The update to Android 13 brought users not only a new visual style and privacy improvements, but also tightened the rules for access to the file system. This especially affects gamers and advanced users who need to manage game cache files. Previously, access to the folder Android/obb was open to any file manager, but now the system strictly limits this process.
If you are trying to install a modified game, transfer the cache to a memory card, or simply find save files, you may encounter an empty list of files or an access error. This is not a failure of your device, but the result of implementing a policy Scoped Storagethat isolates application data from each other. In this article, we will look at all the working ways to bypass these restrictions and gain full control over OBB files.
To perform most manipulations, you will need a third-party file manager, since the standard Google Files explorer often hides the contents of system directories from the user. Don’t be afraid of the complex folder names - the structure remains the same, only the “key” mechanism to it has changed.
What are OBB files and why you need them
Files with the extension .obb (Opaque Binary Blob) are containers with additional data for applications. They are most often used in heavy games, where the main APK file is limited in size, and graphic resources, sounds and levels take up gigabytes of space. Without the correct placement of these files in the directory Android/obb the application simply will not start or will display an error loading resources.
Unlike ordinary folders with photos or documents, the directory structure OBB is strictly regulated. Each game has its own unique subfolder, the name of which is usually the same as the package name of the application (for example, com.rockstargames.gtasa). Inside this folder there is a file with the name view main.version.package.obb. Violation of this hierarchy results in the game not seeing its data.
⚠️ Attention: Never change file names inside the OBB folder manually if you are not sure of the naming convention structure of a particular game. This is guaranteed to lead to a data verification error at startup.
Users often confuse the folder obb with the folder data. If the first one stores resources that can be transferred and replaced (for example, high-resolution textures), then the folder data contains critical settings and saves. Structure tampering Android/data on Android 13 is even more limited than access to OBB.
Before moving OBB files, be sure to back up the original folder to a cloud drive or computer. This will allow you to quickly roll back changes if the game stops working.
Why the Android folder does not open on Android 13
The main reason for access problems is the new security system introduced by Google. Starting with Android 11 and tightened in Android 12 and 13, the system prohibits applications from free access to the root directory /sdcard/Android. This is done to protect user data from malware that could scan files of other applications.
When you open a standard Explorer and try to log into Android/obb, you see an empty folder or a "No access" message. This happens because the standard file manager does not ask for special permission MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE or use a special storage access API. The system intentionally “hides” the content.
In addition, some smartphone manufacturers (Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus) add their own layers of protection on top of stock Android. In their shells, access to system folders can be blocked even for third-party applications until the user explicitly grants permission in the special developer settings or in the access rights menu.
Technical details of restrictions
In Android 13, access to the folder is carried out through the Storage Access Framework (SAF). The application must send a system intent to select a directory, and only after confirmation by the user receives a temporary access token (URI permission) for a specific folder, and not for the entire disk.
It is important to understand that this is not a bug, but a feature. Attempts to get root access to bypass this restriction on modern devices can lead to loss of warranty and inoperability of banking applications due to the operation SafetyNet or Play Integrity API.
Best file managers for accessing OBB
To open access to the treasured folder, you will need specialized software that can correctly request system permissions. At the moment, the leaders in this niche are several applications that successfully bypass the limitations of Scoped Storage using legal methods.
- 📂 ZArchiver is one of the most popular archivers that does an excellent job of navigating through Android 13 system folders. It has an intuitive interface and consistently requests the necessary rights.
- 📁 MT Manager is a powerful tool for advanced users that allows not only viewing, but also editing the contents of APK and OBB files. Requires care when using.
- 💾 Total Commander with a plugin SDCard Access is a classic solution that, if the plugin is configured correctly, gets full access to external storage.
- 📄 Files by Solid Explorer is a paid, but very high-quality manager with support for Material Design and a reliable mechanism for accessing the root file system.
It is recommended to use ZArchiver for most tasks related to moving game caches. This application is free, does not contain intrusive advertising and has the greatest compatibility with various versions of Android.
When you first launch any of these managers, you will be asked to grant access to files. On Android 13, it is important not just to click “Allow”, but to go through the procedure of confirming access to a specific folder Android, which will be discussed in the next section.
Step-by-step guide: how to open access to a folder
The process of opening access may seem confusing the first time, but it is performed according to a single algorithm for all compatible file files managers. The main thing is to carefully monitor system pop-ups that may be overlapped by the application window.
First, launch your chosen file manager (for example, ZArchiver) and go to the root of the internal storage. Find the folder Android and try to enter it. The system will display a message that access is restricted and will ask you to go to settings or confirm access.
Click the confirmation button (usually called “Use this folder” or “Use this folder”). The system directory selection window will open. At the bottom of the screen there will be a button Allow (Allow). It is critically important to press this system button, and not the button inside the application.
☑️ Algorithm for gaining access
After confirmation, you will receive full access not only to the folder obb, but also to data. You can now copy, move, and delete cache files. If the system window does not appear, try clearing the cache of the file manager itself in the phone settings and try again.
| Action | System response | Required user action |
|---|---|---|
| Attempting to log into /Android | Warning about access | Click “OK” or “Settings” |
| Select a folder | Open the system navigator | Make sure the Android folder is selected |
| Confirmation | Allow button below | Tap on the Allow button |
| Successful access | Display content | You can work with files |
Transferring and installing game cache on Android 13
The most common task that requires access to OBB is manually installing a cache for games not downloaded through Google Play, or transferring heavy data to a microSD memory card. On Android 13, this procedure has become more complicated, since the system does not like it when application data is located on external media.
If you are transferring the cache from your computer to your phone, first copy the game folder (for example, com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftA8HM) to the internal memory, in any convenient directory, for example Download. Then, using a file manager with access rights, move it to the target directory Android/obb.
When moving to a memory card, the situation is more complicated. Many modern games refuse to work if OBB files are on an SD card due to differences in reading and encryption speeds. If the game does not launch after transferring, return the files back to internal memory.
⚠️ Attention: When moving files to an exFAT or NTFS memory card, make sure that the access rights to the card are configured correctly. In some cases, it is necessary to format the card as internal storage (Adoptable Storage), but this will make it unreadable on other devices.
To install the cache, make sure that the folder structure is absolutely accurate. The path should look like this: /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/package.name.game/main.version.package.name.obb. Excessive nesting of folders will result in an error.
Direct copying of files via a USB cable to the Android folder is often blocked by the system. It’s safer to first put the files in any other folder, and then move them through the file manager on the smartphone itself.
Solving common access errors
Even if you follow all the instructions, users may encounter errors. One of the most common is “File is damaged” or “Insufficient rights” when trying to extract an archive directly into the OBB folder. This is due to the fact that some managers cannot write to a protected directory directly from the archive.
In this case, it is recommended to first unpack the archive into a temporary folder (for example, in the root of the storage), and then move the ready-made folder with files to Android/obb. This bypasses restrictions on writing streaming data to protected zones.
Another problem is files disappearing after a reboot. This can happen if the manager application has not saved permanent access rights. Try granting permission again or use a different file manager. Also check to see if the “Clear cache” function is enabled in the phone’s optimization settings, which can delete files that the system considers “garbage.”
If you are using a smartphone Xiaomi or Redmi, make sure that the “Autorun” item is enabled in the application settings and restrictions on running in the background are removed. MIUI's aggressive energy saving often kills the process of moving files halfway.
MIUI and ColorOS specifics
On Xiaomi and OPPO shells, you may need to enable “Advanced Rights” in a special menu. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Special access → File access and find your manager to allow full access.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I delete the OBB folder to free up space?
Yes, you can. Deleting the cache folder for a specific game will free up disk space, but the game itself will stop launching or require you to download the data again the next time you log in. Delete only those folders whose names (batch names) you recognize.
Why did ZArchiver stop opening the Android folder after updating?
After updating Android or the application itself, temporary access tokens may be reset. Go to the ZArchiver settings and find the “Path Settings” item or just try going to the Android folder again to go through the rights verification procedure again.
Is it safe to use MT Manager to modify OBB?
Using MT Manager is technically safe for the system, but can lead to account blocking in online games with anti-cheat. Modified cache files are easily detected by the server. Use such tools only for offline games.
How to open OBB on Android 13 without root access?
root access is not needed. It is enough to use modern file managers (ZArchiver, Solid Explorer), which use a legal API for accessing the storage. The method with confirmation through the system window “Use this folder” works without root.
Is it possible to transfer the entire Android folder to an SD card?
You cannot directly transfer the entire Android system folder. You can transfer only individual subfolders with a cache of games that support work from external media, but stability in this case is not guaranteed by application developers.