Owners of modern smartphones are often faced with the need to access system application catalogs. This may be required to install modifications, transfer the cache to a memory card, or clear space occupied by outdated data. Standard methods for viewing files in recent versions Android have become much stricter due to security policy Scoped Storage. Now an ordinary user cannot simply enter the root directory and manipulate files of other people's applications without special tools.
Understanding the structure of the file system is the key to successfully solving the problem. In this article, we will look in detail at where exactly the data of your favorite games is stored, what restrictions the system imposes, and how they can be circumvented using legal methods. We will look at both built-in tools and third-party utilities that return full control over the device.
Standard structure for storing game data
By default, all installed applications, including games, place their files in strictly defined directories of internal memory. The main storage is located along the path /Android/data/. This is where the cache files, configurations, and loaded resources needed for the software to run reside. However, starting from Android 11, access to this folder for third-party file managers was significantly limited.
Beyond the folder data, some system data may be located in the directory /Android/obb/. This is where heavy additional game files (OBB) are typically stored, which can weigh several gigabytes. Dividing into these two folders allows the system to optimize memory usage and delete application data when uninstalling it without losing the user's personal files in other sections.
It is worth noting that some game developers use non-standard storage paths. For example, files can be saved in the root of the internal memory in a folder with the name of the development studio or the game itself. This often occurs in older projects or specific ports. In this case, the search should be carried out not among the system directories, but in the main list of files on your drive.
If you are looking for saving progress, it is most often located deep inside the data folder in the files or shared_prefs subdirectory, and not in the root of the game directory.
Access through the built-in file manager
The easiest way to try go to the desired directory - use the standard “Files” or “My Files” application preinstalled on your smartphone. Manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi or Realme often provide their own shells, which have enhanced rights compared to third-party solutions from the store. Open the application and go to the “Internal Memory” section.
Find the folder Android and try to open the subdirectory data. If the system displays a warning about restricting access, click the “Allow” or “Grant Access” button. In some cases, you will need to confirm the action via biometrics or PIN code. After this, you can see a list of all installed applications, sorted by their package names.
However, even built-in managers do not always provide full access to all files. You can see the folder names, but if you try to copy or change the contents, the operation will be blocked. This is normal behavior for modern versions OS, protecting the integrity of the system from accidental user errors.
- 📂 Open the "Files" application on the main screen.
- 📁 Go to "Internal Storage" →
Android→data. - 🔐 Click "Allow" if a system security notification appears.
- 🔍 Locate the folder with the name of the game package (for example,
com.supercell.clashofclans).
Using advanced file managers
When standard tools fail, specialized ones come to the rescue utilities such as Solid Explorer, MiXplorer or ZArchiver. These applications are designed to meet new security requirements and can request special permissions through the system interface SAF (Storage Access Framework) When you first launch such a app, you will be prompted to provide access to the root folder.
The process of setting up access in such managers looks like this: you go to the desired directory, click on the grant rights button, and the system opens a special folder selection window. You need to click on the “Use this folder” button and confirm the action. After this procedure, the manager receives full access to read and write files in the specified directory.
Particular attention should be paid to archivers, such as ZArchiverThey are often used. gamers to install mods, as they allow you to not only view, but also unpack archives directly into protected system folders. This eliminates the need to copy files to a temporary directory and then move them manually.
⚠️ Attention: Giving full rights to a third-party application gives it the ability to change any files in the selected folder. Trust only trusted apps from official stores and carefully read the requests. permissions.
Why do some managers not see the Android folder?
Starting with Android 11, Google has hidden this directory for applications compiled for new versions of the SDK, unless they use a special access API. Old versions of apps simply cannot “see” this directory without root access.
Search by application package name
The main difficulty for the average user is that the folders in the directory data are named differently than games in the smartphone menu. Instead of the usual “PUBG” or “Call of Duty”, you will see a set of symbols separated by dots. This is the so-called package name (Package Name), which is unique for each application in the ecosystem Google Play.
To find the desired directory, you need to know the exact name of the package. It can be recognized in several ways. The easiest one is to go to the game page in the store Play Market and look at the browser address bar or the “Share” link. The link will look like https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.example.game. The part after id= is the desired folder name.
You can also use special inspector applications that display technical information about installed apps. In such utilities, you just need to find the game in the list, and it will show its package name, version and size of the space occupied. Knowing this identifier, you can easily navigate the long list of system folders.
| Game name | Batch name (example) | Cache location |
|---|---|---|
| Minecraft | com.mojang.minecraftpe |
/Android/data/... |
| PUBG Mobile | com.tencent.ig |
/Android/obb/... |
| Genshin Impact | com.miHoYo.GenshinImpact |
/Android/data/... |
| Clash of Clans | com.supercell.clashofclans |
/Android/data/... |
Connecting to a computer to manage files
Sometimes manipulating files directly on the smartphone screen is inconvenient due to the small size of the display. In such cases, it is advisable to connect the device to the PC via USB cable. Select the file transfer mode (MTP) in notifications on your phone. On your computer, open “My Computer” and find your device in the list of drives.
When connected via a cable, system restrictions Android work too, but the Windows or macOS Explorer interface may be more familiar. You can search through files, select groups of objects, and quickly copy large amounts of data. However, keep in mind that directly editing system files via a PC may lead to synchronization errors.
For advanced users, there is a method for debugging by USB (ADB). It allows you to access the file system through the command line of your computer. This is a powerful tool that requires installing drivers and setting up debugging in the Developer options menu. Using commands adb pull and adb push you can extract and upload files to protected sections if you have the appropriate access rights.
☑️ Preparing to connect to a PC
Features of working with root access
Users with root accesshave the most complete control over the file system. This is a superuser mode, which removes almost all restrictions imposed by the manufacturer and developers Android. With superuser rights, you can access any directory, including system ones, change file access rights and edit configurations on the fly.
To work with such a system, you will need special file managers that support the mode Root, for example, Root Explorer or advanced functions in Solid Explorer. When launched, such an application will request permission to use privileges through the superuser manager (for example, Magisk). After confirmation, you will receive unlimited access to all contents of the internal memory.
However, obtaining root access is associated with serious risks. This can void the device's warranty, disrupt banking applications, and even lead to bricking of the smartphone if critical system files are carelessly deleted. Use this method only if you fully understand the consequences and know why you need access to specific files.
⚠️ Warning: Modifying system files while you have root access can lead to unstable operation of the device. Always create a full backup copy (backup) before making any changes to system partitions.
Having root access gives absolute access to files, but deprives the guarantee and security of banking transactions on the device.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I delete the game folder after it uninstallation?
Sometimes after uninstalling an application, empty or temporary files remain in the folder Android/data . The system does not delete them automatically, so as not to damage possible data remains if the user decides to restore the application. You can delete such a folder manually if you are sure that it is no longer needed.
Is it possible to transfer the game folder to a memory card?
In modern versions Android transferring the game cache to a memory card is limited. Many games force data to reside in internal memory to ensure loading speed. Forced movement can lead to application crashes or errors loading resources.
How to learn how much space the cache of a particular game takes up?
Go to the phone settings, the “Applications” section, find the game you need and click “Storage”. It will show a division into the size of the application itself, user data and cache. This is a more reliable method than measuring the folder size manually.
Is it safe to change files in the obb folder?
Replacing files in a folder obb is often used to install modifications or cracks. It is safe if you download files from trusted sources. However, an incorrect version of the file (for example, from another version of the game) will cause the game to stop running.