Modern versions of the mobile operating system Google Android have become much safer than their predecessors, but this security often results in serious inconveniences for advanced users. Starting with version 11 and especially in Android 13-14, developers have tightened the file system access policy, blocking the ability of third-party applications to freely move files in critical directories.
Users often encounter a situation where a standard or third-party file manager simply refuses to copy data to folders Android/obb or Android/data, producing an access error. This is not a firmware glitch, but a deliberate limitation implemented to protect the system from malware and accidental removal of important components.
However, the need to manage files remains. To install mods in games, transfer caches, or fine-tune the system, you need to bypass these barriers. In this article, we will look at legal and advanced methods of removing restrictions, from using special access rights to gaining full control over the device through root access.
Reasons for blocking access to system folders
To effectively deal with restrictions, you need to understand their nature. The Scoped Storage mechanism (isolated storage), which is actively being implemented since Android 10, was created to prevent applications from uncontrollably scanning the entire drive. This reduces the risk of personal data leakage and prevents memory from being clogged with junk from different apps.
In addition, in more recent security updates, Google has introduced additional application signature checks. If the file manager does not have special permission MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE or is not a system application, it physically cannot write the file to the protected area. The system perceives such an attempt as a potential threat to the integrity of the operating system.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling these protective mechanisms makes the device more vulnerable. Install files only from trusted sources, as malware can easily penetrate system directories.
It is also worth considering that smartphone manufacturers (Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei) often impose their own restrictions on top of the stock rules. Android. For example, in the shell MIUI you may need additional permission in a special developer menu, even if the base system has already given access.
Using special file files managers
The easiest and safest way to bypass restrictions is to use applications that can request special access rights through the system interface SAF (Storage Access Framework). Unlike old explorers, these apps do not try to hack the system, but legally obtain user permission to work with specific folders.
One of the most popular solutions is an application Files by Google or specialized utilities like Material Files i CX File Explorer. The first time you try to access a protected directory, such an application will open a system window where you will need to click the “Use this folder” button and confirm the action. After this access to files will be opened on a permanent basis.
The process is as follows: you launch the manager, go to the root of the internal drive, find the folder Android. The system may show a warning, but if the application uses the API correctly, the confirm button will be active. This allows you to work with data without the need for complex setup.
If the standard folder selection window does not appear, try finding the "Access to all files" item in the application settings and activating it manually through the system permissions menu.
However, in Android 13 and above, Google has closed many SAF loopholes for third-party applications. Now even advanced explorers may not see the contents of the folder data. In such cases, you have to resort to more radical methods, which will be discussed below.
Configuration through the menu for developers and ADB
If the graphical interface does not provide the necessary rights, you can use debugging by USB. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and installing the platform Android SDK Platform-Tools. It allows you to grant applications privileges that are usually hidden from the user.
First you need to activate developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the "Build number" item. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, a new section For developerswill appear in the settings menu. There you need to enable USB debugging.
Having connected the phone to the PC, open the command line and enter a command to grant full rights to a specific file manager (for example, for Total Commander):
adb shell pm grant com.ghisler.tc.totalcmd android.permission.MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGEThis command forces permission to managing external storage. It is important to know the exact name of the application package, which can be found through special utilities or in the system settings. After executing the command, restart the device and check access.
☑️ Preparing to work with ADB
It is worth noting that in the latest versions Android Google has limited the ability to issue some privileges through ADB without signing the application with a system certificate. Therefore, this method may not work on all firmware, especially on stock versions from Google Pixel.
Obtaining root access and using explorers with privileges
The most effective way to remove any restrictions is to obtain root access (superuser rights). This gives you complete control over the file system, allowing you to change, delete and move any files, including system files. For this, the root access utility is most often used. After unlocking the bootloader and installing, you will need a file manager that can work with root access. The leaders in this niche are Magisk.
After unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk you will need a file manager that can work with root access. The leaders in this niche are Root Explorer, Solid Explorer i MT Manager. When launched, they request superuser permission, and after confirmation, the key icon in the interface becomes active.
| Manager | Root support | Russian language | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Explorer | Full | Yes | Average |
| Solid Explorer | Full | Yes | Low |
| MT Manager | Full | Yes | High |
| Files by Google | No | Yes | Low |
Working with root explorer requires caution. You may accidentally delete a critical file, which will lead to bootloop (cyclic reboot). Always make backups before making changes to system partitions.
Risks of unlocking the bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader often voids the device's warranty. In addition, some banking applications and services (Google Pay, Mir Pay) will stop working without additional configuration through Magisk Hide or Zygisk.
If your goal is only access to folders Android/data, full root may be redundant. for Magiskwhich remove Scoped Storage restrictions without completely opening the system, leaving the kernel protection intact.
The specifics of working with Android/data and obb folders
Directories Android/data and Android/obb are the most secure in the system. They store game caches, application data and additional content files. Starting from Android 11, access to them for third-party applications was completely blocked at the kernel level.
To work with these folders without root access, there is a workaround through the system "Files" application. Some users use a trick with an activity shortcut: a shortcut is created to a hidden system management utility. files, which has built-in access rights. This allows you to copy files to protected directories via the clipboard.
An alternative option is to use Shizuku. This is a service that allows ordinary applications to execute commands with elevated privileges through ADB, but without the need for a permanent connection to the computer (for example, Katawa or new versions Material Files), can work with protected folders as if they had root.
⚠️ Attention: When transferring files to
Android/obbStrictly follow the folder structure. If the game expects files incom.game.name, and you put them in the obb root, the application will not launch.
Remember that the path structure may differ on different devices. Always check the relevance of the paths in the documentation for a specific application or game, as developers can change the data storage logic.
Using the Shizuku service is the “golden mean”: you get extended access rights without the risks associated with unlocking the bootloader and loss of warranty.
Restoring access after system updates
It often happens that after updating the firmware, all configured rights are lost. The system resets permissions for third-party applications, returning to factory security settings. You will have to re-issue permissions through ADB or re-confirm access in the Explorer interface.
If you use root modules to remove restrictions, updating the system may lead to a version conflict. In the worst case, the device will not boot. Before installing OTA updates, it is recommended to temporarily disable all system modifications and make a full backup of the partition data.
To automate the process, some users create scripts that restore the necessary permissions immediately after the system boots. However, this requires deep knowledge in the field of scripts init.d or the use of startup managers.
Is it possible to delete the Android/data folder completely?
Technically with root access this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Deleting this folder will result in the loss of data of all installed applications, reset of game settings and possible inoperability of some system services. It is better to clear only the contents of specific folders of unnecessary applications.
Why does Explorer see the folder, but does not allow you to save the file?
This is typical behavior of Scoped Storage. The application has read rights, but does not have write rights to this specific directory. You must explicitly request write permission through the system dialog or use ADB to issue a flag MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE.
Is it safe to use third-party explorers with root?
Security depends on the reputation of the developer. Open source (like Material Files) is preferable. Avoid dubious apps that ask for root privileges unnecessarily, as they can gain access to your passwords and encryption keys.
How to check if an application has access to all files?
Go to Settings → Applications → Special access → Access to all files. This list shows all applications that have requested or received this permission. You can manually turn it on or off for any installed Explorer.
Does a Factory Reset reset root access?
No, a regular factory reset through the recovery menu does not remove it root access and does not block the bootloader. To completely remove rights, you need to reflash the device with a stock image or use the "Full removal" function in the Magisk application.