File Manager ES Explorer is one of the most popular applications for managing files on Androiddevices. Despite the emergence of alternatives, it remains in demand due to its flexibility, support for cloud services and advanced functions like Root access or working with archives. However, not all users know how to use its capabilities 100%. This article will help you understand the interface, customize the application for your tasks and avoid common mistakes.

ES Explorer is suitable for both basic operations - copying, moving, deleting files - and advanced ones: mounting network drives, managing system folders (if available root access) or even remote access to other devices. But in order not to get confused in numerous menus, it is important to understand the logic of the application. Next, we will look at everything: from installation to hidden functions that are rarely mentioned in standard instructions.

Installation and first acquaintance with ES Explorer

The application is available in Google Play, but it can also be downloaded from the official website of the developer ES Global (relevant for users without access to Google services). After installation, launch ES Explorer and check out the initial screen. The following are displayed here:

  • 📁 Local storage — internal memory and SD card (if available).
  • ☁️ Cloud services —integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive and others.
  • 🌐 Network — access to FTP, LAN, WebDAV and remote devices.
  • 🔧 Tools - archiver, application manager, memory analysis.

The first thing to do is set up the display of files. By default, system folders and files with the extension .nomediaare hidden. To see them:

  1. Tap on the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner (menu).
  2. Select Settings → Display → Show hidden files.
  3. Activate the option Show system files (requires Root).
📊 How often do you use file managers on Android?
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Please note: if you do not see some folders (for example, Android/data), this is due to restrictions Android 11+. ES Explorer cannot bypass them without root access or special permissions through ADB.

Basic operations with files and folders

ES Explorer supports all standard actions: copying, cutting, renaming, archiving, etc. But it also has unique features. For example, batch renaming:

  1. Select several files with a long tap.
  2. Click More → Rename.
  3. Select a template (for example, add a prefix IMG_ or numbering).

For ease of working with large amounts of data, use "Favorites" tab - add frequently used folders there (for example DCIM for photos or Download for downloads). The function Sortingis also useful: files can be organized by date, size or type.

Configure the display of hidden files|Add frequently used folders to "Favorites"|Connect cloud accounts (if necessary)|Check permissions to access the storage-->

If you need Free up space, use the built-in Memory analysis (section Tools). The application will show which files are taking up the most space - for example, old APKs, caches or duplicate photos.

Working with archives and data compression

ES Explorer has a built-in archiver that supports formats .zip, .rar, .7z and others. To archive files:

  1. Select the required files/folders.
  2. Click More → Compress.
  3. Select format, compression level and password (optional).

To extract the archive, tap on it and select Extract. If the archive is password protected, the system will prompt you to enter it. Please note: ES Explorer does not support multi-volume RAR archives (split into parts) —they will require third-party software like RAR for Android.

Format Support compression Decompression support Max. compression ratio
.zip Yes Yes High
.rar No Yes —
.7z Yes Yes Very high
.tar Yes Yes Medium

If you need split a large archive into parts (for example, to transfer to a flash drive with a file size limit), use third-party utilities. ES Explorer does not provide such a function.

Connecting to cloud services and network drives

One ​​of the strengths of ES Explorer is integration with clouds. To connect your account:

  1. Open the section Cloud in the side menu.
  2. Select a service (for example, Google Drive).
  3. Log in via browser or enter your login/password manually.

After connecting, the cloud will appear as a separate disk. You can copy files between local storage and the cloud directly in the ES Explorer interface. Connecting to FTP/SFTP:

  • 📡 Go to Network → FTP.
  • Click New and enter the server address, port, login and password.
  • Save the connection - it will appear in the list of network drives.
💡

If you cannot connect to FTP, check if the server supports passive mode (PASV). You can enable it manually in the ES Explorer settings.

To access local folders of other devices on the same network, use the protocol LAN. For example, you can connect to a shared folder on a PC with Windows or macOS, if on it. sharing is enabled.

Root access and system operations

If your device has root access, ES Explorer allows you to edit system files, change permissions (chmod) and even remove pre-installed applications. To activate Root mode:

  1. Go to Settings → Root settings.
  2. Enable the option Root Explorer.
  3. Grant rights when prompted (application SuperSU or Magisk must be installed).

Now in the root directory (/) you will see system folders like /system or /data. Be careful: incorrect editing can cause the system to crash!

What happens if you delete a system application?

Deleting some APKs (for example com.android.phone) can disrupt the operation of the phone - from lack of network to complete inoperability. Always make a backup before such operations.

Among the useful functions for experienced users:

  • 🔄 Mounting system partitions in read/write mode (required mount -o remount,rw /system via Terminal Emulator).
  • 🗑️ Clearing the Dalvik cache (helps speed up the system after updates).
  • 📝 Editing build.prop to change system parameters (for example, screen density).
⚠️ Attention: Changing system files without backup can lead to the device being bricked. If you are not sure of your actions, use specialized tools like TWRP to create a backup copy.

Remote access and control of other devices

ES Explorer allows you to connect to other Androiddevices by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, as well as manage them remotely. To do this:

  1. Install ES Explorer on both devices.
  2. On the device you want to connect to, open Network → Remote Manager.
  3. Enable the option and record what is displayed IP address i port.
  4. On the second device, enter this data in the section Remote access.

After connecting, you will be able to view and copy files from the remote device, launch applications or even take screenshots of its screen (if available Root). This feature is useful for helping friends or managing multiple gadgets.

ES Explorer also supports the protocol SMB for connecting to network folders Windows or NAS. To do this:

  1. In the section Network → LAN click Scan.
  2. Select the detected device and enter the login/password (if required).
  3. Done - the network folder will appear as a local drive.

Solving common problems

Despite the convenience, users sometimes encounter errors. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
I don’t see the SD card Missing permissions or the card is damaged Reconnect the card, check in Settings → Storage
Does not connect to FTP Wrong address/port or firewall is blocking Check the router settings and antivirus
Archives cannot be opened Damaged file or insufficient memory Try extracting to PC or clearing the application cache
ES Explorer freezes Too many background processes Clear the cache in Android settings or reinstall the application

If application does not see files on the SD card, check:

  • 🔌 Is the card connected correctly (try rebooting the device).
  • 📋 Does ES Explorer have permission to access the storage (Android Settings → Applications → ES Explorer → Permissions).
  • 🔄 Is the card formatted in FAT32/exFAT (NTFS is not supported on most Android devices).

If there are problems with network connection (FTP/LAN), make sure that:

  • 🌍 Both devices are on the same network.
  • 🔒 Ports are not blocked on the router (default is used for FTP 21).
  • 🛡️ Antivirus or firewall does not block ES Explorer.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI or EMUI) ES Explorer may not see external drives due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case. use alternative file managers like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about ES Explorer

Can I use ES Explorer without root access?

Yes, most functions (copying files, working with archives, cloud services) are available without Root. However, to edit system files or delete pre-installed applications, superuser rights are required.

How to transfer files from Android to PC via ES Explorer?

There are several ways:

  1. Connect via FTP: start the server in ES Explorer and enter the address in Windows Explorer (ftp://IP_address:port).
  2. Use LAN: connect to the shared folder on your PC.
  3. Upload files to the cloud (for example, Google Drive) and download them to PC.
Why does ES Explorer ask for so many permissions?

The application needs permissions for:

  • 📂 File access (to manage storage).
  • 🌐 Network connections (for clouds and FTP).
  • 📱 Application management (for the built-in task manager).

If this bothers you, revoke unnecessary permissions in Android settings. However, some functions will stop working.

How to recover deleted files in ES Explorer?

ES Explorer does not have a built-in recycle bin, but:

  1. Check the folder .Trash (if the option is enabled in the settings).
  2. Use third-party recovery utilities, for example DiskDigger or Recuva (on a PC).
  3. If the files were on an SD card, connect it to the PC and scan with a app like PhotoRec.

The chances of recovery depend on whether they were are the files overwritten with new data.

Is there a dark theme in ES Explorer?

Yes, dark mode is enabled in Settings → Themes → Dark. You can also select automatic settings based on the time of day.