Mobile games are becoming more voluminous and graphically sophisticated, requiring gigabytes of additional data to work correctly. Often, the installation file from Google Play contains only the basic code, and the main resources - textures, sounds and models - are stored in a cache archive, which the user has to download and install manually. This is especially true for owners of devices without access to Google Play or for those who use modified versions of games.
A reliable file manager is needed to manage the file system and manually install such data. ES File Explorer For many years, it remained the standard in this niche thanks to support for archives, easy navigation and built-in unpacking tools. In this article, we will analyze in detail the process of moving and unpacking the game cache so that you can launch your favorite projects without errors.
The procedure may seem complicated to a beginner, but in reality it comes down to strict adherence to the folder structure. A single letter error in the directory name will result in the game not seeing the files and requiring a re-download or not launching at all. Therefore, it is important to carefully follow each step of the instructions described below.
Preparing files and checking the archive
Before you begin manipulating the file system, make sure that you have the archive itself with a cache. Usually it has an extension .zip, .rar or .7z and is downloaded from third-party sources. Important check the integrity of the downloaded file: if the archive is damaged, the unpacking process will be interrupted halfway, leaving “broken” data on the disk.
You will also need to install the current version of the file manager. Although classic ES File Explorer is popular, new versions of Android (starting with 11) have introduced strict restrictions on access to system folders. In some cases, you may need to provide special permissions through the system menu or use alternative versions of Explorer if the standard functionality is blocked by a security system.
⚠️ Attention: If you download the cache from unverified sources, be sure to scan the archive with an antivirus before unpacking. Malware is often disguised as popular game mods.
Make sure there is enough free space on your internal drive or memory card. Game caches of modern hits can occupy from 2 to 10 GB. A lack of even 100 MB can lead to a critical error when writing files.
Game cache structure: OBB and Data
Understanding the difference between cache types is the key to a successful installation. Developers divide additional files into two main categories, each of which has its own strictly defined location in the device’s memory. Confusion between them is the most common reason for games not working.
The folder Android/obb is intended for large binary extension files (.obb). Heavy resources are stored here: highly detailed textures, videos and music. Without these files, the game may start, but will display a black screen or endless loading.
In turn, the folder Android/data contains data files (.data), saving progress, settings and shader cache. Some games require files to be in both directories at the same time. Below is a table of correspondence between file types and installation paths:
| File type | Extension | Installation path | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resource cache | .obb | /Android/obb/com.game.name/ | Textures, sound, video |
| Game data | various | /Android/data/com.game.name/ | Saves, configs |
| Installer | .apk | Memory root (any) | Start application installation |
| Cache archive | .zip/.rar | Downloads folder | Temporary storage until unpacking |
Please note that the folder name inside obb or data must exactly match the name of the game package (for example, com.rockstargames.gtasa). This name can be found on the application page on Google Play or in the properties of the APK file.
Search for the archive and start unpacking in ES
Open the application ES File Explorer and go to the section where the downloaded archive is stored. Most often this is a folder Download or Downloads in the internal memory. If you used a memory card, the path will begin with /storage/sdcard1 or a similar designation for the external drive.
Find the desired file in the list. A long tap on the archive name will highlight it and open the lower toolbar. Click on the button More (three dots) and select item Unpack (Unzip). In some versions of the interface, this button may be called Extract.
After clicking, a window for selecting the destination path will open. It is critically important not to make a mistake here. By default, Explorer may offer to unpack files into the current folder, which is incorrect. You need to manually go to the root of the internal memory by clicking on the house icon or selecting Internal memory.
If the archive is password protected, ES File Explorer will prompt you for it immediately after clicking the unzip button. Make sure that the password is entered correctly, otherwise the files will be damaged.
Navigation to Android system folders
After going to the root of the memory, find the folder named Android. Go inside it. Depending on the type of your cache, select one of two subfolders: obb or data. This is the most crucial moment of the instructions.
If you are unpacking the file .obb, follow the path Android/obb. If there is already a directory with the name of your game inside this folder, the system may offer to replace the files or skip them. Be careful: the replacement may delete your saves if you perform the procedure over an installed game.
In new versions of Android, access to the folder Android/obb may be limited. When you try to sign in, ES File Explorer may ask you for special permission. In the system window that appears, click Allow or Use this folder, and then confirm the action with the button OK at the bottom of the screen. Without this step, copying files will not be possible.
⚠️ Attention: The interface of system permission requests may differ on Xiaomi, Samsung and Huawei smartphones. If the confirmation button is not active, try first selecting the folder and then clicking the permission button.
☑️ Check before copying
Extracting files to the target directory
While inside the folder obb (or data), press the button Select folder (Select Folder) or checkmark in the corner of the screen to confirm this location as your destination. The unpacking process will begin automatically.
The speed of extracting files depends on the power of your smartphone's processor and the speed of the memory card. For archives of 3-4 GB, this process can take from 2 to 5 minutes. Do not minimize the application or lock the screen to avoid the process crashing.
After the operation is completed, you will see a notification that the unzipping was successful. Check the result: go to the folder where you extracted the files. Inside the directory with the name of the game (for example, com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftA8HM) there should be a cache file directly, and not another folder with the same name. The structure should be like this: /Android/obb/com.game.name/main.123.com.game.name.obb.
What to do if there is an extra nesting?
Sometimes when unpacking, an extra folder is created, and the path looks like /Android/obb/folder_from_archive/folder_game. In this case, you need to go inside, cut out the folder with the game and move it to a higher level, deleting the extra directory.
Solving common problems and access errors
Even if you strictly follow the instructions, difficulties may arise. One of the most common problems is the “Insufficient rights” error or silent refusal to copy files. This is due to the security policy Scoped Storageimplemented in Android 11 and higher.
If ES File Explorer cannot write files to Android/obb, try the following method:
- 📂 Unzip the archive to any other folder, for example, to the root of the internal memory or to folder
Documents. - 📂 Select the unpacked folder with the cache and select the function
Move(Cut). - 📂 Go manually to
Android/obband clickInsert(Paste). - 📂 The system will ask for permission again - confirm it.
Another problem is that the game does not see the cache after installation. Most often this is due to the fact that the folder name does not match the package name. Check the folder name: it should not contain extra characters, spaces or Russian letters. It must be in lower case.
⚠️ Attention: ES File Explorer features may vary depending on the firmware version and region. If standard methods do not work, use the system's built-in file manager to finally move the files to the Android folder.
It is also worth remembering that some games require you to first install the APK file before copying the cache, while others do the opposite. By experimentation or reading the instructions for a specific assembly, you can find out the correct procedure.
The correct folder structure is more important than copying speed. One mistake in the directory name will make the entire cache useless for the game.
Completing installation and first launch
After the files have been successfully moved, you can begin installing the application itself. Find the game's APK file in File Explorer and click on it. Follow the installer's prompts. If the system blocks installation from unknown sources, allow this action in the security settings for ES File Explorer.
When you first launch the game, it will check the integrity of the cache files. If you did everything correctly, this process will go quickly and you will be taken straight to the main menu. If the game starts downloading data again, it means that it did not find the cache in the desired directory - check the paths again.
Regularly empty the downloads folder of unpacked archives to free up space on the device. The files .zip and .rar after extracting the contents are no longer needed and only take up precious gigabytes.
Why does the game require you to download the cache again after manual installation?
This happens if the name of the cache folder does not match the name of the application package (Package Name). Also, the reason may be that the cache file is damaged during downloading or unpacking. Check the archive checksum if it is provided by the assembly author.
Is it possible to store a cache on a memory card?
On modern versions of Android (10+), cache storage on external SD cards for most games is blocked by the system. The game will only search for files in the internal memory in the /Android/obb folder. Moving the cache to the card will result in a loading error.
What to do if ES File Explorer does not open the archive?
The archive may be damaged or use a new compression method that the old version of Explorer does not support. Try updating the application or using an alternative archiver, for example, ZArchiver, for unpacking, and ES only for moving.
Do you need to delete the cache when deleting a game?
When you standardly delete an application through Android settings, the folders in /Android/obb and /Android/data often remain on the disk. It is recommended to manually delete them through Explorer after uninstallation to free up space, as they can take up several gigabytes.
Is it safe to use modified versions of games with cache?
Using mods carries risks. In addition to a possible ban in online games, such files may contain malicious code. Always check the reputation of the download source and scan files before installation.