How to use File Explorer on Android: from basic operations to hidden functions

The file manager (or explorer) on Android is an indispensable tool for working with documents, photos, videos and other data on your smartphone. Many users limit themselves to basic functions like viewing photos in a gallery or downloading files through a browser, not even suspecting that the standard Explorer (or third-party analogues like Total Commander, FX File Explorer) is capable of much more. From managing hidden folders to connecting to cloud storage, the possibilities are limited only by your knowledge.

In this article we will figure out how to effectively use File Explorer on Android, starting with the basics: where to find it, how to open and move files, to advanced tricks like working with root-access or setting up network folders. We will pay special attention to typical beginner mistakes (for example, accidentally deleting system files) and ways to avoid them. If you've ever gotten lost in a maze of smartphone folders or couldn't find a downloaded document, this guide is for you.

Where to find File Explorer on Android and how to open it

On most smartphones, File Explorer is built into the system by default, but its location depends on the manufacturer and version. Android. For example, on pure Android (as on Google Pixel) this application is called simply "Files" (Files by Google), but on devices Samsung — "My file" (My Files). Xiaomi, Huawei or Realme may have their own proprietary solutions.

To open Explorer:

• 🔍 Enter in search for applications, request “files” or “explorer”.
• 📂 Click on the folder icon in the application menu (often called “File Manager” or “File Manager”).
• 📱 On some firmware (for example, MIUI) Explorer is integrated into “Settings → Storage".

If there is no standard explorer or its functionality is too limited, install a third-party manager from Google Play. Popular options:

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (especially with custom firmware), the standard explorer may be missing or not work correctly. In this case, install a third-party manager to attempts to perform critical operations such as moving system files.

Basic operations: copying, moving and deleting files

Working with files in Explorer intuitive, but there are nuances that speed up the process. For example, to copy a file:

1. Long press on the file → a check mark will appear.
2. Select additional files (if necessary).
3. Click Copy (or an icon with two documents).
4. Go to the target folder → Paste.

For move the algorithm is similar, but instead of Copy choose Cut. Deletion is performed through the trash (in most explorers) or immediately - option Delete permanently.

Tips for speeding up work:

• 📋 Use multitasking: in Total Commander you can open two panels and drag files between them.
• ⚡ Enable display hidden files in Explorer settings (needed for working with configuration files).
• 🔄 Configure sorting by date, size or type for quick search.

Check the selected files for important ones data|

Make sure that backups are created|

Use the recycle bin (do not delete permanently right away)|

After deleting, empty the recycle bin manually (if you need to free up space)

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On devices with Android 11+ access to some folders (for example Android/data) is restricted due to policy Scoped Storage. To get around this, use an explorer with root-access or connect your smartphone to a PC.

Working with archives and compressed files

Explorers on Android can open and create archives (.zip, .rar, .7z), but not all support encryption or multi-volume archives. For example, Files by Google allows you to only view ZIP, and for RAR you will need to install RAR for Android.

To archive files:

1. Select the required files/folders.
2. Click Compress (or Archive).
3. Select a format (ZIP - universal, 7Z - for better compression).
4. Specify the name and path for saving.

For unpacking:

1. Find the archive in Explorer.
2. Click on it → select Extract or Extract.
3. Specify the destination folder (default is current directory).

⚠️ Attention: Archives with a password (.zipx, .rar with encryption) not all explorers support out of the box. To work with them, install ZArchiver or WinZip.

ZArchiver|

RAR for Android|

Built-in to explorer|

WinZip|

Other-->

Connecting cloud storage and network folders

Modern explorers can work not only with local storage, but also with clouds (Google Drive, Dropbox, Yandex Disk) and network resources (FTP, SFTP, SMB). This is convenient for backing up or accessing files from a PC.

To connect the cloud (for example Solid Explorer):

1. Open the side menu → Add cloud.
2. Select a service (for example, Google Drive).
3. Authorize through your browser or enter an access token.
4. The cloud will appear in the list of storages as a separate folder.

To connect via FTP/SMB (for example, to a NAS or home PC):

1. In Explorer, find section Network or Remote devices.
2. Add a new connection by specifying the IP address, port, login and password.
3. Save the settings - the folder will appear in the main interface.

Example of data for connecting to SMBshare (Windows):

Address: 192.168.1.100
Port: 445
User name: YourPC\Username
Password: 

Shared folder name: SharedFolder

#!/system/bin/sh
SOURCE="/sdcard/DCIM/Camera/"
DEST="/sdcard/GoogleDrive/Photos/"
cp -r $SOURCE* $DEST

adb shell sm list-volumes