Transferring cache to OBB on Android 11: a complete guide with solutions to problems

Transferring the cache of games and applications to the folder Android/obb na Android 11 is a task that many users face when there is a lack of internal memory. Unlike previous versions, Android 11 has introduced severe restrictions. access to system partitions, which complicated the process. Cache data, especially from heavy games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, can take up gigabytes of space, and moving them to an SD card or to obb allows you to free up space without losing progress.

In this article we will examine all working methods moving the cache to obb to Android 11 —both with and without permissions. We will pay special attention to typical errors (for example, root, and without them. We will pay special attention to typical errors (for example, Error 920 v Google Play), methods for bypassing restrictions Scoped Storage, and alternative solutions for devices with MIUI, ColorOS and other customized shells. If you have previously tried to transfer data and received the message "There is not enough space on the device, although the SD card is empty", here you will find an explanation and solution.

Why the cache is not transferred in standard ways to Android 11

The main problem lies in the policy Scoped Storageimplemented by Google starting with Android 10 and tightened in Android 11. Now, by default, applications only have access to their isolated folders (/Android/data and /Android/obb), and direct writing to the root directories of the SD card is blocked. This means:

• 🔹 File managers (like Total Commander or FX File Explorer) cannot just copy files to obb —workarounds are required.
• 🔹 ADB commands for transfer (pm set-install-location 2) on Android 11 are unstable and are often ignored by the system.
• 🔹 Applications for transfer (for example, AppMgr III or FolderMount) require root or install their own drivers, which is not always safe.

Additional difficulties are created by manufacturers who modify Android to suit their shells. For example, on Xiaomi (MIUI 12+) even access to Android/obb through MTK Engineer Modeis blocked, and on Samsung One UI you may need to disable Knox to fully work with system folders.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei c EMUI 11+), the folder obb may be hidden even for root users due to hardware encryption. Before starting work, check the presence of the folder using ADB Shell command ls /storage/emulated/0/Android.

Preparing the device: what needs to be done before transfer

Before you begin the transfer, follow the required steps to avoid data loss or failures:

1. Create a backup copy cache and game saves. To do this:
• 📁 Copy the cache folder (usually located in /Android/data/[package_name]/files) to a PC or cloud.
• 🎮 For games with cloud saves (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile) Log in to your account to restore progress in case of failure

If you use SD card, make sure it is formatted as internal memory (to do this, select option “Internal storage”). Otherwise Android 11 will not allow you to write data to obb removable media.

Make a backup of the cache and saves|Check the file system SD cards (FAT32/exFAT)|Disable battery optimization for the file manager|Format the SD card as internal (if necessary)|Make sure the Android/obb folder exists-->

Method 1: Transfer cache without root (via ADB and file manager)

This method is suitable for most devices on Android 11 and does not require superuser rights. We will use a combination of ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and a file manager with support for root operations, for example Mixplorer.

Step 1. Enable USB debugging:

1. Go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap 7 times to activate the mode developer.
2. Go back to Settings → System → For developers and enable USB Debugging.
3. Connect the device to the PC and confirm permission to debug.

Step 2. Use ADB to unlock access:

Open the command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and run:

adb shell
sm set-force-adoptable true

This command allows Android 11 to treat the SD card as internal memory even without formatting. After completion, reboot the device.

Step 3. Transfer the cache via Mixplorer:

1. Install Mixplorer from Google Play or from XDA Developers.
2. In the application settings, enable the option "Show hidden files" and "Root mode" (if available).
3. Go to the cache folder (for example, /Android/data/com.tencent.ig/files for PUBG Mobile) and copy the files to /Android/obb/[package_name]/.

⚠️ Attention: If when copying you see the error “Operation not permitted”, it means that the manufacturer has blocked access to obb at the software level. In this case, only root or an alternative method using Termux (described below).

Replace [package_name] with the application ID (for example com.miHoYo.GenshinImpact).-->

Method 2: Transfer using Termux (for advanced users)

Termux is a terminal emulator for Androidthat allows you to execute Linux commands without root. You can use it to bypass restrictions Scoped Storageif the ADB method did not work.

Step 1. Install Termux and the necessary packages:

pkg update && pkg upgrade
pkg install wget openssl-tool proot -y
termux-setup-storage

After By running the last command, grant Termux access to the storage.

Step 2. Download and run the transfer script:

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/EXALAB/AnLinux-Resources/master/Scripts/Installer/Kali/kali.sh
chmod +x kali.sh
./kali.sh

This script will create an isolated environment where you can work with files without restrictions. Android 11After installation, complete:

./start-kali.sh
cp -r /sdcard/Android/data/[package_name]/files/* /sdcard/Android/obb/[package_name]/

Step 3. Set up symbolic links (if the cache is not detected):

If the game does not see the cache in obb, create a symbolic link:

ln -s /sdcard/Android/obb/[package_name]/ /sdcard/Android/data/[package_name]/files/

Method 3: Transfer cache with root access (most reliable)

If the previous methods did not work, root access it remains the most universal solution. It allows you to directly edit system folders and bypass all restrictions Scoped Storage.

Step 1. Getting root access:

• 🔧 Suitable for most devices Magisk (install via TWRP or patch boot.img).
• 📱 On Samsung required unlock OEM Unlock in developer mode and flash TWRP via Odin.
• ⚠️ On Xiaomi s MIUI 12+ you may need to unlink your account before unlocking the bootloader.

Step 2. Use Root Explorer:

1. Install Root Explorer or Solid Explorer with root support.
2. Go to /data/data/[package_name]/files and copy the cache to /sdcard/Android/obb/[package_name]/.
3. If the game does not see the files, change the access rights:

   chmod -R 777 /sdcard/Android/obb/[package_name]

Step 3. Editing configuration files (if necessary):

Some games (for example, Genshin Impact) check the cache path in the file config.ini. Open it in a text editor and replace:

[FilePath]
CachePath=/sdcard/Android/obb/[package_name]/

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Dynamic Partition (for example, Pixel 4+ or OnePlus 8T) direct writing to /data may lead to system failure. In this case, use Magisk Module to mount the partition in read-write mode.

Standard copying via file manager|ADB commands|Termux|Root access|None of the above-->

Solving common errors when moving cache

Even after a successful transfer, users often encounter errors. Let's look at the most common of them and how to fix them:

Error: "Not enough space" even though the SD card is empty

This problem is typical for devices with Adoptable Storage (for example, Motorola or Nokia). Solution:

1. Go to Settings → Storage → SD card.
2. Click “Format as internal" (all data will be deleted!).
3. After formatting, transfer the cache to obb anew.

Error: "File is corrupted" when starting the game

Most often this means that the cache files were copied incompletely or with errors. Check:

• 🔍 The size of the copied folder (must match the original).
• 🔄 File integrity (use md5sum in Termux).
• 📥 Download again cache from the official source.

Alternative ways to free up space without moving the cache

If moving the cache to obb is not possible (for example, due to hardware limitations), consider alternative methods to free up memory:

• 🗑️ Cleaning up unnecessary files:
  • Use SD Maid or Files by Google to delete temporary files.
  • Clear the system application cache in Settings → Applications → Storage.
• ☁️ Cloud storage:
  • Transfer media files (photos, videos) to Google Photos or Yandex Disk.
  • Use GameTurbo (on Xiaomi) to compress game data.
• 🔄 Transfer applications to SD card:
  • In Settings → Applications select the application and click "Move to SD card».
  • Use AppMgr III to force a transfer (requires ADB).
• 🛠️ Changing a partition /data:
  • On devices with an unlocked bootloader, you can increase the partition size /data via TWRP.
  • For Samsung suitable tool Pit Magic (requires Odin).

If your device supports USB OTG, you can connect an external SSD drive and use it to store the cache. To do this:

1. Connect an OTG drive (formatted in exFAT).
2. Create a folder Android/obb in the root of the drive.
3. Use AppMgr III or FolderMount for binding folders for the game.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring the cache to Android 11

ln -s /storage/1234-5678/Android/obb/[package_name] /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/[package_name]