Modern mobile games often weigh tens of gigabytes, and developers are forced to split the installation file into the main APK and cache resources. If you recently updated your smartphone to Android 13, then you probably encountered that the usual method of transferring a folder Android/obb stopped working. Google's security system has tightened access rights to system directories, which causes difficulties for users trying to install games from third-party sources.
The problem is that standard file managers now block direct access to the root folder. Android. This is designed to protect user data from malware, but makes life more difficult for gamers. However, there are several proven methods that allow you to bypass these restrictions and correctly unpack files .obb or .xapk. In this article we will look at all the current ways to solve the problem.
Why you can’t copy files in Android 13
Starting with the operating system version Android 11 and continuing through Android 12 and Android 13, Google has implemented the Scoped mechanism Storage. This technology limits application access to shared storage. Previously, any file manager could freely read and write data to a directory /sdcard/Android/obb. Now the system requires special permission for each such operation.
When you try to paste the copied cache file into the desired folder, the system may display an access error or simply not show the "Paste" button. This is not a bug, but a feature of the new security policy. Standard Explorer Files by Google or built-in managers from smartphone manufacturers often do not have a built-in mechanism for requesting special rights for system folders.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to obtain root access to bypass these restrictions may lead to loss of warranty and disruption of banking applications. Use software bypass methods.
It is important to understand that the structure of the paths remains the same, only the authorization mechanism has changed. The cache files should still be located in Android/obb/[package_name], where [package_name] is the unique identifier of the game. Without the correct location of resources, the game simply will not start or will crash when loading levels.
Preparing files and checking the structure
Before you begin manipulating the file system, you need to make sure the integrity of the downloaded data. Typically, games are distributed in XAPK or as an archive ZIP/RARcontaining an APK and an OBB folder. If you downloaded the game from a torrent or file hosting service, make sure that the archive is not damaged.
Check the name of the cache folder. It must strictly match the game package name. For example, for PUBG Mobile this is usually com.tencent.ig or com.pubg.newstate. If you place files in a folder with the wrong name, the game engine will not be able to find the assets. Use any archiver, for example ZArchiverto preview the content.
☑️ Preparing for installation
It is also worth paying attention to the version of the game. The cache from the old version may not match the new APK installation file. If the game requires you to download additional data after unpacking, the file versions may not match. In this case, you will have to look for a complete set of resources that corresponds to a specific assembly.
Use of specialized file managers
The most reliable and safe way to solve the access problem is to use third-party file managers that have adapted to new requirements Android 13. The leader in this category is the application ZArchiver. It can request special permission from the system and gets full access to protected directories.
After installing ZArchiver, the first time you try to enter the folder Android the application will display a system window asking you to allow access. You need to click the "Use this folder" button and confirm the action by clicking "Allow". After this, you will be able to freely copy, move and unpack archives within system directories.
- 📂 Download ZArchiver from Google Play or a reliable source.
- 🔓 When logging in
Android/obbconfirm the request to access the data. - 📦 Find the downloaded archive with the game and select "Extract here" or "Extract to...".
- ✅ Make sure that the cache folder appears inside
Android/obb.
An alternative can be the manager CX File Explorer or Solid Explorer. The principle of their operation is similar: they use a standard storage access API, which allows the user to manually grant rights to a specific directory. This is much safer than using older versions of apps that may work unstable on new firmware.
If ZArchiver does not ask for permission automatically, try going into the application settings and manually granting access to the storage, or simply uninstall and install it again.
Unpacking via a computer connection
If mobile methods cause difficulties, you can use the classic method - connecting your smartphone to a PC. Computers running Windows or macOS when connected via the MTP protocol often ignore some of the Scoped Storage restrictions applied within the Android OS itself.
Connect the phone to the computer with a cable and select the file transfer mode. Open your device's internal storage via My Computer. Go to folder Android, then to obb. If the system allows you to go there and create a new folder, then the restriction does not apply to an external connection.
| Connection method | Access to Android/obb | Transfer speed | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB cable (MTP) | Frequently available | High | Low |
| Wi-Fi (FTP/WebDAV) | Depends on the application | Average | Average |
| SD Card (adapter) | Full access | High | Requires slot |
| Cloud storage | Limited | Low | High |
Copy the cache folder from your computer’s hard drive directly to the directory obb on your phone. Once the transfer is complete, safely remove your device and check for files through any file explorer on your smartphone. This method is especially convenient for games weighing more than 5 GB, since the transfer speed over a cable is much higher than over Wi-Fi.
The nuances of working with an SD memory card
Many users store heavy games on an external memory card so as not to fill up the internal storage. W Android 13 work with SD cards has also undergone changes. The folder Android/obb can now be located both in internal memory and on external media, but the paths to them are different.
If the game is installed on an SD card, the path to the cache will look something like this: /storage/[ID cards]/Android/obb. Standard managers may not see this directory without additional permissions. In ZArchiver, you will need to go to the root of the SD card and similarly confirm access to the folder Android.
⚠️ Attention: The speed of reading data from the SD card may be lower than from internal memory. This can cause stuttering in heavy open-world games. It is recommended to use UHS-I or higher class cards.
When transferring games to a memory card, make sure that the card's file system is formatted correctly (usually exFAT or FAT32). Cache files larger than 4 GB will not fit on a card with the FAT32 file system without first splitting the archive, which may compromise the integrity of the game.
Alternative XAPK and APKPure installers
Instead of manual unpacking, you can use specialized installers such as XAPK Installer or store client APKPure. These applications automate the process: they themselves recognize the file format, request the necessary permissions from the system Android 13 and arrange the files in the required directories.
Simply open the downloaded file .xapk through such an application. It will prompt you to install the game. During the installation process, the service itself will create a folder in Android/obb and place resources there. This eliminates the need for the user to manually copy files and monitor the folder structure.
Why installers work better?
They use special access APIs that allow them to request write permissions to protected areas from the system automatically, without user interaction at each step.
However, it is worth considering that such installers often contain advertising or require registration. Additionally, they may offer installation of their own security certificates. If you value privacy, manual unpacking via ZArchiver remains a more transparent method.
Possible errors and solutions
Even if you follow all the instructions, errors may occur. The most common one is “Not enough space,” although there is disk space. This occurs due to the nature of the file system, which reserves space for temporary files when unpacking. Make sure that there is twice as much free space as the archive weighs.
Another common problem is the “Failed to unpack” error. This may mean that the archive was damaged during download. Try downloading the file again, preferably from a different source. Also check if the archive is encrypted with a password that you did not enter when trying to unpack.
- ❌ Access error: Restart the phone and try to ask for permission again.
- ❌ The game crashes: Check if the cache version matches the APK version.
- ❌ The files are not are visible: Restart the file manager or clear its cache.
If all else fails, try clearing the Media Storage application data in the system settings. Sometimes file indexing gets lost, and the system does not see new folders, although they are physically recorded. After cleaning, you will need to reboot the device for re-indexing.
The main reason for failures is a mismatch between the APK and cache versions or the lack of special permission to access the Android folder in the file manager.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to unpack the cache without root access on Android 13?
Yes, it is possible. root access is no longer required to access the folder Android/obb. It is enough to use modern file managers, such as ZArchiver, which can request system permission to access this directory through the standard Android interface.
Why is the OBB folder empty after copying?
Most likely, you copied not the contents of the folder, but the folder itself inside another folder. The path should look like Android/obb/com.game.name/files, not Android/obb/com.game.name/com.game.name/files. Check directory nesting.
Is it safe to use third-party XAPK installers?
Using trusted installers with high ratings on Google Play is relatively safe. However, there is always a risk of downloading modified files. For maximum security, it is recommended to manually install the APK and unpack the cache through a reliable archiver.
What to do if the phone does not see the SD card after transferring games?
Check whether the card is inserted correctly. If games were installed on the card and it is no longer detected, the game will not start. Try remounting the card in the storage settings or restarting the device. You may need to transfer the games back to the internal memory.
Is it possible to delete the OBB folder after installing the game?
No, you cannot. The folder Android/obb contains the game resources (textures, sounds, models) necessary for its operation. If you delete this folder, the game will stop launching or will require you to re-download the data every time you log in.