Many mobile device users, plunging into the block world, sooner or later face the need to access the game system files. The question “minecraft android where is the folder” becomes especially relevant when you need to transfer your saving to a new phone or install third-party modifications. The standard Android file system is not always intuitive, especially after operating system updates that change data access rules.
In this article, we will analyze the directory structure in detail so that you can easily find the necessary directories. Knowing the exact path to com.mojang will allow you to manage your worlds, textures and behavior packs without using third-party launchers. We'll look at both old access paths and new restrictions introduced in modern versions of Android.
Understanding where your data is physically stored gives you complete freedom of action. You can create backup copies before risky experiments or transfer your buildings to friends. The main thing is to remember that working with system files requires care so as not to accidentally delete the progress of hundreds of hours of gameplay.
Basic data storage structure in Android
The file system of modern smartphones is organized hierarchically, and applications cannot just write data anywhere. For Minecraft Bedrock Edition A strictly defined space in the device memory has been allocated. Typically this is internal storage, accessed through any file manager. However, starting with Android 11, Google has tightened its security policies, which directly affected the visibility of some folders.
The main path you need to know starts from the root directory of the internal memory. This is where the folder Androidis located, inside which there are subdirectories data and obb. For the average user, the most important is the datasection, since this is where the settings and saves for a particular game are stored. If you are using an old file manager, it may simply not display the contents of this directory due to access restrictions.
It is important to distinguish between internal memory and SD card. If you configured the game to save data to external storage, the path will be different. In this case, the folder structure will be mirrored, but it will start from the root of your memory card. You can check the current location of the files in the settings of the game profile itself, although the full system path is rarely indicated there.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 11 and higher, access to the folder
Android/datamay be closed to standard explorers. You will need a special file manager with access rights to system partitions or a connection to a PC.
If the standard Explorer does not see the Android folder, try installing the "Files by Google" application or a specialized manager like "Solid Explorer", which requests special permissions for working with system data.
The main path to the folder with worlds and resources
So, let's move on to the most important thing. The vast majority of game files, including your worlds, skins and addons, are located in the following path: Internal memory/Android/data/com.mojang.minecraftpe/files/games/com.mojang. This is the "heart" of your Minecraft installation on your device. Inside this final folder com.mojang you will find everything you need to customize and manage the gameplay.
The structure inside this directory is quite logical. The folder minecraftWorlds contains all your created and downloaded worlds. Each world is stored in a separate subfolder with a unique identifier. If you want to move the building, you need to copy this exact folder with the ID. There are also directories for textures and mod logic. resource_packs for textures and behavior_packs for mod logic.
For those who are used to working with code or configuration files, here is a file where graphics and control settings are stored. By changing it manually, you can force certain parameters that are not available in the regular game menu. However, be careful: incorrect syntax may result in a factory reset the next time you start. options.txt, where graphics and control settings are stored. By changing it manually, you can force certain parameters that are not available in the regular game menu. However, be careful: incorrect syntax may result in a factory reset the next time you run it.
☑️ Checking the file path
Changes in access to files on Android 11 and later
With the release of new versions of the operating system, the situation has become more complicated. The policy Scoped Storage restricts the access of applications and users to shared system directories. If you update your phone to Android 11, 12, or 13, you may notice that the folder Android/data appears as empty, even though the files are physically present there. This is not an error, but a protective mechanism.
To bypass this limitation, it is not necessary to receive root access, which can be dangerous for the device warranty. It is enough to use the functionality of the file manager itself. When you try to enter a protected folder, the system may offer to grant access through a special system interface. You need to click "Use this folder" and confirm the action to get full access to the contents.
An alternative method is to connect your smartphone to your computer via a USB cable. In file transfer mode (MTP), the computer often sees the contents of Android system folders more fully than the built-in tools of the phone itself. This is a convenient way to mass copy heavy worlds or install large sets of textures.
Why might the folder be empty?
The Android system hides the contents of the data folder from third-party applications to protect sensitive data. This does not mean that the files have been deleted, they are simply hidden from the current viewing method.
Alternate paths and external drives
The files are not always in the standard location. If you've ever changed storage settings within a game or moved an app to an SD card, the path may change. In older versions of Android and games, data was often stored simply in the root of the internal memory in the folder games/com.mojang, without a prefix Android/data. It's worth checking this option if you can't find files in the main path.
When using an external memory card, the structure remains the same, but the root reference point changes. The path will look like SD card/Android/data/com.mojang.minecraftpe/files/games/com.mojang. Make sure your memory card is formatted with a compatible file system, usually exFAT or FAT32, otherwise the game may not see the files or may refuse to write data.
There is also a folder Android/obb/com.mojang.minecraftpe. This is where the game's main cache files, high-resolution texture assets, and libraries are stored. It is not recommended to touch files in this directory unless absolutely necessary, as damage to them will cause the game to stop starting or give errors when loading.
| Data type | Destination folder | Can I delete? |
|---|---|---|
| Worlds and saving | minecraftWorlds |
No (progress will be lost) |
| Texture packs | resource_packs |
Yes (resets graphics) |
| Game cache | Android/obb |
No (the game will not start) |
| Profile settings | minecraftpe (root) |
Yes (reset settings) |
Installing mods, addons and maps
Knowing the exact location of the folders, you can manually install content that is not downloaded through the official marketplace. To add a new world downloaded in archive format, you need to unpack it and place the folder with the world inside the directory minecraftWorlds. After restarting the game, the new world should appear in the list of available for download.
The procedure is similar with resource packs and behavior packs. Files with the extension .mcpack or .mcaddon can simply be opened through a file manager, and the system itself will offer to open them in Minecraft. However, if the automatic installation does not work, manual copying to the appropriate folders resource_packs and behavior_packs is always a reliable backup option.
When installing manually, it is important to monitor the nesting structure. There must be a file inside the package folder manifest.json. If you copy an extra wrapper folder, the game will not be able to read the data and will throw an "Invalid package format" error. Always make sure that the path ends directly with the folder with the manifest.
⚠️ Attention: When manually copying mods, make sure that the folder names do not contain Cyrillic characters or special characters. This can cause path conflicts and the inability to load content.
Data backup and recovery
Regular backups are the golden rule of any player. Before updating the game or installing risky mods, copy the entire folder minecraftWorlds to a safe place. This could be a separate folder on your phone, cloud storage, or computer. In the event of a crash or damage to the world, you can simply return the files to their place and continue the game from the same moment.
Data recovery occurs by replacing the current files with saved copies. If the game won't launch after a failed experiment, deleting the folder data/com.mojang.minecraftpe and then inserting a clean backup often solves the problem. Don't forget to also check the folder obbif the problem is related to graphics or textures.
To automate the process, you can use synchronization applications that are configured to monitor a specific directory. This will allow you not to think about manual copying. However, remember that real-time synchronization can sometimes conflict with the game recording process if you save while syncing files.
Always make a full copy of the worlds folder before any manipulation of files. This is the only guaranteed way to save hundreds of hours of gameplay.
Common problems and their solutions
One of the most common problems is that the game does not see copied files. Most often this is due to incorrect folder nesting depth. Check the path again: you may have created an extra folder inside resource_packs. The file manager may also lack read/write rights.
Another problem is the disappearance of worlds after updating Android. This happens if the system update resets application permissions or changes the user ID on the system. In this case, checking the path helps: sometimes the system creates a new folder with a digital suffix, and the old data remains in the old directory.
If you encounter the “Not enough space” error, although the memory is free, try clearing the application cache through the phone settings. Sometimes temporary files take up gigabytes of space and block the writing of new data. Rebooting the device can also free up locked file handles.
Why can't I access the Android/data folder?
Starting with Android 11, access to this folder is limited to protect your data. Use a file manager that supports access to system folders (for example, Total Commander with a plugin or Solid Explorer), or connect your phone to a PC.
How to transfer worlds to another phone?
Copy the folder with the desired world from minecraftWorlds on your old device. Transfer the file to the new device and paste it into a similar folder. After starting the game, the world will appear in the list.
Is it possible to delete the obb folder?
No, the obb folder stores the main resources of the game. Removing it will cause Minecraft to stop starting and require you to download the data again.
Where are screenshots from the game stored?
Screenshots are usually saved in the standard folder Pictures or DCIM in internal memory, not in the data folder games to be available in the gallery.
What to do if the world is damaged?
Try deleting files level.dat_old or use third-party utilities to restore NBT data. If you have a backup, restore it.