How to open system folders on Android: from simple to complex

Android system folders store critical files of the operating system, settings and applications. Access to them is usually hidden from the user - and for good reason: careless changes can lead to failures, data loss, or even bricking of the device. However, sometimes the need to look into system, data or vendor arises: for manual configuration, recovery of deleted files or firmware modification.

In this article we will examine all working methods gaining access to system partitions - from the most secure (through a standard explorer) to advanced (with using ADB i root). Let us pay special attention the difference between reading and writing to system folders: the first option is almost always safe, but the second requires caution and understanding of the consequences. If your goal is to simply copy a file (for example, a log or config), the basic methods will suffice. For deep changes, you will need advanced rights.

Why system folders are hidden from the user

Android is built on Linux, where the principle of differentiation of rights (permissions) is the basis of stability. System folders (/system, /data, /vendor) are protected for several reasons:

• 🛡️ Protection against accidental changes: deleting or critical files (for example, /system/bin/) can make the device inoperable.
• 🔒 Data security: in /data/data/ Passwords, tokens and personal information of applications (including banking) are stored.
• 🤖 Integrity firmware: modification of system files may disrupt the operation of Google or manufacturer services (for example, Samsung Knox or MIUI Optimizations).
• ⚖️ License restrictions: some files (for example, DRM keys in /vendor) are protected by copyright.

Manufacturers also block access to system partitions through SELinux (forced control mechanism access) and DM-Verity (checking the integrity of the partition /system at boot). This means that even with root, you may encounter errors like Permission denied or Read-only file system.

⚠️ Attention: On devices. with Android 10+ and dynamic partitions (Dynamic Partitions), the structure of system folders may differ. For example, /system can be mounted as /system/system, and /vendor as /system/vendorcheck before work. current structure via ADB Shell command ls -l /.

Method 1: Viewing system folders through a standard explorer (without root)

If you need view only the contents of system folders (for example, copy a log or config), you can do without root access. Any one will do for this. file manager with support FTP/ADB or built-in access to the root directory.

The most popular options:

• 📁 Solid Explorer: enable in the settings Root access i Mount as R/W (if you have superuser rights) or use the built-in ADB plugin.
• 🔍 FX File Explorer: supports ADB i Root, there is a built-in terminal.
• 🛠️ MiXplorer: lightweight manager with support FTP/ADB and advanced settings for displaying hidden files.

Instructions for Solid Explorer:

1. Open the application and tap on three dots (⋮) in the upper corner.
2. Select Settings → Access to the root directory.
3. Activate the option Enable root access (if there is root) or Connect via ADB.
4. Go to the root directory (/) and open the folders system, data or vendor.

⚠️ Attention: Without root access you can only read files in system folders, but do not edit or delete them. Trying to change the file will result in an error Operation not permitted.

Install a file manager with ADB/Root support

Enable USB debugging in the settings developer

Connect the device to the PC (if you use ADB)

Create a backup copy of important data

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Method 2: Access via ADB (without root, but from a PC)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) —an official tool from Google for debugging devices You can use it to gain access. to system folders without root, but with restrictions: only for reading and copying files.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Android device with USB debugging enabled (in Settings → About phone → Build number tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm permission for debugging on the device screen.
2. Open a command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter:

   adb devices

   Make sure your device is listed.

3. Launch the ADB shell:

   adb shell

4. Go to the system folder (for example, /system):

   cd /system

5. View the contents:

   ls -l

   To copy the file to a PC, use:

   adb pull /system/path/to/file C:\destination\

Examples of useful commands:

Method 3: Obtaining root access (for full access)

If you need modifying or deleting files in system folders, you will need superuser rights (rootThis is the riskiest method, since careless actions can lead to:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (manufacturers block devices with root).
• 🔄 Interruption of OTA updates (the system will stop receiving updates over the air).
• 🛑 Triggered SafetyNet (banking applications, Google Pay, Netflix, etc. will not work).

Ways to get root:

1. Magisk - the most popular method (supports SafetyNet hiding root from applications). Works on most devices with Android 5.0+.
2. SuperSU - outdated, but still used on older firmware.
3. Custom recovery (TWRP) - requires unlocking. bootloader and installing a modified recovery.

Instructions for Magisk:

1. Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock —the procedure will reset all data!).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model (download from the official website twrp.me).
3. Download the latest version Magisk (Magisk-vXX.X.zip) with GitHub.
4. Reboot into TWRP i flash Magisk.zip.
5. Install the application Magisk Manager to manage root access.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Samsung Knox (galactic smartphones), getting root will lead to irreversible triggering of the flag Knox 0x1. This will void the warranty and may block some functions (for example, Secure Folder or Samsung Pay).

Magisk

SuperSU

TWRP + custom firmware

Never tried

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Method 4: Using TWRP to mount system partitions

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) —custom recovery, which allows you to mount system partitions in read-write mode (R/WThis is useful if you need:

• 📁 Recover deleted system partitions). files.
• 🔄 Replace standard applications (/system/priv-app/) with modified ones.
• 🛠️ Fix errors after an unsuccessful update.

How to mount system folders in TWRP:

1. Reboot the device into TWRP (usually by holding Power + Volume Up).
2. On the main screen, select Mount.
3. Tick the sections System, Data and Vendor.
4. Return to the main menu and select Advanced → File Manager.
5. Now you can view and edit files in system folders.

Example: replacing a file build.prop to change system settings:

1. In TWRP File Manager go to /system.
2. Find the file build.prop and make a backup copy of it (copy it to the SD card).
3. Edit the file (for example, add a line ro.telephony.call_ring.delay=0 to eliminate call delay).
4. Save changes and reboot device.

Method 5: Working with system folders via Termux (for advanced)

Termux - a powerful terminal for Android that allows you to execute Linux commands directly on the device. Using it, you can access system folders, if available root.

Installation and configuration:

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

   pkg update && pkg upgrade

3. Install tsu (terminal with root access):

   pkg install tsu

4. Start a session with superuser rights:

   tsu

   (the first time you launch it will ask for permission in the application Magisk or SuperSU).

Examples of commands in Termux:

To mount /system in recording mode, use:

mount -o rw,remount /system

If the command gives an error, check support SELinux:

getenforce

If the status is Enforcing, temporarily transfer to Permissive:

setenforce 0

Risks and how to avoid them

Working with system folders is always a compromise between capabilities and security. Main risks:

• 💥 Bootloop: incorrectly changing files in /system or /vendor can lead to endless loading.
• 🔐 Google account blocking: on some devices (for example, Pixel) modification /system works Factory Reset Protection (FRP).
• 📵 Loss of connection: changing files in /vendor/radio/ or /firmware can disrupt the operation of the modem.

How to minimize risks:

1. Backup: before making any changes, create a full backup via TWRP or ADB:

   adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

2. Checking changes: test modifications on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) before using them on the main device.
3. Using Magisk Modules: instead of manually editing system files, install ready-made modules through Magisk (for example, to change build.prop or add functions).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with A/B-partitions (Android 8+) changes in /system may not be saved after a reboot. In this case, firmware is required via fastboot or modification of both slots (_a and _b).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about accessing system folders

fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot reboot