mistakenly create unnecessary levels of nesting, for example, by placing a data folder inside another folder with the same name. The path must be strictly followed: /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/com.example.game/.
Possible problems and their solutions
Even if all instructions are followed, users may encounter unexpected difficulties. For example, after a firmware update by the manufacturer, permissions issued through ADB may be reset. In this case, the procedure for issuing rights will have to be repeated again.
Another common problem is the incompatibility of Android versions. Devices with shells from manufacturers (MIUI, OneUI, EMUI) may have their own additional restrictions that block access even using system methods. In such cases, temporarily disabling battery optimization for the file manager helps.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and menu item names may differ depending on the smartphone model and shell version. Always check the latest documentation for your specific device.
If none of the methods help, the device manufacturer may have blocked the ability to grant such permissions at the kernel level. In this situation, the only way out is to unlock the bootloader and gain full superuser access, which is associated with certain risks.
The most universal and safe method for most users is to use the Shizuku bundle and a modern file manager, since this does not require root access and complex PC setup.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to access the data folder without installing third-party apps?
No, the standard system explorer in Android 11 and higher deliberately hides the contents of these folders. You will need to at least install a specialized file manager or use a connection to a PC.
Is it dangerous to open access to system folders?
Access itself is not dangerous if you understand what you are doing. The risk is accidentally deleting important files or installing malware that can steal data from other applications. Be careful with file sources.
Will access settings be reset after rebooting the phone?
Permissions granted through the system dialog to the file manager are usually saved. However, permissions granted through ADB commands (appops) in some versions of Android may be reset after a full reboot of the device.
Why is the Android/obb folder empty even though games are installed?
Most likely, you are looking at the folder through an application that does not have permission to read this data. Use a file manager that supports Android 11+ or connect your phone to your computer in file transfer mode (MTP) to see the real content.