CX Explorer on Android: how to use it with maximum efficiency

CX Explorer is one of the most popular applications for managing files on Android, which combines a simple interface and powerful functionality. It is used by both beginners for basic operations with documents, and experienced users to work with system folders, FTP servers and cloud storage. However, many features of the app remain unnoticed: from the built-in archiver to file encryption.

In this article we will look at not only the basics - how to open, copy and delete files, but also advanced functions: connecting to SFTP/SSH, setting up synchronization with clouds, working with ROOT access (if available on your device). We will pay special attention security: how to protect confidential data from accidental deletion or leakage through public folders.

If you are looking for an alternative to the standard file manager or want to automate routine operations (for example, backing up photos to the cloud), this guide will help you customize it CX Explorer to suit your needs. And for those who encounter errors when working with the application, we have prepared a section with solutions to problems - from failures when connecting to Google Drive It is impossible to edit system files.

Installation and first launch: what you need to do right away

Before diving into the settings, make sure that you have the latest version installed application. CX Explorer is available in Google Play, but some functions (for example, working with ROOT) may require downloading the APK from the official website of the developer. Please note: versions from third-party sources may contain malicious code.

After installation, the first time you launch the application, it will ask for permission to access files, media and contacts. Here it is important to understand why certain rights are needed:

• 📁 Storage: required for working with files on the device and SD card.
• 📷 Media and photos: required for displaying thumbnails of images and videos in the Explorer gallery.
• ☁️ Contact: Only required if you plan to use the built-in feature of sending files via instant messengers (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp).

If you refuse any permission, the corresponding functions will not be available. For example, without access to the storage, the application will not be able to show the contents of folders. To change the permission settings later, go to Settings Android → Applications → CX Explorer → Permissions.

Application interface: understanding the main elements

The main window X Explorer is divided into several key zones, each of which is responsible for certain functions. At the top of the screen there is a quick access panel with buttons:

• 🔍 Search: allows you to search for files by name, extension or content (for text documents).
• ⚙️ Settings: here you can configure themes, display hidden files, cloud accounts.
• 📎 Bookmarks: save frequently used ones folders for quick access.
• 📤 Send: sending files via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct or instant messengers.

The central part of the screen displays the device’s file system. By default, the following are shown:

• 📱 Internal memory (/storage/emulated/0/)
• 📇 SD card (if installed)
• ☁️ Cloud storage (after connected)
• 🖥️ Local network (FTP/SMB)

The bottom panel contains buttons for operations with selected files: copying, cutting, deleting, archiving. Pay attention to the icon ⋮ (three dots) - it opens additional functions, such as changing access rights (chmod) or creating symbolic links (available when ROOT).

Basic operations with files: copying, moving, deleting

Working with files in CX Explorer intuitive, but there are nuances that speed up process. For example, for select several files it is enough to hold your finger on one of them and then tap on the others. To select all files in the folder, use the button ⋮ → Select all.

To copy or move files:

1. Select the required elements.
2. Press the button Copy (📋) or Cut (✂️) in the bottom panel.
3. Go to the target folder and click Insert (📎).

For delete selected files, use the Delete (🗑️) button. Please note: by default, files are sent to trash, from where they can be restored within 30 days (the setting can be changed at Settings → Recycle Bin). To delete files irrevocablyhold the button Delete the "Delete forever" option will appear.

Long press on the file → open the operations menu|Swipe left/right → switch between tabs|Double tap → open file|Click on the folder icon → return to the next level-->

⚠️ Attention: When deleting files from folders /system or /data (available only from ROOT), the device may stop booting. Always create backup copies before editing system directories.

Working with archives and cloud storage

CX Explorer supports the creation and unpacking of archives in the formats .zip, .rar, .7z i .tar. To archive files:

1. Select the required elements.
2. Click ⋮ → Archive.
3. Select format, compression level (from “No compression” to “Maximum”) and password (optional).
4. Specify the archive name and folder to save.

To extract the archive, click on it and select Unpack. When working with .rar You may need to install an additional plugin (the application will offer to download it automatically).

Connecting cloud storages (Google Drive, Dropbox, Yandex Disk etc.) is carried out via ☁️ Cloud → Add account. After authorization, the cloud will appear in the side menu as a separate section. You can:

• ☁️ Move files between the device and the cloud by drag & drop.
• 🔄 Set up automatic folder synchronization (for example, photo backup).
• 🔒 Set access rights for my links.

Cloud	Support in CX Explorer	Features
Google Drive	✅ Full	Support Google Docs/Sheets, file preview
Dropbox	✅ Full	Limit on the number of synchronized folders in a free account
Yandex Disk	✅ Full	Support WebDAV for connection via protocol
OneDrive	✅ Partial	No support OneDrive for Business

⚠️ Attention: When synchronizing large folders (more than 1 GB) via mobile data, it is recommended to disable background data transfer in the cloud settings to avoid unexpected traffic.

Advanced functions: ROOT access, FTP server, encryption

If your device has root access, CX Explorer allows you to edit system files, change access rights (chmod) and even mount partitions in read/write mode. To activate root access data-i="172">Enable the "Enable Root mode" option. ROOT mode:

1. Go to Settings → Root access.
2. Enable the "Enable Root Mode" option.
3. Confirm access in the window SuperSU or a similar rights manager.

Now a section will appear in the main menu Root (/, where you can view and edit files in /system, /data and other protected folders. Changing files in /system/bin or /system/etc can lead to the device "bricking" - create backup copies before editing.

Another useful function is the built-in FTP server. It allows you to access device files from a computer over a local network. To start the server:

1. Go to ☁️ Cloud → FTP server.
2. Click "Start server."
3. Enter login and password (by default admin/1234, but it is better to change them).
4. Copy the address of the view ftp://192.168.x.x:2221 and enter it in Explorer on your PC (for example, FileZilla or Total Commander).

For encrypting files use the "Encrypt" function in the file menu (⋮). The application supports algorithms AES-256 and Blowfish. Encrypted files receive the extension .enc and can only be decrypted in CX Explorer with entering a password.

What to do if you forgot the password for an encrypted file?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to restore access to a file without a password - CX Explorer does not save encryption keys. The only way is to remember the password or use a backup copy of the file before encryption.

Automation and scripts: how to simplify routine tasks

CX Explorer allows you to create scheduled tasksto automate backups, cache clearing, or cloud synchronization. For example, you can set up daily copying of photos from the device to Google Drive:

1. Go to Settings → Tasks.
2. Click "Add" task" and select the type (for example, "Copy files").
3. Specify the source (folder DCIM/Camera) and the target (cloud).
4. Set up the schedule (daily at 2:00) and conditions (via Wi-Fi only).

For advanced users work with scripts in language Shellis available. You can create your own commands to batch process files. For example, a script to delete all files older than 30 days from a folder Download:

#!/system/bin/sh
find /storage/emulated/0/Download -type f -mtime +30 -delete

To run the script:

1. Create a text file with the extension .sh.
2. Insert the script code and save.
3. In CX Explorer tap on the file and select "Run as script."

⚠️ Attention: Scripts with rights ROOT can harm the system. Before executing, check the code for dangerous commands (for example, rm -rf /).

Solving common problems and errors

Even with such a reliable tool as CX Explorer, users sometimes encounter difficulties. Here are the most common problems and how to solve them solutions:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
Files on the SD card are not displayed	Card connected as portable storage (not as internal memory)	Reconnect the card in the Android settings or use ROOT to access
Error connecting to Google Drive	Outdated authorization token	Delete the account in Settings → Cloud and add again
FTP server does not work	Blocking by firewall or antivirus	Disable the firewall or add CX Explorer to exceptions
You cannot edit system files	Missing ROOT or the file system is mounted in mode ro	Get ROOT and mount the partition in mode rw via Mount /system as RW

If the application starts freeze or close spontaneously, try:

• 🔄 Clear the application cache in Android settings.
• 📥 Reinstall CX Explorer (first backup your bookmarks and settings via Settings → Backup).
• 📵 Disable battery optimization for the application (in settings energy saving).

If the problem persists, check the compatibility of your version of Android with the current version CX Explorer. Some functions (for example, working with Android 13+) may require updating.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin in CX Explorer?

Yes, files are stored in the Recycle Bin for 30 days (by default). To restore:

1. Open the section Trash in the side menu.
2. Select the files you need.
3. Click Restore (🔄).

If the Recycle Bin is empty, you can only restore files using third-party utilities (for example, DiskDigger), but the chances depend on whether the data was overwritten.

How to set up synchronization with the cloud via Wi-Fi only?

Go to Settings → Cloud → Synchronization settings and enable the "Wi-Fi only" option. You can also limit synchronization when the battery charge is low (less than 20%).

Why does CX Explorer ask for access to contacts?

This is needed for the "Send a file" function via instant messengers (for example, WhatsApp or Viber). If you don't plan to use it, access can be disabled in the Android permissions settings. The application will work without restrictions, except for this function.

How to hide files from strangers in CX Explorer?

There are several ways:

1. Renaming: add a period to the beginning of the file name (for example, .secret.txt). Such files are hidden by default (turn on the display of hidden files in the settings).
2. Encryption: use the built-in "Encrypt" function (⋮ → Encrypt).
3. Password for the folder: in the paid version, the "Folder Protection" function is available (a PIN code is set).

Can I use CX Explorer on Android TV?

Yes, the application is compatible with Android TV, but the interface is not perfectly adapted. For convenience, connect a mouse or use a remote control with a touchpad. Basic functions (viewing files, copying, connecting clouds) work without restrictions.