Modern versions of the operating system Android have undergone significant changes in the privacy policy, starting with version 11. Google has introduced a Scoped Storage mechanism (limited storage), which by default prevents applications from free access to shared folders, such as “Downloads”, “DCIM” or "Documents". This is done to protect the user's personal data from malware, but often creates inconvenience when working with file managers, antiviruses or backup apps. When an application asks for permission, but gives an error or simply does not see the necessary folders, it becomes necessary to manually change the security settings.
The process of granting full access varies depending on the firmware version and the manufacturer of your device. On smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi or Pixel the paths to the settings may differ slightly, but the logic of the system remains the same. You will need to go to the system permissions menu and find the specific application that you trust to manage your files. It is important to understand that granting such rights removes some of the protective barriers, so this should only be done for proven software.
In this article we will look in detail at how to bypass Scoped Storage restrictions and give the application full control over the file system. We will look at standard methods through system settings, features of working with accessibility features for older applications, and also touch on security issues. You will learn why some apps do not see memory cards and how to fix this situation without obtaining root access. Follow the instructions carefully so as not to disrupt the stability of your gadget.
Why Android restricts access to files
Starting with Android 10 and especially in Android 11, Google has implemented the concept of isolated storage. Previously, any application with read memory permission could scan the entire internal storage. This led to data leaks where simple flashlights or calculators secretly copied your photos and documents to remote servers. Now each application runs in its own sandbox and sees only its own files unless the user explicitly allows otherwise.
Scoped Storage is a key term that explains the current behavior of the system. It separates files into personal (accessible only to the application) and public (media, downloads). To access shared files, developers must use the system's dedicated file selection interface rather than a direct directory path. However, many utilities, especially old file managers or specialized software, do not support this new standard and require classic full access.
⚠️ Attention: Providing access to all files to a third-party application means that it will be able to read, change and delete any data on your device, including personal photos and correspondence. Do this only for apps from trusted sources.
System restrictions also apply to access to folders Android/data and Android/obb. In the latest versions of the OS, even many standard file managers cannot open these directories without special tricks. This is because it stores game cache and data that is critical to its operation, and accidentally deleting files can cause crashes. Understanding this architecture helps you be mindful when granting permissions.
The standard way to grant permissions in settings
The easiest and safest method for granting an application access to files is to use the built-in Android settings menu. This method works on most devices running Android 11 and higher. You don't need third-party utilities or complex commands, just go through a few steps in the system interface. The algorithm of actions is intuitive, although the names of the items may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer’s shell.
First, open the main Settings of your smartphone. Find the section responsible for applications. On pure Android this is Applications, on the MIUI shell from Xiaomi — Applications → All applications, and on One UI from Samsung you need to select Applications in the bottom menu. Find in the list the app to which you want to give rights (for example, a file manager or an antivirus) and click on it.
In the menu of the selected application, find the section Permissions. Here you will see a list of access categories: camera, microphone, contacts and others. We are interested in item Files and media (or simply Memory on older versions). Click on it and you will see three options: Deny, Ask, and Allow management of all files. Select the last option. The system may issue a security warning - confirm the action.
After confirmation, the application will have full access to all internal storage. It will be able to scan folders, create new directories and modify existing data without additional requests for each action. If the Allow Manage All Files option is missing or grayed out, your app hasn't declared the need for this access in its manifest, or the Android version is too new and requires different methods.
If the Manage All Files option is grayed out and unclickable, check to see if "Just this time" is enabled in other permissions settings, or update the app itself to the latest version.
Access features on different versions of Android
Differences in the interface and logic of permissions can confuse a user moving from one device to another. What worked on Android 10may be blocked on Android 13. It is important to take into account the specifics of each version so as not to waste time searching for non-existent buttons. Below is a table showing the evolution of access rights requests in the latest versions of the system.
| Android version | Request type | Access features | Where to look for the setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 10 | Memory | Full access by default with consent | Settings → Applications → Permissions |
| Android 11 | Files and media | A division has been introduced into “Media only” and “All files” | Special. access → File management |
| Android 12/13 | Photos and videos / Music | Fragmentation of rights to specific types of content | Privacy → Permission manager |
| Android 14 | Partial access | Ability to select only specific ones photo | Settings → Applications → Special access |
On Android 13 i 14 Google went even further, dividing the permission for media files into subcategories: “Photos and Videos,” “Music and Audio,” “Files.” Now the application can only request access to the gallery, but will not be able to see your documents in the folder Download. This requires more careful configuration from the user. If a app needs access to everything, you will have to manually enable all available toggle switches in the permissions menu.
Owners of smartphones Xiaomi with the MIUI or HyperOS shell are often faced with an additional level of protection. Even if you have given permission in the system, MIUI may block access through its built-in privacy protection mechanism. In this case, you need to go to Settings → Privacy protection → Special permissions → Access files on the device and manually enable the desired application in this list. Without this step, the app will not work correctly.
On Samsung devices with One shell The Full Access UI option is often hidden in the Accessibility menu, which is located at the very bottom of the list of application settings, and not in general permissions.
Using accessibility features for older applications
Sometimes the standard file permission is not enough, especially if the application was developed several years ago and has not been updated to new Google standards. Such apps may try to use outdated access methods that the system blocks. This is where the Accessibility feature can help, although it was originally designed to help people with disabilities.
Granting accessibility rights allows an app to emulate button presses and read screen content. Some file managers use this mechanism to bypass restrictions when copying files to protected folders like Android/data. To activate this feature, go to Settings → Accessibility (or Advanced settings). Find the desired application in the list and activate the switch.
⚠️ Warning: Never enable accessibility features for applications that you do not trust 100%. This level of access allows the app to see everything you enter on the keyboard, including passwords for banking applications.
Once enabled, the system will issue a stern warning about potential risks. You will have to confirm that you understand the consequences. The interface may require you to enter your PIN or fingerprint for confirmation. Once permission is granted, the application will be able to perform actions that were previously prohibited by security. However, remember that this does not provide direct access to the file system at the kernel level, but only emulates user actions.
Why does the system control accessibility so strictly?
This tool has the highest privileged level. Malware that has gained this access can intercept control of the device, automatically confirm payments and steal data from other applications, imitating the actions of the owner.
Access to a memory card and external drives
Working with external SD cards on modern versions of Android has its own nuances. The system often treats the memory card as a separate storage unit with its own access rights. Even if you gave the application full access to the internal memory, it may not see the files on the flash drive. This is due to the fact that Android mounts external drives in a separate directory with write restrictions.
Granting access to the memory card usually requires additional confirmation through the system Document Selection (SAF) interface. When an application first tries to write data to the SD card, a system window will open showing the file structure. You will need to find the root of your memory card (usually it is indicated as SD Card or by volume, for example, 32 GB) and press the button Select or Use this folder at the bottom of the screen.
- 📂 Make sure that the memory card is formatted in the file system
exFATorFAT32as nativeNTFSmay not be supported without third-party drivers. - 🔒 If the card is encrypted as internal storage (Adoptable Storage), only the system will have access to it, and third-party applications will not be able to read it directly.
- ⚙️ On some smartphones, you need to explicitly allow access to the external drive in the menu “Storage” in the settings of a specific application. Sony And Motorola You must explicitly allow access to the external drive in the “Storage” menu in the settings of a specific application.
If the application continues to claim that it does not have write permission, try removing and reinserting the memory card. Sometimes the system does not mount the volume correctly after a software update or an abnormal shutdown of the phone. Also check the physical write lock switch on the card adapter itself if you are using a full-size SD format via an adapter.
☑️ Checking access to the SD card
Solving problems with access to the Android/data folder
Folder Android/data is one of the most problematic areas in modern versions of the system. Starting Android 11, direct access to it for third-party file managers was completely closed. This is done to prevent applications from clearing each other's cache or interfering with the operation of games. However, users often need to go there to transfer the cache of heavy games or remove the remains of uninstalled apps.
Standard methods of granting permissions do not work here, since the restriction is placed at the system API level. A regular file manager will simply show an empty folder or give you an “Access Denied” error. There are special workarounds to solve this problem. One of them is using the file manager from Google, which sometimes has extended privileges, or specialized utilities like access plugins. Another method involves using the “Manage all files” function in combination with a system document. You need to open the file manager, go to the root of the internal memory, then click on the menu (three dots) and select “Show system files” (if available). When you try to log in Files from Google, which sometimes has extended privileges, or specialized utilities like Total Commander with access plugins.
Another method involves using the Manage All Files feature in combination with a system document. You need to open the file manager, go to the root of the internal memory, then click on the menu (three dots) and select “Show system files” (if available). When trying to log in Android → data the system will take you to the document viewing interface. There you need to click on the menu in the upper left corner, select “Internal storage” and confirm access.
⚠️ Attention: Be extremely careful when deleting files in the folder
Android/data. Deleting the game data folder will result in the loss of progress if it is not saved in the cloud, and deleting the system application folder may cause it to become unstable.
If all else fails, you can use a computer. Connect your phone to your PC via a USB cable, select the file transfer mode (MTP) and copy the desired data directly through Windows or macOS Explorer. The computer usually has a higher level of trust and can access directories that are closed to applications on the phone itself. This is the most reliable method for bulk data transfer.
Direct access to Android/data through third-party applications on Android 11+ is only possible through workarounds using the SAF system interface or when connecting to a computer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why the application stopped working after the Android update see files?
Most likely, you have updated to version Android 11 or higher. In new versions, the security policy (Scoped Storage) has changed and old permissions have been revoked. You need to go to the application settings and re-grant the “Manage all files” permission.
Is it safe to give access to all files to the messenger?
Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) need this access to save photos and documents. It is safe if you downloaded the application from the official store Google Play. However, you should not give such rights to simple utilities, like a flashlight or a calculator.
How can I revoke permission if I change my mind?
Go to Settings → Applications, select the desired app, go to Permissions → Files and media and select "Deny". The application will lose access to your data immediately.
Why the "Allow" button is inactive (gray)?
This may mean that the application is not programmed to request this type of access, or you are trying to change the settings of a system application that is protected from changes. Also check if Guest mode or profile restrictions are enabled.
Is it possible to access all files without root access?
Yes, the standard “Manage all files” permission gives almost complete access to user data without the need for root access. Root is only needed to access system partitions that are hidden even with full access to files.