Creating a folder in Android/data: a complete guide

Modern versions of the operating system Android have undergone significant changes in the security architecture, especially affecting access to the file system. Starting with the eleventh version, Google has introduced strict restrictions on access to system directories, including the famous folder Android/data. This was done to protect user data and prevent applications from randomly accessing files of other apps. However, for advanced users, modders and gamers who use modified versions of games, the ability to create and manage files in this section remains critical.

In this article we will take a detailed look at why standard file managers often refuse to work with system folders and what proven ways to bypass these limitations exist. You will learn how to use special versions of file managers, apply debugging ADB and configure access rights without obtaining root access. Understanding the structure of the file system will help you avoid mistakes that can lead to unstable applications or data loss.

It is worth noting right away that the process of creating a folder in Android/data on new versions of the OS requires performing certain sequences of actions that differ from simply copying files on earlier versions of the system. We will look at current methods that work on Android 11, 12, 13 and 14. It is important to be careful when working with system files, since deleting or changing critical structures can disrupt the operation of installed applications.

Why access to the Android/data folder is limited

The main reason for blocking free access to the directory /storage/emulated/0/Android/data became the concept Scoped Storage (Separate storage). Previously, applications could request permission to access the entire file system, which created huge security holes. Attackers could use this to steal data or inject malicious code into the system files of other apps. Now each application runs in an isolated container and cannot just look into its neighbor’s files.

Users are faced with the fact that when they try to create a folder or move a file to Android/data through a standard explorer, the system gives an error or simply does not show the contents of the folder. This is normal behavior of a modern security system Google. However, the developers have left legal ways to manage these files, which we will use. The SAF (Storage Access Framework) mechanism allows the user to manually confirm access to a specific folder, giving the selected file manager full rights to write and read.

⚠️ Attention: Making changes to the folder structure inside Android/data may lead to application settings being reset or their incorrect operation. Always back up important data before beginning manipulations.

In addition, some smartphone manufacturers, such as Xiaomi, Samsung and Huawei, may add additional layers of protection on top of the standard Android. This means that even with special software, access can be blocked at the shell level. In such cases, you may need to use more specific tools or temporarily change the developer's system settings.

Preparing a file manager for work

The first and most important step is to install the appropriate software. The standard Files or Explorer applications that come pre-installed on the system often do not have the functionality to request special SAF permissions. You will need a third-party solution that can correctly handle system access requests. The most proven tools are Total Commander, ZArchiver and MT Manager.

After installing the application, do not rush to immediately go to the system folders. You first need to grant the app all the requested permissions when you launch it for the first time. If you use ZArchiver or an analogue, make sure that the application version is updated to the latest version, as older versions may not work correctly with new security patches. Android. It is also recommended to disable battery optimization for the file manager so that the system does not “kill” the process during long operations.

Particular attention should be paid to the settings for displaying hidden files. Although the folder data is not hidden by default, many configuration files inside it are prefixed with a dot. In the settings of the selected file manager, activate the item Show hidden files. This will allow you to see the complete directory structure and avoid confusion when creating new folders.

Instructions: creating a folder through ZArchiver

The application ZArchiver is one of the most popular tools for working with archives and the file system on Android. It has a convenient interface for working with SAF. To begin, open the application and go to the root of the internal memory. Find the folder Android and click on it. The system will prompt you to grant access.

In the system window that opens, you will see a message about access to files. Click the Use this folder (Use this folder) button. After this, in the dialog box, confirm the action by clicking Allow. You now have full rights to write and create objects inside this directory. This is a key point that beginners often miss.

Next, go inside the folder data. Here you will see many folders with the names of application packages (for example, com.android.chrome). To create a new folder:

• 📁 Click on the menu button (three dots or hamburger menu) in the lower or upper right corner of the screen.
• ➕ Select Create (Create) and then Folder (Folder).
• 📝 Enter the desired folder name. If the folder is needed for a specific game, the name must match the name of the package, for example com.roblox.client.
• ✅ Click OK to confirm creation.

⚠️ Attention: When creating folders for games, make sure the package name is spelled correctly. The case of the letters matters: Com.Game and com.game are different folders for the system.

Using Total Commander and the access plugin

Total Commander is a legendary file manager that is highly functional, but requires proper configuration to work on new versions. Android. By itself, it cannot access Android/data without a special plugin. You need to download and install the plugin Total Commander Storage Access Framework Plugin (often included or available separately in the Play Market).

After installing the plugin, run Total Commander. When you try to enter the folder Android the system will prompt you to select an application to access. Select Storage Access Framework Plugin. A system window similar to that described above will open, where you need to click Use this folder and confirm the permission. After this, you will see in the address bar that access has been obtained and you will be able to freely create folders.

The advantage Total Commander is the possibility of bulk operations. You can create a text file with a list of commands or use the built-in tools to rename groups of files, which is indispensable when setting up many mods for games. The app's interface may seem complex, but it provides maximum control over the file system.

Method	Complexity	Required rights	Risk of error
ZArchiver	Low	SAF (manual confirmation)	Low
Total Commander + Plugin	Medium	SAF (manual confirmation)	Low
Computer (ADB)	High	USB debugging	Medium
Root access	High	Superuser	High

Creating folders via computer (ADB)

If mobile methods do not work or you need to create a complex folder structure, the most reliable way is to use a computer and utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method works at the system level and ignores many interface restrictions, although access to Android/data still requires compliance with security rules, but gives more control.

First, you need to enable USB debugging on your smartphone. Go to Settings → About phone and click on Build number7 times to activate the developer menu. Then in the menu that appears For developers turn on the switch USB debugging. Connect the phone to the PC with a cable.

adb shell
cd /storage/emulated/0/Android/data
mkdir com.example.newfolder

By executing commands in the terminal, you create a folder directly. Please note that in new versions Android direct recording via ADB to /sdcard/Android/data may also be limited for regular non-root users. However, if you use ADB to transfer files (adb push), the system will often allow you to place the file in the desired directory if the container folder already exists.

What to do if ADB says "Permission denied"?

If you are denied access when trying to create a folder via ADB, this means that the Scoped restriction Storage also applies to the debug bridge. In this case, the only option without root is to create a folder through SAF (as in the section about ZArchiver), and then use ADB only to drop files inside the already created folder.

Problems with access on Android 13 and 14

In versions Android 13 i 14 Google has tightened the screws even more. Now access to the folder Android/data can only be obtained by those applications that are directly related to file management, and then with the explicit permission of the user. Some file managers may simply not display the contents of this folder, showing it empty.

The solution is to use specialized versions of applications or workaround methods. For example, in some cases it helps to clear the data of the file manager itself before attempting access. It is also worth checking whether your smartphone has Work Profile or guest mode enabled, which can isolate the file system.

If you are trying to install a mod for a game and the game does not see the created folder, check the access rights to the folder itself. In rare cases, the system assigns the wrong owner to a new object. Using the command line through a terminal on the device itself (for example, an application Termux) can help diagnose the problem, although changing permissions usually requires root.

⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu names may vary depending on the shell of your smartphone (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). If you cannot find a menu item, use the settings search or refer to the manufacturer's documentation.

Alternative methods and working with Termux

For the most advanced users who do not want to depend on graphical interfaces, there is an application Termux. This is a terminal emulator that allows you to run Linux commands directly on your phone. With it, you can create folders using the command mkdir, but to access /sdcard/Android/data you will still need to pass permissions through termux-setup-storage.

After installing Termux and executing the storage configuration command, the application will request access to the files. After confirmation, you will receive a link ~/storage/sharedthat leads to the root of the internal memory. From there you can go to Android/data and create the desired structure. This method is good because it allows you to write scripts to automate the creation of folders.

• 📲 Install Termux from F-Droid (the version in the Play Market is outdated).
• 💻 Enter the command pkg install root-repo (if you have root) or just use standard rights.
• 🔗 Execute termux-setup-storage and allow access.
• 📂 Follow the path cd storage/shared/Android/data and create folders with the command mkdir folder_name.

Using the terminal gives flexibility, but requires precision in writing commands. One syntax error can lead to the creation of a folder with the wrong name, which is then difficult to delete. Always double-check the path before executing the create command.

Is it possible to create a folder in Android/data without special apps?

It is almost impossible to do this on Android 11+ using standard system tools (via “Settings” or the basic explorer) due to security restrictions. In any case, you will need a third-party explorer application that can request access through the Storage Access Framework.

Is it safe to delete folders inside Android/data?

It is safe to delete folders of third-party applications (for example, game cache) - they will be created anew when you start the app. However, deleting system services folders (for example, com.android.providers.downloads) is strictly not recommended; this can lead to malfunctions of the OS.

Why is the Android/data folder empty, although I gave permissions?

This can happen if you gave permission to access the root folder "Android", but did not go inside the folder "data" again after obtaining root access. Try going to the root and reopening the data folder. Also check if system files are hidden in the Explorer settings.

Do you need Root to create folders in data?

For normal creation of folders and uploading files (mods, cache), Root is not needed. Sufficient user rights are provided through the SAF mechanism. Root is required only if you want to change the file owner or access rights (chmod/chown) for system processes.