Users of the Android operating system are often faced with the need to find physical files of installed apps. This may be required for backup purposes, manual removal of residual data, or device security analysis. However, a standard file manager rarely shows the true location of executable files.
The security architecture Google Android is built on strict process isolation, so access to system directories is limited. Understanding where exactly data-i="33">and application data is stored is the key to deeply customizing your smartphone. In this article, we will look in detail at the structure of directories and how to access them. APK files and application data is the key to deeply customizing your smartphone. In this article we will take a detailed look at the structure of directories and how to access them.
Unlike Windows, where apps are often scattered across app Files and the registry, in Android there is a clear hierarchy. User data and the apps themselves are separated, which ensures stable operation of the system even if the cache or settings of individual software are damaged.
Main system directory of user applications
All applications that you download from Google Play Market or install manually via APK files, by default end up in a protected area of the internal memory. The main directory for this is the path /data/app.
This folder stores installation packages in the format .apk. Starting from Android 6.0 and higher, the structure inside this directory has changed. Now each application receives its own unique subfolder with the name of the package (for example, com.whatsapp-1), inside which lies the file base.apk. This is done to improve security and prevent name conflicts.
A regular user cannot just go to this directory through a standard explorer. Access requires root access (superuser rights) or the use of special debugging tools such as ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Without these privileges, the system will throw an access error when trying to open.
If you do not have root access, use the ADB command "adb shell pm path com.package.name" to get the exact path to the APK file of a specific application.
It is worth noting that deleting files directly from /data/app can lead to unstable system operation. It is better to use standard removal tools through the settings or package manager commands.
System applications and uninstallable software
A significant part of the apps preinstalled by the smartphone manufacturer or telecom operator resides elsewhere. These applications are considered part of the firmware and are stored in the section /system.
Specifically, the installation files of the system software are located in the directory /system/app or /system/priv-app. The difference between them is critical: applications from priv-app have extended privileges and access to protected system APIs, while regular system utilities are located in app.
An attempt to delete files from these folders without preparation can lead to bootloop (cyclic reboot) of the device. The system expects certain services to be present when loading, and their absence causes a critical error.
⚠️ Attention: Modification of the /system partition is possible only with an unlocked bootloader and superuser rights. Any wrong action can turn the phone into a “brick.”
To free up space, users often try to remove system software (bloatware). It is safer to do this through a command pm uninstall -k --user 0that hides the application for the current user without physically deleting the file from the system partition.
What is the system partition?
The /system partition is mounted as read-only in normal operation. To make changes, it must be remounted in read-write mode, which requires specific knowledge.
Data and application cache directory
In addition to the installation file itself, each application is allocated personal space for storing settings, databases and cache. This data is located in the directory /data/data.
The name of the subfolder in this directory matches the name of the application package. Inside you will find folders such as shared_prefs (settings in XML), databases (SQLite databases) and cache. This is where your logins, game progress and temporary files are stored.
Clearing the cache through the phone settings actually deletes the contents of the folder cache inside /data/data/[package_name]. However, completely clearing data (the "Erase data" button) deletes the entire application directory, returning it to the state immediately after installation.
| Directory | Content type | Requires Root | Risk of deletion |
|---|---|---|---|
/data/app |
Installation APK | Yes | Medium (loss of application) |
/data/data |
Settings and databases | Yes | High (loss of accounts/progress) |
/sdcard/Android/data |
Cache and media files | No (partially) | Low (can be restored) |
/system/app |
System software | Yes | Critical (boot failure) |
It is important to distinguish between internal memory and what the system sees as external storage. The path /sdcard is often a symbolic link to an internal storage section accessible to a user without superuser rights.
Data on external media and SD card
Many heavy applications, especially games, transfer large resources (textures, sounds, videos) to external storage. In modern versions of Android, this structure is standardized and is located along the path /sdcard/Android/data.
A folder with the name of the package is created here, and inside it there is a subfolder files or obb. The directory OBB (Opaque Binary Blob) is designed to store large additional files that cannot be embedded in the main APK due to size restrictions.
Starting with Android 11, access to the folder /Android/data for third-party file managers has been significantly limited by security policy Scoped Storage. Now you can’t just go there through Explorer without providing special permissions or using the “Files” system menu.
☑️ Checking disk space
If you transfer an application to an SD card through system settings, the physical files may still remain in the internal memory, and only links or part of the data are written to the card. Actual transfer depends on the app developer's support for this feature.
⚠️ Warning: Formatting the SD card as "internal storage" encrypts the data. After this, the card will not work on other devices without a full reset.
How to access hidden folders without Root
For most users, getting root access is an unnecessary risk. Fortunately, there are legal ways to interact with the file system. The main tool is USB debugging and utility ADB.
By connecting your smartphone to the computer and turning on debugging mode in the menu For developers, you can execute commands. For example, the command adb shell pm list packages will show all installed packages, and adb pull will allow you to copy files from the device to the PC if you have read permissions.
There are also specialized file managers that use the protocol SAF (Storage Access Framework) to access protected areas. They can show the content /Android/databypassing standard interface restrictions.
adb shell pm path com.example.app
package:/data/app/com.example.app-1/base.apk
This command will return the exact path to the APK file, which can then be copied to your computer for analysis or backup. This is a safe method that does not require hacking the system.
Using ADB is the most reliable way to manage system files without the need to root the device and violate the warranty.
Features of working with files in Android 13 and later
With the release of new versions of the operating system, Google is tightening its file access policy. In Android 13 and 14, access to shared media files and application-specific folders has become even more granular.
Apps must now request permission to access specific types of media (photos, video, audio) separately. Direct access to the file system through the path /sdcard for third-party apps is blocked if they do not use system file selection dialogs.
This means that old methods of searching for files through simple explorers may not work. It is necessary to use modern file managers, updated to meet the requirements Scoped Storage, or access system functions through the settings of a specific application.
For developers and advanced users, this creates additional difficulties when debugging, but significantly increases the security of the user’s personal data from malware that scans the device’s memory.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and access paths may change with security updates. Always check the latest documentation for your firmware version before tinkering with the system.
Why is the Android/data folder empty?
Starting with Android 11, many explorers do not show the contents of this folder by default for privacy reasons. Use the built-in Files application or give special permissions to a third-party manager.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I move the /data/app folder to an SD card?
No, system directory /data/app must be in internal memory to ensure performance and security. Moving system partitions to a slow SD card will lead to critical OS errors.
Where are downloads from Telegram and WhatsApp stored?
Media files from messengers are usually saved in public folders: /sdcard/WhatsApp/Media or /sdcard/Android/media/org.telegram.messenger, in depending on the Android version and application settings.
How to delete an application if it cannot be deleted through the settings?
If the delete button is inactive, it is a system application. It can be disabled in the settings or deleted via ADB with the command adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 [package_name].
Is it safe to delete files from the .thumbnails folder?
Yes, folder .thumbnails contains thumbnail images. It can be safely deleted to free up space; the system will create it again the next time you open the gallery.
Why can’t I see the Android folder on my computer when I connect the cable?
In some versions of Android, system folders are hidden when connected via MTP. Try changing the USB mode to "File Transfer" or use wireless transfer via FTP/Wi-Fi.