Modern operating system-based smartphones Android are complex computing devices, where each installed application creates its own directory structure for storing data. Users are often faced with the need to access these files: be it to transfer the game cache, save progress, clear garbage, or manually install modifications. However, with the release of version Android 11 and subsequent updates, the security policy Google was significantly tightened, limiting direct access to system folders.
Previously, the process of navigating through the internal memory was extremely simple: any file manager could display the contents of the root directory without any questions asked. Today, in order to access application files, you need to understand the new limitations of Scoped Storage and know special techniques for bypassing locks. This is done to protect users’ personal data from malware that could uncontrollably read information from other apps.
In this article we will examine in detail all the legal ways to access application data, from using standard system tools to using specialized software. You will learn where game files are physically stored, how to correctly work with Android/data and Android/obbdirectories, as well as what risks are hidden behind attempts to gain root access access to the file system.
Where application data is physically stored
The file system Android has a strict hierarchical structure that must be understood for successful navigation. All user data downloaded from the Internet or created by applications is saved in the device's internal storage by default. The root directory is usually designated as /storage/emulated/0 or simply “Internal memory” in the Explorer interface.
The main location for files of specific apps is a special protected folder Android. Inside it there are two critical directories: data and obb. The first (data) stores settings, cache, databases and saved user progress. The second (obb) is intended for placing heavy additional files, such as textures and resources in modern mobile games.
In addition to the system folder Android, many developers create their own directories in the root of the internal memory. For example, instant messengers often have folders with the brand name, and browsers have download directories. However, access to them is usually not limited, unlike system attachments.
⚠️ Attention: Deleting files from the folder
Android/datamay result in resetting application settings or losing progress in games. Proceed with caution and create backup copies before making changes.
The path structure may vary slightly depending on the device manufacturer. Smartphones have the same file layout logic, but the visual display in standard explorers may vary. For accurate navigation, it is recommended to use absolute paths that begin with a slash. Samsung, Xiaomi or Pixel The file layout logic is the same, but the visual display in standard explorers may vary. For precise navigation, it is recommended to use absolute paths that begin with a slash.
If you are looking for saved photos from WhatsApp or Telegram, they are often duplicated in public Pictures or DCIM folders, and not just in private application directories.
Access through a standard file manager
Starting from Android 11, standard file managers pre-installed on a smartphone hide the contents of the folder by default Android. When trying to enter this directory, the user sees a blank screen or a message about missing files. This is not a bug, but an implementation of a mechanism Scoped Storagethat isolates application data from each other.
However, there is an official way to open access to these files through the system interface. You will need to click on a special menu button (usually three dots in the corner of the screen) and select an option, which may be called “Access special folders” or “Allow access”. Once confirmed, the system will grant temporary or permanent access to protected sections.
An alternative method for some shells, such as MIUI or OneUIis to use hidden commands or special viewing modes. Sometimes it helps to switch the file display mode from “Simple” to “Advanced” in the settings of the explorer itself. However, this functionality is not available on all devices.
- 📂 Open the Files or Explorer application on your device.
- 🔒 Go to the folder
Androidand pay attention to the access message. - 🔑 Click the "Use" button this folder" or similar in the system window that appears.
- ✅ Confirm the permission in the Android security dialog.
It is important to understand that even after granting permissions, the standard Explorer may not allow you to copy files iz folders data to other places, allowing only view or delete. For full management (copying, moving, editing), third-party solutions with extended privileges are often required.
Using advanced file managers
When the built-in system tools are not functional enough, third-party applications come to the rescue. The leaders in this niche are apps such as Solid Explorer, CX File Explorer and MT Manager. These tools are designed to meet new security requirements and can correctly request access to protected areas through the system API.
When you first launch such a manager and try to enter the folder Android, the application will automatically redirect you to system settings to grant permission. After one-time confirmation, you will have full access to read and write files inside data i obb. Some managers even allow you to view files inside APK archives without unpacking them.
The application deserves special attention MT Manager, which is popular among advanced users and modders. It provides not only access to files, but also tools for editing application resources, signing packages and working with .dex files. However, the interface of this app may seem complicated for a beginner.
⚠️ Attention: Download file managers only from official application stores, such as Google Play. Third-party versions may contain malicious code aimed at stealing your personal data.
Another advantage of advanced explorers is support for cloud storage and network protocols. You can directly copy files from the application’s protected folder to your computer via Wi-Fi or upload them to the cloud, bypassing intermediate saving to temporary folders.
☑️ Selecting a file manager
Working with Data and Obb folders
Understanding the difference between folders data and obb is critical for proper file management. The directory Android/data contains private data of a specific application. Configuration files, SQLite databases, cached images, and game autosaves are stored here. The name of the folder inside usually matches the package name of the application, for example, com.supercell.clashofclans.
Folder Android/obb serves as storage for large additional files (OBB - Opaque Binary Blob). Most often, the resources of heavy 3D games are located here: character models, level maps, sound tracks. If you install the game manually via an APK file, it is to this folder that you often need to manually copy the cache in order for the game to launch correctly.
When you uninstall an application through standard system settings, the contents of both of these folders should be automatically cleared. However, in practice, situations often arise when “tails” of files remain on the device, taking up valuable space. Manually cleaning these directories through a file manager is the most effective way to free up memory.
| Parameter | Data folder | Obb folder |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Settings, saving, cache | Game resources, large files |
| File size | From KB to several GB | Usually from 100 MB to several GB |
| Impact of deletion | Resetting the application to factory settings | The game will not start without resuming |
| Access | Strictly limited in new Android | Limited, but easier to copy |
If you plan to transfer the game to another device, you will need to copy the contents of both folders corresponding to the game's batch name. Please note that simply transferring files is not enough: the new device must have the same version of the application installed, otherwise there will be a signature or resource version conflict.
What is a package name?
Package Name is a unique identifier for an application in the Android system, looking like a domain name (for example, com.instagram.android). It is by this name that the system identifies the folder with app data.
Restrictions of Android 11, 12, 13 and 14
With each new generation of the operating system Android Google is introducing increasingly strict restrictions on access to the file system. In versions 11 and higher, a mechanism was introduced Scoped Storagethat fundamentally changed the rules of the game for developers and users. Now applications cannot freely scan the entire storage in search of the necessary files.
In Android 13 i Android 14 these restrictions have been strengthened. Even if you have permission to access all files, some system directories remain completely closed to modification without obtaining superuser privileges. This is done to prevent the operation of spyware that could read data from banking applications or instant messengers.
Users often notice that after updating the firmware, their favorite file manager suddenly stops seeing the folder Android. This is not a breakdown of the phone, but the triggering of new security policies. This can only be circumvented through a special system permission, which is issued through a hidden menu or specific actions in the Explorer interface.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu names may change with each firmware update. If you don't find the option you're looking for, check the official help for your version of Android or your specific smartphone manufacturer.
There is also a restriction on installing apps from unknown sources that try to access files. The system will constantly warn you of potential danger. You should ignore these warnings only if you 100% trust the source of the file and understand the consequences.
The newer the Android version, the more difficult it is to directly access application files without using special permissions or third-party software.
Obtaining root access for full access
For those users for whom standard methods are not enough, there is a radical way to gain full control over the file system - obtaining root access (superuser rights). This is an analogue of administrator rights in Windows, which removes almost all restrictions imposed by the operating system.
The rooting process usually involves unlocking the bootloader and installing a special rights manager, such as Magisk. After this, any file manager with root support (for example Root Explorer or the same Solid Explorer in superuser mode) will be able to open any system partitions, including /data/datawhere the deepest application settings are stored.
However, this method is fraught with serious risks. Obtaining root access will void the warranty on the device, can lead to the smartphone being “bricked” in case of errors and makes it impossible to work with some banking applications and services with a high degree of protection (Google Pay, banking clients).
adb shellsu
ls /data/data/
Using the command line via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) on the computer also allows you to access files, but requires enabling USB debugging and availability of a PC. This is a safer alternative way for one-time transactions that does not require permanent root access on the device.
- 🛡️ Root access gives full control, but reduces the overall security of the system.
- 🏦 Banking applications may refuse to work on rooted devices.
- 🔄 System updates "by air" (OTA) may stop arriving or installing.
- ⚙️ To work, you need to install Magisk and unlock the bootloader.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is the Android folder empty or does not open?
Starting with Android 11, access to this folder is limited by security policy. You need to provide special permission through the file manager menu (the “Use this folder” button) or use an advanced explorer that supports new access standards.
Is it possible to move the Data folder to a memory card?
In modern versions of Android, it is impossible to force a transfer of the system folder Android/data to an SD card without root access. Applications must themselves support installation on external media, which is rare. The memory card can only be used as additional storage for media files.
Is it safe to delete files from the Obb folder?
It is only safe to delete files from Obb if the corresponding application has already been uninstalled, or if you want to reset the cache of a specific game. If you delete these files for an installed game, it will stop launching and will require downloading resources again.
How to find the batch name of an application?
The batch name can be found in the phone settings in the "About the application" section (sometimes hidden in the developer menu), or through special applications like App Inspector. Also, the name of the folder in the directory Android/data usually coincides with the package name.
Are root access needed to access files?
To access user files in folders Android/data and Android/obb root access is not needed, it is enough to give permission to a modern file manager. Root is only required to access system files in the root /data/data or to modify system partitions.