Mobile devices have long ceased to be just phones, turning into powerful pocket computers. For many advanced users, application developers, or modding enthusiasts, there is a need to work with deep levels of the file system. The question often arises: how to create a folder in the root of Android in order to move system files there, configure the operation of specific software, or simply clean up the storage. The answer to this question depends on the version of the operating system and the availability of superuser rights.
In modern realities, access to the root directory Restricted by default. This is made by Google developers for the purpose of Security user data. Starting from version Android 11, the file access policy (Scoped Storage) has become even stricter, which makes creating directories in the system partition a difficult task for the average user. However, with the right tools and techniques, this task can be solved.
Understanding the file system and access restrictions
The Android file system is based on the Linux kernel, which implies a strict hierarchy of access rights. The root directory, denoted by the slash character /, contains critical subdirectories such as system, data, vendor and boot. An attempt to write data directly to these partitions without the appropriate privileges will result in an access denied error.
Conventional file managers pre-installed by the manufacturer operate in the so-called “sand” mode. They see only the part of the storage that is allocated for user data - internal memory and SD card. For them, the root of the file system is hidden behind a virtual wall. To bypass this limitation, you must use special utilities that can request extended rights.
It is worth noting that the directory structure may differ slightly on devices of different brands. For example, smartphones Samsung or Xiaomi may have their own specific sections for proprietary software. However, the basic principles of working with access rights remain the same for the entire ecosystem.
⚠️ Attention: Interfering with the structure of root partitions without deep knowledge may result in the device stopping booting. Always make a backup copy of important data before starting any manipulations with system files.
Before starting work, make sure that the battery level is at least 40% to avoid turning off the device at the critical moment of data recording.
Creating a folder through advanced file managers
The most accessible way for most users is to use specialized applications from the store Google Play. apps like MT Manager, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer have functionality that allows you to work with protected directories. However, to fully work with root / most of them will require rights. Root.
If your device is already rooted, the process is simplified as much as possible. After launching the application, you will be prompted to grant superuser rights. After confirmation, you will have full access to the entire file system. In this mode, you can go to the directory / and create new directories there as easily as in a regular gallery.
If you do not have root access, some managers allow you to work with a limited set of system folders through a special access mode (SAF - Storage Access Framework). This will not give full control over the root, but it will allow you to create folders in some system partitions that are writable, for example, /Android/data or /Android/obb, although Google is gradually tightening the screws here too.
- 📂 Download a reliable file manager with Root support, for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
- 🔑 Grant the application superuser rights through the access control menu (Magisk/SuperSU).
- 📁 Go to the root directory
/and use the context menu to create a new directory. - 🛡️ Set the correct rights access (chmod/chown) to the created folder, if required for the operation of applications.
Using a computer and ADB to work with files
For those who prefer to work with the device via a PC, an excellent tool is Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not always require root access on the smartphone itself, but it does require an installed driver and a set of tools on the computer. The connection is made via a USB cable with USB debugging enabled.
After connecting and authorizing debugging on the smartphone screen, you can send commands from the computer. Using the command adb shell you are taken to the command shell of the device. The standard ADB user (shell) has limited rights, but can create folders in user partitions or temporary directories.
adb shell
mkdir /sdcard/NewFolder
If you need to create a folder in the system root, and not in the emulated storage, you will need to increase privileges. The command su (if you have Root) will switch you to superuser mode directly in the console. After this, any file creation commands will be executed with full rights.
⚠️ Attention: The command line interface does not have graphical confirmation of actions. A mistake in one letter of the command can lead to the deletion of critical system files. Enter commands carefully.
Features of creating folders in Android 11, 12, 13 and later
Starting with the eleventh version of the mobile OS, Google has introduced strict restrictions on access to folders Android/data and Android/obb. Even with root access, some standard file managers may not display the contents of these directories or prohibit the creation of new structures in them. This is done to prevent malware from accessing data from other applications.
To bypass these restrictions in new versions, it is often necessary to use special launchers for file managers or modified versions of popular applications. For example, old versions Total Commander with plugins or specialized builds MT Manager are able to work with these restrictions using system loopholes.
It is also worth considering that on devices with Dynamic Partitions, which have become standard in modern smartphones, the physical structure of data storage differs from the classical scheme. Creating folders on such systems may require remounting partitions in write mode, which is an advanced operation.
| Android version | Access to /Android/data | Necessity of Root | Recommended tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 9 and below | Free | No (for custom folders) | Any file manager |
| Android 10 | Limited | Desirable | Solid Explorer |
| Android 11-12 | Blocked (no hacks) | Required for full access | MT Manager / FV File Manager |
| Android 13+ | Strict control | Required + special. settings | Material Files (with plugins) |
Why does Google restrict access?
The main reason is security and privacy. Restricting access prevents one application from collecting data about the operation of other applications, and also protects system files from accidental damage by the user.
Solving problems with access rights and errors
A common problem when trying to create a folder is the “Permission denied” error. This indicates that the current process does not have write permission to the target directory. In most cases, this can be solved by obtaining root access, but sometimes the problem lies in the file system attributes.
The partition can be mounted in Read-Only mode. To create a folder, it must be remounted in Read-Write mode. In the terminal, this is done with the command mount -o rw,remount /. After successfully completing this operation, the creation of directories becomes possible.
Another nuance is the selector SELinux. In some firmware it is configured in Enforcing mode, which blocks certain types of operations even for the root user. Temporarily switching to Permissive mode may solve the problem, but it reduces the overall security of the device.
- 🔍 Check whether the partition is mounted in read-write mode using the mount command.
- 🛠 Use the terminal to change the access rights to the parent directory.
- 🔄 Reboot the device to a secure location mode if third-party applications are blocking access to files.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling SELinux or remounting system partitions may void the device's warranty and make it vulnerable to exploits. Proceed only if you fully understand the risks.
If standard methods do not work, check if the Tamper Protection feature is activated in the security settings of your antivirus or system.
Alternative methods and workarounds
If obtaining root access is impossible or undesirable, you can consider alternative file organization options. For example, using the “Work Profile” function allows you to create an isolated space on a device with its own file structure, where access rules may differ.
It is also worth paying attention to cloud storage with an offline access function. By creating a folder in the cloud and synchronizing it, you will get an analogue of a local directory, access to which is regulated by the rules of the application, not the system. This does not solve the problem of creating a folder in the system root, but it often solves the user's original problem - organizing data.
For developers, there is the possibility of using Android emulators on PC, such as Android Studio Emulator. In the emulator environment, the system image is often unlocked by default, which allows you to freely experiment with creating folders in the root and testing the behavior of applications without risk to the main smartphone.
☑️ Check before creating a folder
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to create a folder in the root without root access?
It is impossible to fully create a folder in the true system root / without superuser rights due to the Linux security architecture. However, you can create folders in user partitions that emulate the root for applications, for example, in /sdcard.
Is it safe to delete folders I created on system partitions?
You can only delete those folders that you created yourself and the purpose of which you know. Deleting system directories or files created by the firmware will result in the device not working (bootloop) and will require flashing.
Why does the created folder disappear after a reboot?
This happens if you created a folder in a temporary partition tmp or cache, which are cleared every time you reboot. This is also possible if the partition was remounted temporarily and reset after the restart. Create folders only in permanent data sections.
Which application is best for working with files on Android 13?
At the moment, one of the best solutions are Material Files (open source) and MT Manager. They are regularly updated and take into account new Scoped Storage restrictions introduced by Google.