Users of the Android operating system are often faced with the need to find specific files associated with installed apps. This may be required to free up memory space, transfer game saves to another smartphone, or manually remove “garbage” remaining after uninstalling the software. However, unlike classical computer systems, the file structure of mobile devices has its own characteristics and security restrictions.
Starting with version Android 11, access to system directories was significantly limited by security policies Scoped Storage. Now standard file managers do not show the contents of folders without special permissions. Understanding how to get around these limitations or where exactly to look for the necessary data is a key skill for an advanced user. Android/data And Android/obb without special permissions. Understanding how to get around these limitations or where exactly to look for the data you need is a key skill for an advanced user.
In this article we will take a detailed look at the data storage architecture, paths to executable files APK, cache and user documents. You'll learn how to use built-in tools and third-party utilities to navigate hidden sections of your device's memory.
File system structure and data paths
The Android file system is based on the Linux kernel, which implies a strict directory hierarchy. All user applications are installed by default on a protected system partition, to which only the user himself has write access through special interfaces, and read access with restrictions. Basic application data is stored in internal storage.
The key directory for searching app files is path /storage/emulated/0/Android. Inside this folder there are two critical subdirectories: data and obb. The first stores settings, databases and caches of specific software, and the second stores additional resources, such as graphic assets for heavy games. The name of the folder inside these partitions usually corresponds to the package name of the application, for example, com.whatsapp.
It is worth noting that the installation files themselves APK lie deeper, in the system partition /data/app. Direct access to this directory is only possible if there is root access. Without superuser rights, you will not be able to see or copy the original app installer using a regular explorer.
⚠️ Attention: When manually deleting files from a folder
Android/datathe application may lose all its settings or stop launching. Delete only those data whose purpose you are completely sure of.
Use the built-in search in the file manager by package name (for example, "telegram") to quickly find all associated folders in different sections of memory.
Search through the standard file manager
Most modern smartphones come with a pre-installed file manager from the manufacturer (for example, “My Files” on Samsung or “Files” on Xiaomi). These utilities provide basic access to user data. To search for the application folder, open the manager and go to the “Internal memory” section.
Next you need to follow the path Android → data. If you are using a device based on a recent version of the OS, the first time you enter this folder, the system will ask for special permission to access system files. You will need to click the “Allow” button at the bottom of the screen, and then confirm the action by selecting “Allow access to the entire folder.”
After obtaining root access, you will see a long list of folders with names like com.name.app. To find what you need, it is most convenient to use the sorting function by name or the built-in search. Knowing the exact batch name of the app, you will instantly find its directory.
- 📂 Open the Files or Explorer application on the main screen.
- 🔍 Go to the root of the internal storage and find the folder
Android. - 🔓 Confirm permission to access system data if it appears request.
- 📁 Find the folder with the package name of the desired application in the list.
If the standard Explorer does not display the contents of the folders even after confirmation, this may be a limitation of the specific shell of the manufacturer. In this case, it is recommended to use third-party solutions that can work with the storage access API more flexibly.
Using advanced file managers
To bypass restrictions Scoped Storage and gain full control over the file system, specialized applications are best suited. The leaders in this niche are Solid Explorer, CX File Explorer and MT Manager. These apps have built-in mechanisms for requesting special permissions through the system interface. For example, when you try to open a folder, the application will automatically redirect you to the system storage settings menu. There you will need to select the root directory and click “Allow”. After this, the manager will have full access to read and write files inside the protected partitions.
For example, in Solid Explorer when trying to open a folder Android/data the application will automatically redirect you to the system storage settings menu. There you will need to select the root directory and click “Allow”. After this, the manager will have full access to read and write files inside the protected partitions.
Advanced managers also allow you to view hidden files (those starting with a dot), work with archives and have a built-in text editor. This is indispensable if you need to change the game configuration file or view application logs.
| Application name | Access to Android/data | Root mode available | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Files | Partial | No | Minimalistic |
| Solid Explorer | Full (via SAF) | Yes (plugin) | Two-panel |
| MT Manager | Full | Yes (built-in) | Technical |
| CX File Explorer | Full (via SAF) | No | Simple |
What is SAF (Storage Access Framework)?
This is an Android system framework that allows applications to access files through a standard document selection interface, bypassing direct restrictions on reading system folders.
Searching for APK installation files
Often, users need to find the application installation file itself in order to transfer it to a friend or save a backup copy. As mentioned earlier, the original APKs are located in the system partition /data/appwhich is closed to ordinary users. However, there are ways to extract the installed package.
The easiest method is to use extractor applications such as APK Extractor or Send Anywhere. These utilities read information about the installed application and copy its installation file to a folder accessible to the user, for example, Download or ExtractedApks.
If you have root access, you can use a file manager with access to the system root (for example, Root Explorer). Go to the path /data/app, find the folder with the package name (often it looks like com.example.app-1), and inside you will find the file base.apk. It can be copied to any convenient location.
⚠️ Attention: Distributing paid applications by copying their APK files may violate copyright. Use extracted files only for personal archive or transfer of free software.
To transfer installed applications, it is easier to use the “Share” function in the application settings or special extractor utilities than to search for files manually.
Working with data via a computer and ADB
For in-depth analysis of the file structure or mass data extraction, it is convenient use a computer. The tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge) provides powerful access to the device’s file system without the need to obtain root access, although with some limitations on new versions of Android.
To get started, you need to enable “USB Debugging” in the menu For developers on your smartphone and connect it to your PC. After installing the ADB drivers and utilities, you can run commands to navigate and copy files.
To pull out specific application data, use the command adb pull. The command syntax is as follows:
adb pull /sdcard/Android/data/com.example.app/files/backup.zip C:\MyBackups\This command will copy a file from the device to the computer to the specified directory. Please note that access to /data/data via ADB without root access on modern versions of Android is also closed, but access to the emulated storage (/sdcard) remains open.
- 💻 Install the package Platform Tools on your computer.
- 📱 Enable USB debugging in the smartphone settings.
- 🔌 Connect the device with a cable and confirm the RSA key fingerprint.
- ⌨️ Enter the command
adb devicesto test the connection.
☑️ Preparing to work with ADB
Features on different versions of Android
The behavior of the file system and access to application folders has changed dramatically with the release of new versions operating system. If on Android 9 i 10 it was possible to freely access any folder through Explorer, then starting from Android 11Google introduced strict restrictions.
On Android 12 i 13 access to the folder Android/obb has also become restricted for many third-party applications. Only file managers using the system's Select Folder (SAF) dialog can gain full access. Some older versions of Explorers simply show an empty folder, which can mislead the user.
In Android 14 the policy has become even more stringent: access to media files of other applications is completely blocked without the user's explicit permission. Now each application is isolated, and an attempt to open other people's data through a simple file browser will be blocked by the security system.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and file access capabilities depend on the specific firmware of your smartphone. Manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme) can make their own changes to the standard behavior of Android.
Why is the Android/data folder empty?
Most likely, you are using a file manager that does not support the Storage Access Framework (SAF) or did not request special permission when entering this directory.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why can't I open the Android/data folder on my phone?
Starting with Android 11, access to this folder is limited by Scoped Storage security policies. Standard explorers do not have permission to read these files. You need to use a file manager that supports system-facing access (SAF), such as Solid Explorer or CX File Explorer, and give permission when prompted by the system.
Where are saves from games on Android stored?
Usually saves are located in the folder /Android/data/[game_package_name]/files. However, many modern games store progress on their servers (cloud saves), linked to a Google Play account or social networks, so there may be no local files.
Is it possible to transfer the application folder to a memory card?
It is almost impossible to transfer the installed app (APK) to a memory card in new versions of Android without root access. However, some applications allow you to select a memory card in their settings as a place to store cache or downloaded files (for example, maps in navigators or music in players).
How can you find out the batch name of an application to find its folder?
The batch name can be found in the Google Play store in the browser address bar (the part after id=). You can also view it in your phone settings: “Applications” → select the one you need → scroll down to “Application Details” or “Advanced”, where the package name is often indicated.
Is it safe to delete files from the OBB folder?
Deleting files from the folder Android/obb will cause the corresponding game or application to stop working correctly, since heavy resources (textures, sounds) are stored there. The next time you start the application, it will try to download them again, if it has such a function, or will throw an error.