Owners of Androidsmartphones are often faced with the need to find specific game files on the device. This is required to back up your progress, manually install modifications, or free up disk space. The structure of the "green robot" file system has undergone significant changes in recent years, especially after the release Android 11which causes confusion among users accustomed to the old ways.
Previously, access to system directories was open by default, but now the security policy Google requires special rights or the use of special protocols for viewing content. Understanding where is physically stored is a key skill for an advanced user. OBB data and cache In this article, we will take a closer look at the logical and physical structure of storing game information. You will learn the exact folder addresses, learn how to bypass access restrictions, and understand the difference between application data and its cache. OBB data and cache, is a key skill for the advanced user.
In this article we will analyze in detail the logical and physical structure of storing game information. You will learn the exact folder addresses, learn how to bypass access restrictions, and understand the difference between application data and its cache.
File system basics and data sharing
File system Android is based on Linux, but has its own specifics for storing user content. All application data, including games, are divided into two main categories according to the standard: installation package and user data. The installation file has an extension .apk and contains executable code, but does not always include heavy resources like textures or music.
Heavy resources are usually moved to separate archives so as not to increase the size of the base installation. It is these resources and your progress in the game that occupy the bulk of memory. The system stores them in strictly designated places to ensure data integrity and prevent interference from other apps.
To work with files, you will need a file manager with advanced rights, for example Total Commander, Solid Explorer or the built-in “Files” from Google. Without such a tool, navigation through system folders will be limited or impossible.
- 📂 APK — application installer, usually located in the downloads folder or system partition.
- 📦 OBB — archives with additional data (graphics, sound) required to run heavy games.
- 💾 Data — folder with saves, settings and cache of a specific user.
It is important to understand that manually deleting files from system folders can lead to the application not working correctly. Always make backup copies before making changes to the directory structure.
Main path: Android folder on the internal storage
The most common place where game files are located on a modern Androidis the root directory of the internal storage. Starting from version Android 11, access to this folder is by default limited to third-party applications for security reasons.
To get there, you need to follow the path Internal memory → Android. Inside you will find two key subfolders: data and obb. This is where 90% of the user content of games downloaded from Google Play or other stores is stored.
⚠️ Attention: When you first try to enter a folder
Androidon new versions of the OS, the system may show a warning or an empty folder. You must give the file manager special permission through the “Access Folder” system window.
If you cannot open the folder using standard means, try using the built-in explorer or connecting to your PC in file transfer mode (MTP), although access there may be limited.
Inside the folder data there are subfolders with the names of application packages (for example, com.rockstargames.gtasa). There are databases, logs and saves. The folder obb contains heavy archives, without which the game simply will not start or will display an error loading resources.
Alternative paths: where else can the game files be located
Not all developers follow the standards Google for file placement. Some games, especially older ones or from independent studios, may create their own root folders. Often they can be found immediately in the root of the internal storage by the name of the game or development studio.
For example, games from Gameloft historically used a folder Gameloft in the root, and Asphalt could store data there. It is also worth checking the folder Downloadif you downloaded the game as an installer with a cache from the browser, and not from the store.
Another place is the memory card SD. If in the settings of your smartphone or the game itself you have selected storing data on an external drive, look for a similar folder structure Android/data already on an external drive.
- 🔍 Memory root: look for folders with the names of studios (Tencent, NetEase, Gameloft).
- 🎮 Specific folders: some emulators (for example, PPSSPP, DraStic) create their own folders
PSPorDSin the root. - 💿 External card: check the path
/sdcard/Android/datafor the presence of transferred applications.
Searching for alternative paths is often necessary, when standard cleaning does not help free up space, and you suspect the presence of “junk” files in non-standard locations.
Table of paths to popular games and emulators
For ease of navigation, below is a table with the exact paths to data of popular games. Please note that folder names may vary slightly depending on the regional version of the game.
| Game / Emulator name | Data path (Data) | Cache path (OBB) |
|---|---|---|
| Minecraft | Android/data/com.mojang.minecraftpe |
Android/obb/com.mojang.minecraftpe |
| PUBG Mobile | Android/data/com.tencent.ig |
Android/obb/com.tencent.ig |
| Genshin Impact | Android/data/com.miHoYo.GenshinImpact |
Android/obb/com.miHoYo.GenshinImpact |
| PPSSPP (Emulator) | Android/data/org.ppsspp.ppsspp |
(Games are usually in the folder PSP/ISO in the root) |
Using these paths will allow you to quickly find saves for backup or cache files to clear. Remember that the package naming structure (com.name.game) is universal for all applications on Android.
The problem of empty folders and limitations of Android 11+
Starting with Android 11 and continuing in 12, 13, 14, the company Google implemented the “Scoped Storage” policy (limited storage). This means that applications can no longer freely read the contents of the folder Android/data other applications.
When you open this folder through the new file manager, you may see it empty or partially filled. This is not a bug or a virus. This is a security mechanism that prevents data theft and interference with apps.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and menu item names may differ depending on the shell of your smartphone (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). If you do not find an item, look for a similar one in the privacy settings.
To get around this limitation, use the built-in system explorer (often called simply "Files" or "Files") to move files. Or use advanced managers like Solid Explorerthat can request access to Android/data through the system dialog.
☑️ Checking access rights
There is also a method for connecting a smartphone to a computer. In MTP mode, access to the folder Android/data on new versions of the OS is often completely closed, so it is better to manage files directly from the phone screen.
How to correctly transfer and copy game files
If your goal is to transfer the game to another phone or save progress, it is important to follow the procedure. Simply copying the folder obb without a corresponding entry in the system registry (which is created when installing the APK) may not work.
The correct algorithm of actions: first install .apk the game file, run it once until the logo appears, then close it. After that, copy the cache files (obb and data) to the appropriate directories. When you restart the game, it will detect the files and update them if the versions match.
To transfer saves (progress), it is usually enough to copy the contents of the folder data/[package_name]. However, some games store saves in the cloud or in hidden system partitions, where access is only possible with Rootrights.
- 📥 Step 1: Install a clean APK file of the game.
- 📂 Step 2: Copy the OBB and Data folders to the internal memory using the correct paths.
- 🚀 Step 3: Launch the game and wait for the files to be verified.
When copying large amounts of data (for example, 3-4 GB cache), make sure that there is enough disk space. Interrupting the recording process may damage the archives, and the game will have to be downloaded again.
Cleaning up garbage: what can be safely deleted
The search for game files is often dictated by a reluctance to transfer them, but by the need to free up space. The data and obb folders may contain “tails” from deleted games. If you deleted a game through your smartphone's settings, these folders should disappear automatically, but sometimes they remain.
It is safe to delete folders with game titles that are no longer on your device. You can also clear the cache (cache) inside the folders of active games, but this will result in the resources being re-downloaded the next time you log in.
Do not delete files with the extension .obbunless you are sure that they belong to the deleted game. The absence of such a file will cause the installed game to stop launching and require downloading the data again.
Regular revision of the folder Download and the root of the internal memory also helps to find forgotten game installers that are no longer needed after installation.
Why is the Android/data folder empty, although the games installed?
This is the standard security behavior of Android 11 and later. Applications cannot see the contents of this folder without specific permission. Use system explorer or give permissions to your file manager through the system pop-up window.
Is it possible to transfer the OBB folder to an SD card?
On modern versions of Android, transferring game cache to an SD card is not officially supported and often leads to errors. The game simply will not find the files along the path Internal Storage/Android/obb.
Where are game saves stored without an account?
Local saves are located in the folder Android/data/[package_name] or in the root folders of the developer. If you reset your phone or delete a game, this data will be lost unless you back it up manually.
How to find the name of a game package?
The package name (for example, com.example.game) usually matches the name of the folder in the data and obb directories. It can also be viewed on Google Play via the link to the game or in the application settings in the “About the application” section.