File manager ES Explorer is one of the most popular applications for working with files on Android, despite the emergence of new alternatives. Its functionality goes far beyond basic folder management: it has a built-in archiver, cloud storage, an FTP client, and even system cleaning tools. However, many users use only 10-20% of the app's capabilities, not realizing how much it can simplify working with a smartphone.

In this article we will look at not only the basics of file navigation, but also hidden functions that make it useful for experienced users. You will learn how to set up access to root folders, synchronize data with clouds, encrypt files, and even automate routine operations. We will pay special attention to security issues - after all, incorrect settings can open access to your data to third parties. ES Explorer is an indispensable tool for experienced users. You will learn how to set up access to root folders, synchronize data with clouds, encrypt files, and even automate routine operations. We will pay special attention to security issues - after all, incorrect settings can open access to your data to third parties.

The material is relevant for all versions of the application, including ES File Explorer 4.3+, and is adapted for modern versions of Android (from 10 to 15). If you use a stripped-down version from Google Play or modified assemblies (for example, ES Pro), some functions may be missing - we will warn you about this separately.

Installation and first acquaintance with the interface

Let's start with the basic steps: where to download ES Explorer and how not to run into a fake. The official version is available in Google Play, but many users prefer to install the APK from the developer's website (estrongs.com) - updates are often posted there earlier. Be careful: there are many modified assemblies with advertising or malicious code floating around the network.

After installation, you will see a main screen with several tabs:

  • 📁 Local storage — files on your device and SD card;
  • ☁️ Cloud — integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive and others;
  • 🌐 Network — access to FTP, LAN, WebDAV and cloud services;
  • 🔍 Tools — archiver, application manager, analysis memory.

By default, the interface may seem overloaded. To make navigation easier, go to Settings → Screen → Display mode and select Simple —this will hide rarely used functions. For experienced users, the mode Advanced, where all the tools are available, is more useful.

📊 Which file manager do you use most often? total?
ES Explorer
Total Commander
Solid Explorer
MiXplorer
Other

Pay attention to the quick access bar at the bottom of the screen. You can customize it for yourself: a long tap on any icon opens the editing menu. For example, if you often work with archives, add a button there Archiver, and remove unnecessary elements (like Games).

Setting up access to system folders and root access

One of the key features ES Explorer is the ability to work with Android system folders, which are usually hidden from the user. This is useful for clearing the cache, editing configuration files, or transferring applications to the SD card. However, for full access you will need root access.

To enable the display of hidden files:

  1. Open the side menu (swipe from right to left or tap on icon ☰).
  2. Go to Settings → Display options.
  3. Activate the options:
    • 🔍 Show hidden files;
    • 🔐 Show system files (requires root).

Get root access on the device

Make a backup copy of important data

Install the latest version of ES Explorer

Enable display of system files in settings-->

If you have root, you will be able to edit files in /system, /data and other protected partitions. But be extremely careful: deleting or changing system files can lead to the device “bricking” (complete inoperability). For example, erroneously editing a file build.prop often causes freezes during loading.

⚠️ Attention: Starting from Android 11, Google has tightened its policy for working with partitions /storage/emulated/0 (internal memory). Even with root, access to some folders may be limited due to the Scoped Storagemechanism. In such cases, use alternative methods, for example, ADB.

Working with cloud storage and FTP

ES Explorer supports integration with more than 20 cloud services, including Google Drive, Yandex Disk, Mega and even WebDAV. This allows you to manage files on remote servers directly from the application, without switching between apps.

To connect the cloud:

  1. Go to the tab Cloud (☁️).
  2. Select the desired service (for example, Google Drive).
  3. Log in via a browser or enter an access token (for some services).

    4. After connecting, you will be able to:

    • 📤 Upload files from the device to the cloud (long tap → Copy to);
    • 📥 Download files from the cloud to phone;
    • 🔄 Synchronize folders automatically (in ES Pro).

    To work with FTP servers go to the tab Network → FTP and add a new connection. Here you can specify:

    • 📡 Server address (for example, ftp.example.com);
    • 👤 Login and password;
    • 🔒 Connection type (FTP, SFTP, FTPS).
💡

If you need to frequently connect to the same FTP, save the settings as "Favorites". To do this, after connecting, tap on the ⭐ icon in the upper right corner.

For a local network (LAN) there is a separate tool - LAN in the Networktab. It automatically scans devices on your network (for example, routers or NAS servers) and allows you to connect to without manually entering the IP.

Archiving, encryption and data protection

ES Explorer has a built-in archiver that supports formats ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR and others. This is convenient for backing up or transferring files. folder:

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

For encryption files, use the function Encrypt (available in the menu after selection). The application supports AES-256 and Blowfishalgorithms. Encrypted files will have the extension .exx and will open only after entering the password.

Function Supported formats Features
Archiving ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, GZ You can divide the archive into volumes
Encryption EXX (proprietary format) Only symmetric encryption (one password)
Extract ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, ISO Support for multi-volume archives
ISO creation ISO Only in ES Pro

For additional security, you can hide important files in protected zone:

  1. Go to Settings → Security → Privacy zone.
  2. Set a password or pattern.
  3. Add files to the zone via the context menu (Move to the privacy zone).
⚠️ Attention: If you forget the password for the privacy zone or encrypted archive, it will be impossible to restore access to the files. ES Explorer does not store backup copies of passwords.

Automation and hidden functions

Few people know, but ES Explorer there are tools for automating routine tasks. For example, you can set Scheduler for regular backup or cleaning. cache.

To create a task:

  1. Open the side menu and select Tools → Scheduler.
  2. Click Create and select the task type (for example, Clear cache).
  3. Specify the schedule (daily, weekly or manual).

Other useful hidden functions:

  • 🔄 Folder synchronization: automatically copies changes between two directories (local and cloud). Available in ES Pro;
  • 📡 Network analysis: shows which applications are using the Internet in real time (Tools → Network analysis);
  • 📱 Remote control: you can connect to another device with ES Explorer via Wi-Fi and manage its files.
How to enable developer mode in ES Explorer?

In the main menu, tap on the application version 10 times (Settings → About the app). After this, a hidden tab will appear For developers with additional settings, including USB debugging and logging operations.

Useful for advanced users two-panel mode (as in Total Commander). To activate it:

  1. Open Settings → Screen.
  2. Select Dual panel mode.
  3. Now you can drag and drop files between folders, just like on a PC.

Cleaning memory and optimizing the device

ES Explorer can replace several utilities for cleaning the system. In the section Tools there is:

  • 🧹 Clear cache — deletes temporary application files;
  • 🗑️ Trash —recovers accidentally deleted files (if the function is enabled);
  • 📊 Memory Analysis —shows which files take up the most space.

To free up space:

  1. Go to Tools → Memory analysis.
  2. Wait for scanning (may take several minutes).
  3. Sort files by size and remove unnecessary ones (for example, old APKs or duplicate photos).

For deep cleaning (with root access):

  1. In Memory Analysis tab go to the System files.
  2. Delete the Dalvik cache (/data/dalvik-cache) and unnecessary files in /cache.
  3. Empty the folder /data/log —system logs are stored there, which can occupy hundreds of megabytes.
⚠️ Attention: Deleting files from /system or /vendor without understanding their purpose can lead to malfunctions in Android. Always check the file extension and path before deleting.

If your device starts to slow down, try the function Optimization in the Toolssection. It closes background processes and frees up RAM. However, the effect is temporary - for permanent acceleration it is better to use specialized utilities like Greenify.

Solving common problems

Even with such a proven application as ES Explorer, sometimes crashes occur. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Files on the SD card are not displayed Android 11+ limits access to external drives Use the built-in Android file manager to transfer files or grant permissions through Settings → Applications → ES Explorer → Permissions
Does not connect to FTP/cloud Invalid login information or firewall blocking Check your login/password, disable the VPN, try a different type of connection (for example, SFTP instead of FTP)
The application constantly shows ads Free version with addon installed Install ES Pro or disable advertising in Settings → Advanced → Advertising (not in all versions)
File search does not work Indexing is disabled or there are too many files Enable indexing in Settings → Search or narrow your search (for example, search only in /Download)

If ES Explorer started to crash frequently, try:

  • 🔄 Clear application cache (Android Settings → Applications → ES Explorer → Memory → Clear cache);
  • 📥 Reinstall the application (make a backup copy of your favorite files first);
  • 📋 Disable unnecessary modules in the settings (for example, Media player or Chat).

If the problem is related to root accesscheck:

  • 🔐 Superuser rights in Magisk or SuperSU;
  • 📂 Settings for mounting partitions in Settings → Root settings;
  • 🔄 Version compatibility ES Explorer with your firmware (it may not work on some custom ROMs).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can I use ES Explorer without root access?

Yes, most functions (working with files, clouds, archives) are available without root. However, to edit system files, clear the cache of all applications, or mount partitions, you will need superuser rights.

How to transfer applications to an SD card using ES Explorer?

This function only works on devices that support Adoptable Storage (Android 6.0+) and requires root. Algorithm:

  1. Open Tools → Application Manager.
  2. Select the application and tap Move to SD card.
  3. Confirm the action (a reboot may be required).

On new versions of Android (11+), transferring applications to SD is often blocked by the manufacturer.

Why does ES Explorer ask for so many permissions?

The application requests access to storage, contacts, camera and microphone for functions to work:

  • 📁 Storage — file management;
  • 📞 Contact — for the “Send a file to a contact” function;
  • 📷 Camera/microphone — for creating screenshots and voice notes (in ES Pro).

If you are concerned about privacy, disable unnecessary permissions in Android settings. However, this may limit functionality.

How to recover deleted files in ES Explorer?

If you enabled Trash in settings (Settings → Trash), deleted files are stored there for 30 days. To restore:

  1. Open the tab Recycle Bin in the side menu.
  2. Select the required files and tap Restore.

If the Recycle Bin is disabled, try data recovery apps, for example, DiskDigger or Recuva (for PC).

Does ES Explorer have a built-in text editor?

Yes, but with limited capabilities. To edit text files:

  1. Open the file with the extension .txt, .xml, .json etc.
  2. Select Open with → Text editor.

To work with code (for example, HTML or PHP) it is better to use specialized editors like QuickEdit or DroidEdit.