With the release of new versions of the operating system Android 11 and subsequent updates, Google has radically changed its file system security policy. Now the folder Android/obb, which was previously available for free reading and writing by any application, is hidden from third-party file managers. This decision was made to increase data privacy, but it created serious inconvenience for gamers and advanced users.
Previously, you could simply copy the cache of a heavy game from your computer or cloud memory to the desired directory. Now, when you try to copy, you will see an empty folder or an access error message. The system deliberately blocks the direct path, requiring special permission. However, there are several legal and effective ways to bypass this limitation without losing the warranty.
In this article we will analyze all the current methods for unlocking access to system directories. You will learn how to use special utilities to grant rights, which file managers support working with new restrictions, and what risks exist when trying to completely change the permission structure.
Why restrictions on access to system folders arose
The introduction of the mechanism Scoped Storage (partitioned storage) was a turning point in the evolution of security Android. Before version 11, applications had virtually unlimited access to the entire internal storage. This allowed malware to scan personal documents, photos and data from other apps without the knowledge of the device owner.
Google decided to isolate application data from each other. Now each app works in its own “sandbox” and cannot just look into other people’s files. The folder Android/obb is intended for storing additional resources for games and heavy applications, so access to it was strictly regulated.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to delete system files inside the folder
Androidcan lead to incorrect operation of installed apps or complete inoperability of games. Be extremely careful when deleting data.
The main purpose of these changes is to prevent data theft and unauthorized access. However, for ordinary users accustomed to freedom of action, this became a serious obstacle. This is especially true for installing modified versions of games or transferring the cache manually.
Using the Shizuku application to grant rights
One of the most popular and safest ways to access protected directories is to use the utility Shizuku. This application allows other apps to use system APIs with elevated privileges without having to obtain root access. The method works through USB debugging (ADB) or wireless debugging.
The setup process may seem complicated to a beginner, but it only takes a few minutes. You will need to enable developer mode on your smartphone. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number. After this, a new section for developers will appear in the menu.
Before you start setting up Shizuku, make a backup copy of your important data. Although the process is safe, any manipulation of system rights requires caution.
Next you need to enable wireless debugging. In the developer menu, find the corresponding item and enable it. Click on "Wireless Debugging" to see the IP address and port. This data will be needed to pair the Shizuku application with the system.
- 📲 Download the Shizuku application from the store Google Play or the official repository.
- 🔌 Connect your phone to Wi-Fi and enable wireless debugging in the settings.
- 🚀 Launch Shizuku and click "Pairing" by entering the code from the settings screen.
- ✅ After successful pairing, click "Start" to activate the service.
Once activated, the service will run in the background. Now any compatible file manager will be able to request Shizuku write permissions to the folder Android/obb. This solution is the golden mean between system security and user convenience.
Working with file managers: ZArchiver and MiXplorer
Not all explorers are equally useful under the new restrictions. Standard file managers often simply do not show the contents of system folders or block the copy operation. To work with Android/obb specialized tools are best suited, such as ZArchiver or MiXplorer.
The application ZArchiver has become the de facto standard for working with archives and game caches on Android. It has built-in support for working through Shizuku. When you try to enter a protected folder, the app will automatically ask for permission. If Shizuku is active, access will be granted instantly.
| Function | ZArchiver | Standard Explorer | MiXplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to Android/obb | Full (with Shizuku) | Limited | Full (with SAF) |
| Working with archives | Advanced | Basic | Advanced |
| Interface | Simple | System | Customizable |
| Presence of advertising | Yes (in free) | No | No (in free) |
An alternative is to use the mechanism SAF (Storage Access Framework). Some managers allow you to navigate to a folder through the system document selection dialog. You will need to manually click the "Use this folder" button and confirm the permission. This method works without third-party utilities, but may be less convenient when copying files frequently.
☑️ Checking the readiness of the file manager
Method using a computer and ADB
If installing additional applications on your smartphone is impossible or undesirable, you can use a computer. The utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge) provides direct access to the device’s file system via a USB cable. This method is often used by specialists to transfer large amounts of data.
To get started, you will need to install drivers for your device and the Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC. After connecting your phone in debug mode, you can run a command to grant permissions to a specific Explorer application. This is a one-time procedure that lasts until you reboot or reset your settings.
adb shell appops set --uid com.zarchiver PROJECT_MEDIA allowIn this command com.zarchiver is replaced with the batch name of your file manager. After executing the command, the application will have permanent access to the media files and folder obb. This method is reliable, but requires a computer at hand.
⚠️ Attention: The command line interface is not forgiving of errors. Carefully check the spelling of commands and application batch names before pressing Enter. Incorrect syntax may result in a runtime error.
The advantage of the ADB method is that it does not require installing background services like Shizuku directly on the phone. All control occurs from an external device. This may be useful for older smartphone models that do not handle multitasking well.
Obtaining root access: a radical solution
The most powerful way to remove any restrictions is to obtain superuser rights (Root). apps like Magisk or KernelSU give complete control over the system. With root access, any file manager will be able to read and write to any directory without additional permissions.
However, this path is fraught with serious risks. Unlocking the bootloader and rooting the device will often void the warranty. In addition, many banking applications and games with anti-cheat protection (for example, Pokémon GO or banking clients) stop working on rooted devices.
What is Magisk and how does it hide the root?
Magisk is a firmware modification system that works without changing the system partition. It has the "Magisk Hide" function, which allows you to hide the presence of root access from specific applications, which allows you to use banking services even on a modified device.
If you still decide to go this route, make sure that you know how to restore the device through the Fastboot or Recoverymode. A firmware error can turn a smartphone into a brick. For most users who just need to dump the game cache, this method is redundant and dangerous.
It is worth noting that on modern devices with data encryption, the rooting procedure has become more complicated. You will need to unlock the bootloader, which will inevitably delete all data from the device (Factory Reset). Therefore, carefully weigh the pros and cons before starting the procedure.
Common errors and ways to eliminate them
Even if you follow all the instructions, users may encounter problems. Most often, the error occurs because the security system Android blocks the action, considering it suspicious. Also, the problem may be incompatibility of software versions.
If the file manager writes “Access denied” or “Permission denied”, check whether the Shizuku service is actually running. Sometimes it stops after rebooting the phone and needs to be restarted. Also make sure that you have given permission to the exact application through which you are trying to copy the file.
Critical: When copying files to the obb folder, make sure that the folder structure is respected. The game file should be located directly in the folder with its batch name (for example, com.game.name), and not a nested level deeper.Another common mistake is trying to copy files while the game is running. The system can block writing to files that are currently in use by the active application. Always close the game completely before modifying its cache.
- 🔄 Restart the Shizuku service if access is suddenly lost.
- ❌ Close the target application before copying cache files.
- 📂 Check the path is correct:
Android/obb/com.package.name/. - 💾 Make sure that there is enough free space on the internal drive.
In some cases, clearing the cache of the file manager itself helps. Go to Settings → Applications, find your file explorer and click "Clear cache". This will clear temporary access errors and may solve the problem.
The main reason for failure is non-compliance with the folder hierarchy. The files must be located strictly in a folder whose name matches the package name of the game.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use Shizuku for ordinary users?
Yes, using Shizuku is considered safe. The application does not require unlocking the bootloader and does not make changes to the system partition. It only provides a temporary bridge between applications and system APIs. After the phone is rebooted, the service is disabled, which minimizes risks.
Why is the Android/obb folder empty, although the games are installed?
This is normal behavior for Android 11 and higher when using a standard explorer. The system hides the contents of the folder from applications that do not have special permission. The files are physically there, but you can't see them. Use ZArchiver or MiXplorer to view.
Is it possible to transfer the obb folder to an SD card?
On modern versions of Android, transferring applications and their data (obb) to an external memory card is not officially supported by game developers. Even if you manually move the files, the game may not start, since it will look for resources only in the internal memory.
Do you need to get root access to install mods on games?
No, in most cases Root is not needed. All you need to do is access the obb folder via Shizuku or ADB and replace the cache files. root access is required only for deep modification of the system itself or the use of specific cheats embedded in the process memory.
What to do if the game crashes after copying files?
Most likely, the cache version does not match the version of the installed application (APK). Make sure you download the latest files. Also try clearing the game data in the Android settings before launching so that it correctly initializes new cache files.