Where are game saves on Android: a comprehensive guide

After reinstalling the application or changing the device, all progress in the game may disappear due to the lack of a backup copy of saves in the Android/data or Android/obb folders, which forces the user to start the passage again.

Unlike personal computers, where folders with saves are often visible in "Documents", the structure Android is more closed and hierarchical. Starting from version 11, access to system directories was significantly limited by security policies Google. However, the physical location of the files has not gone away, only the access rights to them for third-party file managers have changed.

In this article we will analyze in detail the data storage architecture, consider standard and hidden paths, and also learn how to correctly transfer progress between devices. You will learn how to bypass access restrictions without losing warranty and what tools are really necessary to work with system files.

Standard data storage architecture

The file system of a modern smartphone is built on the principle of application isolation. Each installed app has its own dedicated area on the internal storage, where it can write data without requesting additional permissions from the user. This is where progress files are most often hidden.

The main path that you will need to remember is as follows: /Android/data/. Inside this directory there are folders with names corresponding to the package names of the applications (for example, com.supercell.clashofclans). However, mostly cached data and configuration files are stored here.

Heavier resources, such as textures, models and audio tracks, are usually located in the next directory /Android/obb/. If the game weighs several gigabytes, then the bulk of the data will be located there. It's important to understand the difference: deleting files from obb often results in the application being unable to launch, while clearing data can simply reset settings.

For heavy open-world projects, developers often use a hybrid storage scheme. Some critical data is duplicated in the cloud, and local files serve only to speed up loading. Therefore, before any manipulations with files, make sure that you understand what a specific file with the extension .sav or .dat.

⚠️ is responsible for. Attention: Direct editing of save files in a text editor without knowledge of the structure can lead to complete damage to the file. Always create a backup copy before making changes!

It is worth noting that on devices from different manufacturers, the path to the root directory may be displayed differently in file managers. Somewhere it /sdcard/, somewhere /storage/emulated/0/. In fact, this is the same internal memory space available to the user.

Access restrictions in modern versions of Android

Starting from Android 11, the company Google implemented the Scoped Storage mechanism (limited storage). This measure was aimed at increasing data security and privacy, but it seriously complicated the life of enthusiasts accustomed to managing files through Explorer.

Now standard file managers, such as “My Files” from Samsung or “Files” from Google, hide the contents of folders by default. Android/data and Android/obb. When you try to go there, you will see a message that access is limited or the folder is empty, although the files are physically located there.

This restriction is not a complete ban. The system allows you to provide access to these folders in a special way. To do this, you need to use file managers that support requesting system permission via SAF (Storage Access Framework). Without this step, you will not be able to copy or move save files.

If you own a device based on Android 13 or Android 14, the restrictions have become even stricter. Access to media files and documents now also requires explicit user confirmation for each data type. This is done to prevent the operation of malware that could secretly steal information.

⚠️ Attention: Shell interfaces (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS) may implement access to system folders differently. If the standard method does not work, try using a third-party explorer with access rights via ADB.

Step-by-step guide for finding saves

To get to the treasured files, you will need a reliable file manager. We recommend using Solid Explorer, CX File Explorer or Total Commander with the appropriate plugin. These applications can correctly request access rights to protected directories.

Follow this algorithm of actions to gain access to data:

• 📂 Open the file manager and go to the root of the internal storage.
• 📁 Find the folder Android and try to log in into her. If access is denied, the system will prompt you to click the "Allow" or "Use this folder" button.
• 🔓 Confirm the granting of rights in the system dialog box by clicking "Allow access to the folder."
• 💾 Now you can see the contents of the subfolders data and obb.

After gaining access, find the folder with the name of your game package. A package name usually looks like a domain name in reverse (for example, com.mojang.minecraftpe). If you do not know the exact name, you can view it in the application settings in the “About the application” section or through the store Google Play in the address bar of the browser.

Inside the application folder, look for subdirectories with names files, saves or documents. This is where files with extensions .db, .bin or .jsoncontaining your progress are most often located. In some cases, files may be encrypted and have strange names, such as user.dat.

Using root access for full access

For advanced users with superuser rights (Root), the process of searching and managing files becomes much easier. Having root access removes all limitations of Scoped Storage, allowing you to see and edit any files on the system.

Popular file managers for root devices, such as Root Explorer or MT Managergive access to the true file system. You can follow the path /data/data/where private application data is stored, protected from the average user even if you have access to /Android/data/.

/data/data/com.example.game/files/save_01.dat

However, obtaining root access is associated with risks. This may result in loss of device warranty, disruption of banking applications (due to triggering SafetyNet or Play Integrity API) and potential system instability. Use this method only if you are fully aware of the consequences.

How to hide root access from applications?

Use utilities like Magisk Hide or Zygisk to mask root permissions for specific applications, such as banking clients or anti-cheat games. This will allow you to have full access to files and still run protected software.

If you have root, you can use console commands through the terminal or ADB to quickly copy files. This is especially convenient when automating the backup process. The command cp allows you to instantly clone save files to a safe place.

Transferring saves to another device

The most common reason for searching for save files is the need to transfer progress to a new smartphone. Simply copying the folder may not work in all cases, since some games link saves to a unique device identifier or account Google Play Games.

For successful transfer, follow these steps:

• 📤 Copy the folder with game data from the old device to internal memory or to the computer.
• 📥 Install the game on the new device and run it once so that it creates the necessary folder structure.
• ❌ Completely close the game on the new device through the multitasking menu.
• 📂 Replace newly created files with copied old ones, maintaining the directory structure.

It is important to maintain the identity of the game versions. If version 1.5 is installed on the old phone and 1.6 on the new one, the structure of the save files may be different, which will lead to crashes or reset of progress. Update the application on both devices to the latest current version before transferring.

Data type	Location	Criticality	Can be deleted
Saving progress	Android/data/.../files	High	No
Texture cache	Android/obb/...	Medium	Yes (download again)
Graphics settings	Android/data/.../shared_prefs	Low	Yes
Error logs	Android/data/.../cache	Low	Yes

Some games use cloud synchronization through a developer account or social networks. In such cases, manually transferring files may be redundant or even conflict with cloud data. Always check for a built-in export/import function in the game settings.

Restoring deleted saves

If you accidentally deleted your progress files, there is still hope for recovery, but you need to act quickly. The fewer write operations are performed on the internal drive after deletion, the higher the chances of returning the data intact.

Modern Android file systems (most often f2fs or ext4) do not always immediately erase the physical contents of the file, only marking the space as free. Specialized data recovery software, such as DiskDigger (requires root for deep analysis), can scan memory and find deleted fragments.

⚠️ Attention: Applications for data recovery from regular accounts without root access have extremely low efficiency. They can only find photo thumbnails or caches, but not full save files in protected folders.

It's also worth checking the trash in your file manager. Many modern shells, such as OneUI ot Samsung or MIUI ot Xiaomi, have a built-in recycle bin, where deleted files are stored for 30 days. This is the first point where you need to look before installing third-party software.

As a last resort, if the data is critical, you can try to make a complete memory dump of the device and analyze it on a PC using professional utilities like R-Studio. However, this method requires high qualifications and root access to create a dump.

Is it possible to transfer saves from iPhone to Android?

In most cases, this is not possible due to the different file systems and architecture of iOS and Android. Even if the game is cross-platform, save files often have different formats. The exception is games with mandatory linking to an account (Facebook, Google, own server), where progress is stored on the developer’s side.

Why is the Android/data folder empty after connecting to a PC?

This is standard behavior for Android 11 and higher when connecting via MTP. The computer does not have permission to view these folders. Use wireless file transfer (FTP/Wi-Fi) through an advanced file manager on your phone or a cable with ADB debugging mode.

Is it safe to delete files from the obb folder?

Deleting files from obb will free up disk space, but the game will stop starting or will require re-downloading resources at startup. This is safe for the system, but inconvenient for the user if you have a slow Internet.

How to find the package name of a game without installing apps?

Go to Google Play through a browser on your computer, find the game. The link in the address bar will look like play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.name.game. The part after id= is the package name.

Does resetting the phone affect cloud saves?

Factory Reset deletes all local data. If the game supported synchronization with Google Play Games or your own account, progress will be restored after logging in. Local files not linked to the cloud will be lost forever.