Users often wonder where downloaded maps are physically stored in the popular navigation application Yandex Navigator. This knowledge is necessary not only to free up space on your smartphone, but also to manually transfer data to a memory card or backup before resetting the settings. In modern versions of the OS Android the structure of the file system has undergone changes due to the introduction of the Scoped Storage policy, which has complicated direct access to application data.
In this article we will take a detailed look at standard directory paths, the differences between internal storage and external drives, as well as ways to manage these files without losing the functionality of the navigator. You will learn how to find hidden folders and what to do if the standard file manager does not display the necessary system partitions.
Standard paths to map files in Android 10 and later
Starting with version Android 10, Google has introduced strict restrictions on application access to shared memory directories. Now the data of most apps, including Yandex Navigator, is stored in a special isolated zone. The main path to the cards on the internal memory looks like /Android/data/ru.yandex.yandexnavi/files/. This is where the root folder of the application is located.
Inside this directory there is a subfolder maps, which contains all loaded regions. The structure may vary depending on the version of the application, but the logic remains the same: first comes the general data folder, then the map-specific one. If you are using a standard Explorer, it may not show the contents of the folder data without granting special permissions.
To access these files, you will need a file manager that supports working in system directories, for example Total Commander or FX File Explorer. When you first enter the folder /Android/data/ the system will ask you to confirm access - you must click the "Allow" or "Use this folder" button. Without this step, you will see a blank screen, even if the files are there.
⚠️ Warning: Directly deleting files from the folder ru.yandex.yandexnavi through a third-party explorer may result in a navigator database error. The application will stop seeing maps and will require re-downloading through the app interface.
If you do not see the Android folder in the root of the memory, enable the display of hidden files in the settings of your file manager.
Features of storing data on a memory card (SD)
Many users prefer to save voluminous maps of regions to an external one SD cardso as not to fill up the internal memory of the smartphone. In this case, the path to the files changes, but the principle remains the same. If a memory card is selected as the main storage in the navigator settings, the data will be located along the path /Android/data/ru.yandex.yandexnavi/files/, but in the root of the external drive.
However, there is a nuance: some versions of the application or specific phone firmware (for example, from Xiaomi or Huawei) can create an alternative folder structure. Sometimes maps are saved to the root directory of the memory card in a folder named Yandex or Navitel (if there is cross-compatibility of older versions), although this is rare for the current Yandex Navigator.
To find out exactly where the application saves data in your particular case, go to the settings of the navigator itself. The "Storage" or "Memory" item will show the current path. If it says "SD card", feel free to look for files on external media. When you remove the card, the navigator will automatically switch to the internal memory, if there is space there.
- 📂 Check the path in the application settings before searching for files manually.
- 💾 Formatting the SD card will delete all downloaded maps without the possibility of recovery.
- 🔒 On Android 11+, access to folders on The SD card also requires special access rights.
How to find and clear the map cache to free up space
Over time, the maps folder can grow to several gigabytes, especially if you download entire countries or update regions on top of older versions. Cache and outdated data takes up valuable space. Cleaning can be done in two ways: through the system settings or manually deleting specific region files.
A more secure method is to use the application’s built-in tools. Go to the navigator settings menu, select the "Download maps" or "Maps" section. There will be a list of all loaded areas with their size. You can delete unnecessary regions one by one by clicking on the trash icon next to the name of the city or region.
If the application does not start or the interface is frozen, you will have to act through the file system. Find the folder maps inside the application directory. The files inside usually have an extension .map or have no extension at all, representing binary data. Deleting a specific region file will free up space, but the next time you start the navigator may try to restore it if autoload is enabled.
Path for manual cleaning:
/Android/data/ru.yandex.yandexnavi/files/maps/
☑️ Safe memory clearing
Transferring cards to another phone or after a reset
A common situation: you bought a new smartphone or did a Factory Reset on the old one, and now you need to restore all downloaded cards so as not to waste mobile traffic. Simply copying a folder ru.yandex.yandexnavi from an old device to a new one often does not work due to differences in installation IDs or OS versions.
The most reliable way is to copy only the contents of the folder maps. Create the same directory structure on the new phone: /Android/data/ru.yandex.yandexnavi/files/. Then copy the map files from your old device there. After this, launch the navigator - it should scan the folder and see the available offline maps.
It is important to consider that the map database versions must be compatible. If the old phone had maps from a year ago, and the new one has a fresh application update, the navigator may offer to update them. In this case, it is better to agree to avoid errors in address search or routing.
| Action | Risk of data loss | Difficulty | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deletion through settings | Low | Low | Main method |
| Manual file deletion | Medium | Medium | Only in case of failures |
| Clearing the cache in the system | High (reset settings) | Low | Extreme measure |
| SD formatting | Total loss | Low | Not recommended |
⚠️ Attention: When transferring files to Android 11 and higher, make sure that the application is already installed and launched at least once so that it creates the necessary system folders.
Problems with accessing the Data folder on new versions of Android
Smartphone owners on Android 11, 12, 13 and 14 are faced with the fact that the explorer simply does not let them into the folder /Android/data/. This is not a phone fault, but a system protection. Standard galleries and simple file managers do not have rights to read these directories for the sake of user data security.
To bypass this restriction, you can use a computer. Connect your phone to your PC via USB cable, select file transfer mode (MTP). On a computer, the Scoped Storage limitation often does not apply so strictly, and you can see the contents of the folder data and copy cards from there.
An alternative option is to use specialized utilities like Shizuku in conjunction with a file manager, for example, CX File Explorer. These tools request access via USB debugging (ADB) or wireless connection, gaining privileges to work with protected system folders without the need for root access.
Why has Google closed access to the Data folder?
This is done to prevent third-party applications from collecting data and protecting privacy. Previously, any application could read the files of another application, which was a security vulnerability.
Recovering deleted maps and solving errors
Sometimes it happens that the navigator stops seeing maps, although the files are physically there. This may happen after a failed system update or power failure. In such a situation, do not rush to delete files manually. Try to find the "Check for updates" or "Reinstall maps" button in the application settings.
If files were deleted accidentally, it is difficult to restore them using standard Android tools, since the recycle bin in system folders usually does not work. The only way out is to download them again via Wi-Fi. To speed up the process, you can download the archive with maps to your computer, transfer it to your phone and unpack it into the desired directory, as described in the transfer section.
It is also worth checking the access rights to the storage. Go to Settings → Applications → Yandex Navigator → Rights. Make sure that access to Memory or Files and media is allowed. Without this permission, the application simply will not be able to read the path to its own files.
The fastest way to return cards is go to the "Downloading maps" section inside the application and click "Download" next to the desired region, even if it is marked as downloaded.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to move Yandex Navigator to an SD card completely?
Completely move the application itself to You cannot use an SD card in modern versions of Android, this is a system limitation. However, you can configure storage of downloaded maps on external media through the settings of the navigator itself.
Why is the Android/data folder empty, although the maps have been downloaded?
Most likely, you are using a file manager that does not have access rights to system folders on your version of Android. Try using CX File Explorer or connect your phone to your computer.
How much does the map of all of Russia weigh in Yandex Navigator?
The weight of the map is constantly changing due to updates to the road network. Currently, a full map of Russia takes up approximately 2 to 4 GB, depending on the detail and software version.
Will the map be deleted if you clear the application cache?
Yes, clearing the cache through the Android settings can delete temporary files, but usually does not affect the map files themselves in the files folder. However, clearing "App Data" will delete everything, including settings and maps.
Where are the track and bookmark files?
User track and bookmark files are usually stored in the same directory ru.yandex.yandexnavi, but in subfolders tracks or bookmarks. They take up negligible space compared to cards.