System folder on Android: where it is, how to open it and what can be changed in it

The system folder /system on Android is the “heart” of the operating system, where critical files responsible for device operation. From the kernel and drivers to standard applications and fonts - all this is hidden in a protected section, which is inaccessible to the user by default. But what if you need to look there? Perhaps you want to remove unnecessary software, replace system sounds, or fix an error after an unsuccessful update.

In this article we will take a detailed look at where is the /system folder physically located on Android devices from different manufacturers, how to access it (including rooted and non-rooted phones), as well as which manipulations with system files are considered safe, and which can turn a smartphone into a “brick”. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other popular brands, where the directory structure may differ.

What is the /system folder and why do you need it

Folder /system — This is a separate partition of Android internal memory that is mounted in read-only mode (ro). The following are stored here:

• 📁 OS kernel (/system/bin, /system/lib) - low-level components that control the hardware.
• 🎵 System sounds and fonts (/system/media, /system/fonts) - alarm tones, notifications, standard headsets.
• 📱 Built-in applications (/system/app, /system/priv-app) - Google Services, camera, phone and other services that cannot be deleted without root access.
• 🔧 Configuration files (/system/build.prop, /system/etc) - network settings, screen resolutions, performance parameters.

It is important to understand that changing files in /system without understanding the consequences can lead to:

• ⚠️ Cyclic reboot (bootloop) - the device gets stuck on the logo.
• ⚠️ Loss of functionality - failure of the camera, Wi-Fi or mobile network.
• ⚠️ Bootloader block (on some devices, for example, LG or Sony).

⚠️ Attention: Starting from Android 10, Google has tightened its security policy: modification section /system may trigger DM-Verity (system integrity check) and automatically reset the device. This applies even to rooted phones.

Where is the /system folder physically located on Android

The physical location of the partition /system depends on the device memory architecture:

In the user interface (for example, through the file manager) folder /system usually not visible, even if you enable the display of hidden files. This is due to:

• 🔒 Lack of read rights for regular applications.
• 🛡️ Protection SELinuxthat blocks access.
• 📱 Features of manufacturers' firmware (for example, MIUI or One UI hide system partitions completely).

To see /systemyou will need either root accessor use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). data-i="92">root access

How to access the /system folder without root access

If you have no root accessbut need to view the contents /system, there are several legal ways. They will not allow you to edit files, but will allow you to copy them for analysis.

Method 1: Through ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

Instructions for Windows/Linux/macOS:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → For developers → USB debugging).
2. Connect your phone to the PC and confirm trust in the computer.
3. Open terminal (or command line) and run:

adb shell
ls /system

To copy a file (for example, build.prop) to a PC:

adb pull /system/build.prop C:\temp\

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 11+ and dynamic partitions, the command ls /system may produce an error. In this case. use:

adb shell "su -c 'ls /system'"

But this will require root access.

Method 2: Through a file manager with ADB support

Applications like FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer can connect to ADB and view system folders:

1. Install the application from Google Play.
2. Enable in the settings ADB Root Mode (connection to a PC is required).
3. Go to /system via the manager interface.

Limitations:

• 🚫 It is not possible to edit files.
• 📂 Not all folders can be displayed (depending on the policy SELinux).

Access to /system with root access: step-by-step guide

If you have root access (received via Magisk, SuperSU or custom recovery), you can not only view, but also edit files in /system. However, this requires caution.

Step 1: Installing root explorer

The best options:

• 📂 Root Explorer (paid, but reliable).
• 📂 Mixplorer (free, with root support).
• 📂 FX File Explorer (you need to enable root mode in the settings).

After installation:

1. Open the application and provide root access when asked.
2. Go to the root directory (/and find the folder system.

Step 2: Mount /system in write mode

Default /system is mounted as read-only. To edit files, run in adb shell or terminal:

su
mount -o rw,remount /system

If the command did not work, try:

mount -o rw,remount /

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10+ and dynamic partitions (super.img) standard mount may not work. In this case you will need:

• Use Magisk for temporary mounting.
• Or unpack super.img on a PC using Payload Dumper.

Step 3: Editing files

Examples of safe changes (for experienced users):

• 🔊 Replacing system sounds in /system/media/audio (for example alarm.ogg).
• 📝 Editing build.prop to change the DPI or device model (caution: it may break Google Pay!).
• 🗑️ Removing built-in applications from /system/app (do this first backup!).

Critical important: before making any changes, create a backup copy of the /system partition via TWRP or command adb backup. Recovering from an error may require a complete flashing.

Where /system is located on devices of different brands

Manufacturers often modify the structure of system folders Here are the key features for popular brands:

For example, on Samsung Galaxy S21 the path to system applications will look like this:

/system_root/system/priv-app

And on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro - like this:

/system/system_ext/app

⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei i Honor s EMUI access to /system is blocked at the kernel level, even with root access. Modifications will require unlocking the bootloader and custom recovery.

What can be safely changed in /system (and what cannot)

Even with root access not all files in /system can be edited without riskHere is a checklist. safe and dangerous actions:

✅ What can be changed (with caution)

• 🎵 Sounds and melodies in /system/media/audio — replace alarm.ogg or notification.ogg to your files (the format must match!).
• 📛 Fonts to /system/fonts —add custom .ttffiles (do not delete standard!).
• 📱 Screensavers and wallpapers v /system/media —replace bootanimation.zip (but check the resolution!).
• 📝 Build.prop —change parameters ro.sf.lcd_density (DPI) or ro.product.model (but this may break banking applications!).

❌ What should not be touched (high risk)

• 🚫 Files in /system/bin i /system/lib — deleting or replacing libraries will lead to system crash.
• 🚫 Kernel (/system/bootimg or /boot) - changes without knowledge of assembler are guaranteed to block the device.
• 🚫 SELinux files (/system/sepolicy) - an error in security policies will cause bootloop.
• 🚫 System APK from /system/priv-app — deleting Settings.apk or TeleService.apk will make the phone inoperable.

Example safe modification:

1. Copy your sound file (for example, my_alarm.mp3) to /system/media/audio/alarms.
2. Set rights 644 (owner - root):

chmod 644 /system/media/audio/alarms/my_alarm.mp3
chown root:root /system/media/audio/alarms/my_alarm.mp3

Example dangerous modification:

rm /system/bin/sh # Removing the shell will lead to loss of access to ADB!

How to restore /system after errors

If after editing /system the device:

• 🔄 Got stuck on the logo (bootloop).
• 📵 Doesn't turn on at all (brick).
• 🚨 Gives an error dm-verity corruption.

You will need one of the solutions:

Method 1: Recovery via TWRP

1. Boot into TWRP (hold Power + Volume Up when turning on).
2. Select Mount → System.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and copy the backup or stock files back to /system.
4. Correct the rights:

chmod 755 /system/bin/*
chmod 644 /system/app//.apk

Method 2: Flashing the stock firmware

For most brands:

• 📥 Download the stock firmware from the official website (Samsung — Sammobile, Xiaomi — Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🔧 Use the tools:

• 📱 Odin for Samsung.
• 📱 Fastboot for Google Pixel, OnePlus.
• 📱 Mi Flash for Xiaomi.

Method 3: Bypass DM-Verity (for Android 10+)

If the device does not boot due to triggering dm-verity, try:

1. Boot into fastboot (Power + Volume Down).
2. Disable verification:

fastboot disable-verity
fastboot disable-verification

Then reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung s Knox) any modifications /system cause the flag to be triggered RMM State or Knox Tripwhich voids the warranty and blocks Samsung Pay/Secure Folder.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about folder /system

ls -l /dev/block/by-name/