Many users are faced with the need to find hidden files of popular entertainment applications to transfer saves, install mods or free up space on the internal drive. The standard file manager interface often hides system directories, creating the illusion that the data has disappeared or does not exist at all. In fact, the operating system Android strictly structures content storage, separating installation packages and bulk resources.
Understanding the logic of file placement is critical for those who are used to managing their device manually. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to get to the treasured directories, what tools are required for this, and why in the latest versions Android 11, 12 and 13 access to these folders was significantly limited by Google security policies.
You will learn how the paths to cache files and the main body of the game differ, as well as how to bypass restrictions without receiving root access. This guide will help you not only find the necessary data, but also interact with it correctly without interfering with the functionality of installed applications.
Structure of application data storage in Android
File system architecture Android is designed to isolate each application's data from other processes. This prevents conflicts and improves security, but makes life more difficult for the user who wants to copy files. All data is divided into two main categories: application installation files and additional resources, such as textures, music and maps.
Usually games weigh many gigabytes, and developers place the bulk of the data in special directories. If you try to simply copy the shortcut from your desktop, you will only get a launch link, not the game itself. The real files are hidden deep in the system partitions of the device's memory.
The key element here is the division into data and obb. The first folder contains settings, progress saves and a user-specific cache. The second folder stores the shared resources that are needed to run the game engine. Understanding this difference will allow you not to delete unnecessary things when clearing memory.
⚠️ Attention: Never delete files from system application folders if you are not sure of their purpose. Deleting key files may cause the game to stop launching or reset all your progress to the initial level.
To navigate these structures, you will need an advanced file manager, as standard tools often block access to root directories. It is recommended to use tools such as MT Manager, ZArchiver or Total Commanderthat can request special permissions from the system.
Main paths to game files: Android/data and Android/obb
Most modern games downloaded from Google Play or third-party stores, place their files in two specific directories of internal memory. Knowing the exact path is half the success in the search. Let's look at them in more detail.
The first path leads to the folder with the user's basic data. This is where your saves, graphics settings, and temporary files are stored. The path looks like this: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/. Inside this directory you will find folders with names corresponding to the application package names, for example com.rockstargames.gtasa.
The second path is for the cache and additional files (OBB). These are heavy files that are often downloaded separately after installing the APK. The path to them: /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/. The folder naming structure here is identical to that in the data directory. This is where you often need to place mod or patch files.
- 📂 The folder data contains confidential user data and settings for a specific profile.
- 🎮 The folder obb stores general game resources: textures, sounds, video screensavers and libraries engine.
- 🔒 Access to both directories on new versions of Android is limited without granting special rights through the file manager.
It is worth noting that on devices with a memory card microSD the structure may be duplicated. If you have transferred applications to an external drive, look for similar folders along the path /storage/[ID cards]/Android/data/. However, many modern games prohibit installation on external media for performance reasons.
Access problems on Android 11, 12 and 13: Scoped Storage
Starting with the eleventh version of the operating system, Google has implemented a policy Scoped Storage (Limited storage). This measure was aimed at protecting user privacy and preventing malware from accessing data from other applications. For an ordinary user, this resulted in the inability to simply enter the folder Android/data through a standard explorer.
When you try to open this directory, you may see an empty folder or a message about lack of rights. This is not a fault of your device, but an intentional limitation of the system. File managers no longer have automatic access to these areas without explicit user permission.
However, you can bypass this limitation using legal methods. Modern file managers, such as Files by Google or advanced processors like Mixplorer, when you try to enter a protected folder, they will open a system window with a “Use this folder” button. By clicking it and confirming the action, you will grant the application temporary or permanent access to the desired directory.
⚠️ Attention: The interfaces of system windows for granting rights may differ depending on the manufacturer’s shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). If the confirmation button is inactive, try going to a higher level and selecting the entire Android folder.
In some cases, especially on smartphones Xiaomi or Huawei, additional actions in the developer menu or special versions of file managers adapted for specific firmware may be required. Always check for updates to your file manager, as developers quickly adapt to new security requirements.
Using third-party file managers for search
Standard Files applications often have limited functionality. To fully work with game directories, it is better to install specialized software. The leaders in this niche are applications that can work with archives and request advanced permissions.
One of the best solutions is ZArchiver. This application not only knows how to unpack archives, but also does an excellent job of navigating through system folders. When you first launch it, it will ask for access to the storage, and when you try to log in Android/data it will redirect you to the system permissions menu.
Another powerful tool is MT Manager. It is aimed at advanced users and allows you not only to view files, but also to edit them, change APK signatures and work with binary data. For a simple search for a folder with a game, its functionality may be redundant, but it opens access without problems.
If the standard Explorer does not see the Android/data folder, try installing the "Files" application from Google from the Play Store. It often has a more correct implementation of requesting access rights on pure Android.
After installing any of these managers, the algorithm of actions is simple: open the application, grant all requested permissions, go to the internal memory and follow the path Android → data. If the system asks for confirmation, agree. Now you see all the folders of installed games.
Searching for saves and cache files of specific games
When you are in the desired directory, the fun begins - searching for specific files. Folder names are not always obvious because they use reverse domain name notation. For example, the game Asphalt 9 will be located in the folder com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftA9HM.
To find the game you need, you can use the search inside the file manager. Enter part of the name of the developer or the game itself. If you are looking for saves, most often they are located in a subfolder files inside the directory data. Less often, developers use their own folder names, such as saves or progress.
For cache files (OBB), the structure is simpler. Inside the folder obb there is a folder with the name of the package, and inside it there is a file with the extension .obb. Usually it is one and large in size. If you install the game manually (not through the market), this file must be placed in the appropriate directory before starting.
| File type | Location | Extension | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data user | Android/data/[package]/files | .dat, .db, .bin | Saves, settings |
| Resource cache | Android/obb/[package]/ | .obb | Textures, audio, models |
| Logs and reports | Android/data/[package]/cache | .log, .tmp | Technical information |
| Installation package | Downloads / APK | .apk | Application installer |
Please note that some online games store saves not on the device, but on their servers. In such cases, searching for local progress files may be useless, since important data is synchronized with the cloud every time you log into your account.
☑️ Search for the game folder
Transferring games and working with an external drive
Owners of smartphones with a small amount of internal memory often try to transfer games to the card microSD. In modern versions of Android, this function is unstable or absent for many applications. The system strives to store data on fast internal storage to ensure smooth gameplay.
If your version of Android and specific game support transfer, you can do so through the system settings. Go to Settings → Applications → [Select a game] → Memory. If the Change button is active, select the memory card. The system will automatically move the files to the appropriate folders on the external media.
When transferred to a memory card, the paths to the files change: instead of /storage/emulated/0/ you need to use a path like /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/data/, where XXXX-XXXX is a unique identifier for your card.
Manually copying folders from the internal memory to the card may lead to startup errors. The game may not see files if access rights or paths are hardcoded in the application's internal code. Use only standard transfer tools or migration functions in file managers.
⚠️ Attention: Low-class memory cards (Class 4, Class 6) can cause severe lag in open-world games. It is recommended to use UHS-I Class 10 or higher drives.
Also remember that when you format a memory card as internal storage (Adoptable Storage), it is encrypted and becomes inaccessible to other devices. You won't be able to extract files from such a card without resetting your phone.
What to do if the Android/data folder is empty?
If you see an empty folder, it means that your file manager does not have the special permission to access it introduced in Android 11+. Click on the three dots in the corner of the screen or the menu button, select "Access to system folders" and confirm the permission in the system window that appears. After this, the contents will become visible.
Direct access to the Android/data and Android/obb folders on new versions of the system is only possible through special permission requests in file managers; standard access is blocked by security policy.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to delete the Android/data folder after deletion games?
Yes, usually the system deletes these files automatically when you uninstall the application. However, sometimes cache or save remains may remain. If you are sure that the game has been deleted and you don’t need the progress, you can safely delete the corresponding folder manually to free up space.
Why can’t I copy files from the obb folder to the computer?
When you connect the phone to the PC in file transfer mode (MTP), the computer often does not see the contents of the Android/data and Android/obb folders due to protocol restrictions and access rights. It is better to use wireless transfer through a file manager with a built-in FTP server or a special USB driver.
Where are game saves stored without the Internet?
Offline games store progress locally, most often in files with the extension .db (SQLite database) or .bin inside the Android/data/[package]/files folder. To transfer progress to another device, you need to copy these files to a similar directory on the new phone.
Is it safe to use file managers with root access?
Using root access gives full access to the entire system, including critical files. An error when editing or deleting can lead to the phone not working (bootloop). If you are not an experienced user, avoid rooting just to access game folders.
How can I find the game's package name if I don't know it?
You can find out the package name in the Google Play store by looking at the app page link (the part after id=). Also, many file managers display the application icon next to the folder name, which simplifies identification.