With release Android 14 many users have encountered a problem: the system has hidden access to the folder Android/obbwhere additional files of games and applications are stored. Previously, it was enough to connect your smartphone to your PC or use any file manager, but now Google has tightened its security rules. Why did this happen?

The point is Scoped Storage - the policy of limited access to storage, which has evolved with each new version of Android. B Android 14 these restrictions have become even stricter: the system by default blocks direct writing to system folders, including obbto prevent accidental deletion of critical data or virus infection. However, for experienced users and gamers, this creates inconvenience - especially when you need to manually install modified game files or transfer the cache from another device.

In this article we will look at 5 working methods getting access to the OBB folder on Android 14, including methods without root access. Important: some solutions require technical skills, so read the warnings carefully before taking action.

Why does Android 14 block access to the OBB folder?

Folder Android/obb was originally intended for storing additional application files —for example, high-resolution textures in games or databases for offline maps. In older versions of Android, any file manager could freely read and write data to this directory. But with Android 10 Google began to implement Scoped Storage, and in Android 14 restrictions became almost total:

  • 🔒 Virus protection: Attackers often replaced files in obb, to inject malicious code into games.
  • 📱 Data separation: Each application now runs in its own “sandbox” and cannot modify files of other apps.
  • 🔄 Compatible with future updates: Google is preparing the transition to Virtual File System, where physical folder paths will be hidden.

However, these limitations create problems for:

  • 🎮 Gamers who install modified APKs with external data (for example, for GTA San Andreas or PUBG Mobile).
  • 📲 Developers testing applications with large media files.
  • 🔄 Users transferring game cache between devices.
⚠️ Attention: Changing files in the OBB folder may cause applications to malfunction. Always make a backup copy of your data before editing!

Method 1: Using a file manager with root access

The most reliable, but also the most risky method is getting root access. With them you get full control over system folders, including obbHowever, this method is only suitable for experienced users:

  1. Install Magisk (a popular rooting tool).
  2. Download a file manager with root support, for example Root Explorer or Solid Explorer.
  3. Open the manager, provide root access when prompted.
  4. Navigate to the path /sdcard/Android/obb.

Advantages of the method:

  • ✅ Full access to all system folders.
  • ✅ Ability to edit files without restrictions.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Risk loss of warranty to the device.
  • ❌ Possible problems with Google Pay, Netflix and other services that block root.
  • ❌ Errors in the system when editing files incorrectly.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung Knox), rooting leads to irreversible activation of the flag KNOX 0x1, which makes it impossible to use Secure Folder and Samsung Pay.
📊 Have you ever rooted your smartphone?
Yes, several times
Yes, but I went back to the stock firmware
No, I'm afraid of losing the warranty
No, I don't see that sense

Method 2: ADB commands to unlock access

If you do not have root access, but have a computer, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a debugging tool that allows you to execute commands at the system level. This method works on most devices with Android 14, but requires enabling USB debugging.

Instructions:

  1. Download ADB Tools to PC.
  2. Enable Developer mode on your phone: go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap 7 times.
  3. Go back to Settings → System → For Developers and activate USB Debugging.
  4. Connect your phone to the PC and run in the command line:
adb shell

pm grant com.android.externalstorage android.permission.MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

This command gives the file manager (for example, FX File Explorer or MiXplorer) extended rights to work with the storage. After execution:

  • Open the file manager.
  • Go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb.
  • Now you can copy/delete files.

Important: On some firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS) this command may not work due to additional manufacturer restrictions. In this case, try the alternative method with sm set-disable-verity (requires an unlocked bootloader).

Download ADB Tools on PC

Enable Developer Mode on your phone

Activate USB Debugging

Connect the phone to the PC with debugging permission

Check the connection with the command `adb devices`-->

Method 3: Using Shizuku + AppOps

For users who do not want to root the device, but need advanced access, this is suitable combination Shizuku and AppOps. This method allows you to bypass restrictions Scoped Storage without full root, but requires USB debugging.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Install Shizuku from Google Play.
  2. Download AppOps (APK from GitHub).
  3. Connect your phone to the PC and run in ADB:
adb shell sh /sdcard/Android/data/moe.shizuku.privileged.api/start.sh

After that:

  1. Open AppOps and find your file manager (for example, MiXplorer).
  2. Grant it the right MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE.
  3. Restart the manager and check access to obb.

Advantages of the method:

  • ✅ Does not require root access.
  • ✅ Works on most firmware (including MIUI, One UI, ColorOS).

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ You need to repeat the procedure after rebooting (if you do not configure Shizuku autostart).
  • ❌ Not all file managers support this method.
💡

If after executing the commands you still cannot access the OBB folder, try also activating the permission in AppOps `android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE` for the file manager.

Method 4: Transferring files via PC (without root)

If you just need to copy files to obb (for example, to install a game), you can do without complex manipulations. Just connect your phone to your computer and use direct access via MTP (Media Transfer Protocol).

How to do it:

  1. Connect your phone to the PC via a USB cable.
  2. Select file transfer mode (File sharing or MTP).
  3. On the PC, open Explorer and go to Internal memory → Android → obb.
  4. Copy the necessary files (for example, packages with the extension .obb for games).

If the folder obb is not displayed:

  • 🔍 Check whether the display of hidden files is enabled in the Explorer settings.
  • 🔄 Try a different USB cable or port (sometimes the problem is drivers).
  • 📌 On some devices (for example, Xiaomi), you need to additionally allow access in the settings USB debugging.
Manufacturer Features of access to OBB Solution
Samsung The folder can be hidden in My Files Use Solid Explorer or connect via PC
Xiaomi/Redmi Requires additional permission in Settings → Special permissions Enable USB debugging and Installation via USB
Google Pixel ADB commands on stock firmware may be blocked Use Shizuku or rooting
OnePlus/Oppo Restrictions on writing to system folders ADB commands or Magisk with module Storage Redirect
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 14 i Dynamic Partition (for example, Pixel 6/7/8) Direct transfer of files via MTP may result in data corruption. Always check the integrity of the copied files!

Method 5: Alternative methods for specific games

If you need to install files for a specific game (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), you can do without manual copying to obb. Many games support:

  • 📥 Automatic downloading of additional files on first launch.
  • 🔄 Recovery via account (for example, Google Play Games or Mi Account).
  • 📂 Installation via APK+OBB packages (for example, through APKMirror or QooApp).

Example for Genshin Impact:

  1. Download the official APK from the site Hoyoverse.
  2. Install the game, but not run it.
  3. Download the archive with files com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact (usually weighs ~15 GB).
  4. Unpack the archive into /Android/obb/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact/ via PC or ADB.

For PUBG Mobile or Free Fire:

  • Use official APK+OBB packages from sites like APKPure.
  • If the game does not see the files, clear the cache in Settings → Applications → PUBG Mobile → Storage.
What to do if the game does not see OBB files?

1. Check that the path is correct (for example, for PUBG it should be the `com.tencent.ig` folder).

2. Make sure that the files have the `.obb` extension (sometimes archives are unpacked without it).

3. Reboot the device after copying.

4. If the game still does not start, try reinstalling the APK over the existing one.

Common errors and how to avoid them

When working with a folder obb users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

  • 🚫 "No access to folder":

    Check whether file manager permissions are enabled in Settings → Applications → Permissions. Android 14 may be required MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE.

  • 🔄 "The files are copied, but the game does not see them":

    Make sure that the folder structure matches the requirements of the game. For example, for Minecraft the path should be /Android/obb/com.mojang.minecraftpe/.

  • ⚠️ "The OBB folder disappeared after the update":

    On some devices (for example, Samsung s One UI 6) the folder may be hidden. Use ADB or a root manager to restore it.

Another common problem is file damage during copying. This happens if:

  • A low-quality USB cable is used.
  • The connection is interrupted during transfer.
  • The file system on the phone is damaged (check through fsck v TWRP).
💡

Before copying large files (for example, for GTA V or Asphalt 9), always check the checksums (MD5) of the archives. This will help avoid installation errors.

Is it possible to open the OBB folder without computer?

Yes, but with restrictions. On a non-rooted device, you can use file managers like MiXplorer with a plugin for Shizuku, but full access is only possible through ADB or root.

Why does the game give an error after copying files?

Probable reasons:

  • Incorrect folder structure (for example, files are in /obb/, and not in /obb/com.game.package/).
  • Damaged files (check their checksums).
  • Incompatibility of the OBB version with the installed APK.

Solution: Delete the game folder, reinstall the APK and copy the files again.

Will there be a reset? help if I accidentally deleted files from OBB?

No, resetting (Wipe Data) will delete all user data, including files in obbInstead:

  1. Check the trash in the file manager.
  2. Use data recovery apps (for example, DiskDigger).
  3. Download OBB files again from the official source.
Do these methods work on Android 15?

At the time of writing, Android 15 is in beta testing, and storage access policies may become more stringent. The new version may require additional workarounds, such as:

  • Using Work Profile to isolate files.
  • Applying patches via Magisk to bypass Scoped Storage.

Follow the updates on the official blog Android Developers.

Is it possible to transfer the OBB folder to an SD card?

Technically yes, but:

  • Many games (for example, PUBG or Genshin Impact) do not support launching from an external drive.
  • On Android 14 for this you need to use ADB or Magiskmodules like Adoptable Storage.
  • The reading speed from the SD card may be lower, which will lead to lags in games.

We recommend leaving the files in the internal memory.