Virtual disk on Android: how to create, encrypt and use for storing files

Virtual disks on Android are not just a convenient way to organize files, but also a powerful tool for protecting confidential data. Unlike physical memory, a virtual disk can be encrypted, hidden from prying eyes, or even used as a separate storage for work documents. But how to create it on a smartphone where there are no familiar tools like Disk Management from Windows?

It turns out that there are more options than it seems: from built-in functions Android 10+ to specialized applications like Solid Explorer or Cryptomator. In this article we will look at all the current methods - from the simplest (suitable even for beginners) to advanced (with encryption and mounting via Termux). We’ll also find out why a virtual disk can be more useful than cloud services and how to avoid common mistakes when setting it up.

What is a virtual disk on Android and why do you need it

A virtual disk is a file container that the operating system perceives as a separate volume (for example, a flash drive or a hard drive partition). On Android, such disks are created in .img, .vdi or encrypted containers .cryptformats. Their key advantages:

• 🔒 Security: the data inside can be encrypted (for example, via AES-256), which is more reliable than standard folder locking.
• 📁 Organization: it is convenient to separate personal and work files, projects or backups.
• 🔄 Portable: file The disk can be easily transferred to another device or to the cloud.
• 🛡️ Deletion protection: some applications (for example, Mixplorer) allow you to mount the disk in read-only mode.

Where is it will it be useful in practice? Let's say you store scans of documents, passwords or working drawings on your smartphone. Instead of keeping them in a regular folder (which could be accidentally deleted or accessed by an attacker), you create an encrypted virtual drive. When mounted, it requires a password, and in the inactive state it looks like a harmless file my_disk.img.

⚠️ Attention: Virtual disks do not protect against physical hacking of the device (for example, through an attack on the memory chip). For maximum security, combine them with encryption of the entire device in the Android settings. chip-off attack on the memory chip). For maximum security, combine them with whole-device encryption in Android settings.

Method 1: Creating a virtual disk through Solid Explorer (without root)

Solid Explorer is one of the few file managers for Android that supports creating and mounting virtual disks without superuser rights. Here's how it works:

1. Install Solid Explorer from Google Play (free version with limitations or paid version Pro).
2. Open the application and go to Menu → Settings → Plugins.
3. Activate the plugin "Archives and disks" (you may need to download additionally).
4. Return to the root folder and click + → New → Virtual disk.
5. Specify the name (for example, SecretDrive), size (up to 4 GB in the free version) and format (FAT32 or ext4).
6. Click "Create" —the disk file will appear in the selected folder.

To connect the drive:

1. Find the created file .img in Solid Explorer.
2. Tap on it and select "Mount".
3. The disk will appear in the Devices section as a separate volume (for example, /storage/emulated/0/SolidExplorer/SecretDrive).

Important: In the free version Solid Explorer the size of the virtual disk is limited to 4 GB. For disks larger than 32 GB, you will need the format exFAT, but its support depends on the Android firmware.

Write rights to the destination folder are included

At least 10% of the device memory is free

The disk file will not be stored in the cloud (risk of leakage)

The application has been updated to latest version-->

Method 2: Encrypted disk via Cryptomator (for confidential data)

If you need not just virtual storage, but fully encrypted container, use CryptomatorThis application creates secure "safes" (.cryptomator), which are mounted like regular folders, but all files inside are encrypted on the fly.

Advantages over Solid Explorer:

• 🔐 Encryption AES-256 + protection of file names.
• 📱 Synchronization with clouds (Google Drive, Dropbox etc.).
• 🆓 Free for Android (unlike the desktop version).

Instructions:

1. Install Cryptomator from Google Play or F-Droid.
2. Click "Create a new safe" and select a location (for example, /storage/emulated/0/Documents/MyVault).
3. Set a password (minimum 12 characters!) and confirm.
4. After creating the safe, tap on it and enter the password to mount.
5. Now a folder will appear in the file manager MyVault - everything you put in it will be automatically encrypted.

To unmount the disk (and hide the data), return to Cryptomator and click "Unmount". The files will remain encrypted in the safe folder.

Method 3: Virtual disk via Termux (for advanced users)

If you are not afraid of the command line, Termux allows you to create a virtual disk with full control over the parameters. This method requires basic knowledge Linuxbut gives maximum flexibility.

Steps:

1. Install Termux from F-Droid (version from Google Play is outdated!).
2. Update packages:

   pkg update && pkg upgrade
   pkg install coreutils

3. Create a disk file (for example, 1 GB):

   dd if=/dev/zero of=~/storage/shared/my_disk.img bs=1M count=1024

4. Format it in ext4:

   mkfs.ext4 ~/storage/shared/my_disk.img

5. Mount the disk into a folder (you will need root or proot):

   mkdir ~/mnt/disk
   mount -o loop ~/storage/shared/my_disk.img ~/mnt/disk

Now you can store files in the folder ~/mnt/disk To unmount:

umount ~/mnt/disk

⚠️ Attention: Without rights root mounting via Termux works only within its environment. To access from other applications you will need Shizuku or ADB.

chmod 644 ~/storage/shared/my_disk.img

Method 4: Built-in "Private Mode" function on Samsung (without applications)

Owners of smartphones Samsung (series Galaxy S, Note, A etc.) can use the built-in "Private Mode" (privacy mode). This is not quite a virtual disk, but functionally close: data is stored in an encrypted container and is accessible only after authentication.

How to enable:

1. Go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Mode privacy.
2. Set up the unlock method (PIN, fingerprint or password).
3. Turn on the switch "Private Mode".
4. Now in Gallery, Files or other applications the option Add to Private Mode.

Limitations:

• ❌ Works only on devices Samsung c One UI.
• ❌ You cannot create a separate container file (data is stored in the system partition).
• ❌ When you reset the phone, the data in Private Mode will be deleted.

Through the file manager (Solid Explorer)

Encrypted safe (Cryptomator)

Command line (Termux)

Built-in functions (Samsung Private Mode)

Another option-->

Method 5: Virtual disk in the cloud (Google Drive + rclone)

If you need a virtual disk that syncs with the cloud, use the combination rclone (in Termux) and Google Drive. This will allow you to mount the cloud storage as a local folder.

Instructions:

1. Install Termux and run:

   pkg install rclone

2. Set up access to Google Drive:

   rclone config

   (follow the instructions, log in via browser).

3. Create a folder to mount:

   mkdir ~/storage/shared/gdrive

4. Mount the disk:

   rclone mount gdrive: ~/storage/shared/gdrive --vfs-cache-mode full &

Now the folder gdrive will display files from your Google Drive. To unmount, close Termux or run:

fusermount -u ~/storage/shared/gdrive

⚠️ Attention: When mounting via rclone files are cached on the device. Make sure that the settings --vfs-cache-mode indicate full for stable operation.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

For most users, the optimal choice is Cryptomator (if encryption is needed) or Solid Explorer (for simple tasks). If you are the owner Samsung, try the built-in Private Mode before installing third-party applications.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When working with virtual disks on Android, users often encounter the following problems:

1. Not enough space: Before creating disk, check the free space via Settings → Memory. The virtual disk takes up space on the internal drive, even if empty.
2. The disk is not mounted: Make sure the file .img is not damaged. In Termux check the integrity with the command:

   fsck ~/storage/shared/my_disk.img

3. Forgot your password from Cryptomator: It is impossible to restore access to an encrypted safe. Store your password in a password manager (for example, Bitwarden).
4. Slow operation: Virtual disks on FAT32 slow down when there are a large number of small files. For performance, choose ext4.

Another common mistake is trying to open a disk file .img as an archive. Remember: this is not a ZIP, but a disk image! To work with it you need a file manager with mounting support (for example, Solid Explorer or Mixplorer).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about virtual disks on Android