With the release of the operating system Android 11 Google radically changed the application access policy to the file system by introducing the Scoped Storage mechanism. This innovation, designed to improve the security of user data, created a serious obstacle for gamers accustomed to manually managing cache files. Now standard file managers cannot simply open system directories where heavy game resources are stored, such as World of Tanks Blitz, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact.
Users are faced with a situation where the downloaded OBB file cannot be moved to the desired folder /Android/obb/ by standard methods. The system gives an access error or simply does not show the contents of the directory. This causes confusion, especially when the game, after installation, requires downloading gigabytes of data or refuses to start at all, claiming that resource files are missing. However, a solution exists, and it does not require obtaining superuser rights (Root).
In this article we will examine in detail why these restrictions arose and how to competently bypass them using the built-in capabilities of the system or specialized utilities. You will learn how to activate access to system folders through hidden menus and what tools will help you painlessly transfer your game cache to a new version of the operating system. The key point is to use a special system call through the file manager, which temporarily opens access to protected partitions.
Why Android 11 prohibited access to the OBB folder
Until the eleventh version of Android, the file system was relatively open: any application with the appropriate permission could read and write data to almost any directory of the internal memory. This made it easy to manage content, but created vulnerabilities. Malware could surreptitiously spoof files from other applications or steal sensitive data stored in shared folders. With the introduction of Scoped Storage Google isolated application data from each other.
Now folders /Android/data and /Android/obb are under strict security of the system. Even if you install a third-party file manager, by default it will see these folders empty or will not be able to go inside. This is not a bug, but a security feature. However, this created inconvenience for advanced users and gamers, since manual installation of mods, cracks, or simply transferring the cache from a memory card became impossible without “crutches.”
It is important to understand that these restrictions apply not only to games. Many system processes and applications for clearing memory have also lost functionality. Android 11, 12 and 13 the nuts are being consistently tightened, so methods that work now may require adjustments in future versions of the OS. However, the basic principle of access through the system file manager remains working.
- 🛡️ Data security: Isolation prevents information from being stolen by other applications.
- 📂 Folder structure: Directories have become inaccessible for standard browsing without special permissions.
- 🚫 Restriction of rights: Applications can no longer request full permission to store files.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to obtain root access to bypass these restrictions may result in loss of warranty and malfunction banking applications. Use the software workarounds described below.
Preparation: necessary tools and file managers
To successfully transfer files, you will need a reliable file explorer that can work with Android 11+ system permissions. The standard file manager from Google (“Files by Google”) often does not provide the necessary functionality for manually moving OBB to protected folders. Therefore, the first step will be to install a specialized application.
One of the most popular and proven solutions is a file manager Material Files or ZArchiver. These applications have learned to request access to system partitions through the standard Android interface (SAF - Storage Access Framework). You can also use RS File Manager or MT Manager, which have built-in functions for working with system files.
Do not try to use older versions of explorers released before 2020 - they simply do not know how to request the necessary permissions and will show empty folders. Make sure your device has enough free space to temporarily store files during the transfer. If you plan to transfer data from a memory card, make sure that it is formatted as internal storage or has a file system exFAT / FAT32.
☑️ Preparing to transfer OBB
Method 1: Transfer via ZArchiver (The most reliable method)
Application ZArchiver has established itself as the best tool for working with archives and the file system on Android. Its advantage is that it correctly processes system requests for access to protected folders. The transfer process is as follows: first you copy the OBB file to any available folder (for example, to the root of the internal memory or to "Downloads"), and then move it to the system directory.
Run ZArchiver and find your file with the extension .obb. It is usually located in the folder Download. Click on it and select "Copy" or "Cut". Now you need to follow the path Android -> obb. At this point, the Android system will display a pop-up window warning you about access.
Click the "Use this folder" button. After this, the system may show another warning that you are giving access to all files in this folder. Confirm the action by clicking "Allow". Now you can paste the copied file. If the file was in an archive .zip or .rar, you must first unpack it to get a clean file main.com.games.obb.
Correct path to insert: /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/com.game.name/Please note that the name of the folder inside obb must exactly match the name of the game package. If you create a folder with an error, the game simply will not see the cache. You can find the exact name of the package in Google Play via the link to the game or in the properties of the installed application.
What to do if ZArchiver does not request access?
If the permission window does not appear when you go to the Android folder, try clearing the cache of the ZArchiver application itself in the Android settings (Applications -> ZArchiver -> Memory -> Clear cache). Then restart Explorer and try to enter the obb folder again. Also make sure that the application has permission to "Access all files" in the Android system settings.
Method 2: Using Material Files and access via SAF
If ZArchiver for some reason is not suitable for you, Material Files. This manager is open source and strictly follows Android design guidelines, making it very user-friendly. The principle of operation here is similar, but the interface may differ.
When you launch it for the first time, Material Files will ask for permission to access the storage. Give them. When you try to go to a folder /Android/obb or /Android/data the application automatically initiates a system access request. You will need to click "Allow access to folder" in the system window that appears. This action does not provide access forever, but for the duration of the current session of working with files.
After gaining access, you can copy files from the download folder to obb. What's special about Material Files is that it visually shows which folders are protected and which are open. Copying Large files can take time, so keep an eye on the progress bar. Do not interrupt the process, otherwise the file may be damaged.
| Features | ZArchiver | Material Files | Standard Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works with Android 11+ | Full support | Full support | Partial / No |
| Working with archives | Excellent | Basic | View only |
| Interface | Classic | Modern (Material) | Depends on the brand |
| Advertising | Yes (in free version) | No | No |
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi (MIUI) and Huawei (EMUI) smartphones, standard browsers can block access even with permissions. In such cases, the use of third-party applications (ZArchiver, Material Files) is a must.
If you are transferring the game from a computer, first copy the OBB file to the internal memory of the phone, and only then move it to the Android/obb folder using the file manager on the phone. Direct copying from a PC via a USB cable to system folders on Android 11+ is often blocked.
Solving problems: files are not copied or the folder is empty
Frequent situation: you have given all permissions, but when you enter the folder obb you see an empty space, or an error occurs when copying. This may be due to the characteristics of a particular smartphone manufacturer. For example, Samsung with the One UI shell or Xiaomi MIUI may have its own nuances of working with access rights.
If the folder seems empty, although you have given access, try restarting your smartphone. Sometimes the system media scanner does not update the file list instantly. Also check if the files are hidden. There should be an option "Show hidden files" in your file manager settings. Make sure that you are in the internal memory, and not in the emulators of the memory card, if you have one.
If a copy error occurs, check the free space. OBB files can weigh several gigabytes, and if there is little space on the system partition, the operation will fail. The problem may also be in the file system: if you try to copy a file larger than 4 GB to a formatted memory card, nothing will work, since this format does not support files of this size. Use FAT32, nothing will work, since this format does not support files of this size. Use exFAT or internal memory.
- 🔄 Reboot: Helps to update the file index and reset frozen processes.
- 💾 Card format: FAT32 does not support files >4GB, you need exFAT or NTFS.
- 👁️ Hidden files: Enable the display of hidden system files in the Explorer menu.
Features for different brands: Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei
Smartphone manufacturers often modify Android by adding your limitations. On devices Xiaomi (Redmi, POCO) with MIUI or HyperOS shell, access to the folder Android/data is often closed even to third-party conductors without special manipulations. Sometimes you need to activate the hidden developer mode or use a special application "Data Access" (available in GetApps or APK files).
On smartphones Samsung the situation is usually simpler, but the built-in "My Files" may not show the contents of the obb folder. Here it is also better to use third-party software. Huawei and Honor without Google services may have their own file managers, which also require confirmation of access each time you enter system folders.
If you previously transferred games without problems, and after updating Android it stopped working, check the permissions for your file manager again. In some cases, the system “forgets” the granted access to /Android/obb.
There is no universal solution for all brands, but the “ZArchiver + Standard SAF request” combination works in 95% of cases on Android 11, 12 and 13, regardless of the manufacturer’s shell.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu item names may vary depending on versions of MIUI, One UI or EMUI. If you cannot find the item you need, check the official documentation of your smartphone manufacturer or the support forum.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer the OBB folder to an SD memory card on Android 11?
Technically yes, but the game may not see the files. Android 11 strictly separates internal memory and external storage. Most games look for cache only along the path /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/ (internal memory). Transferring to an SD card often results in an error loading resources. It is recommended to store OBB in internal memory.
Are root access needed to transfer OBB?
No, in most cases, superuser rights (Root) are not needed. Methods using ZArchiver or Material Files allow you to bypass restrictions through the standard access API (SAF), which is provided by the Android system itself upon user request.
Why, after the transfer, does the game write “Checking resources” and download again?
This happens if you placed the OBB file in the wrong folder. The name of the folder inside obb must match the name of the game package (for example, com.rockstargames.gtasa). Also check that the file is not damaged and has the correct extension.
Is it safe to give access to the Android folder to a third-party application?
Yes, if you use a trusted application from Google Play (for example, ZArchiver, Solid Explorer, Material Files). You only give access to the file system, and not to your passwords or correspondence. However, you should not give such permissions to unknown applications with a dubious reputation.