Mobile version Total Commander for Android has become an indispensable tool for millions of users who value the convenience of working with files on a smartphone. Unlike standard file managers, this application offers a two-pane interface, archive support, an FTP client, and many other features that are usually only available on a PC. But how to understand all these possibilities, especially if you are used to simple explorers?

In this article we will not only look in detail at how to use Total Commander on Android, but also show you where to find best video instructions how to work with the app. You'll learn how to customize your toolbar, manage files between your internal storage and SD card, connect to cloud storage, and even automate routine tasks. And for those who prefer visual learning, we have collected proven sources with step-by-step video tutorials —from basic operations to advanced tricks.

Why is Total Commander better than a standard file manager?

Standard applications for working with files on Android (for example, Files by Google or built-in conductors from Samsung/Xiaomi) are greatly reduced in functionality. They allow you to view folders, copy files and sometimes connect to the clouds - but that's all. Total Commander also offers:

  • 🔹 Two-panel interface —as on a PC, for convenient dragging and dropping files between folders.
  • 🔹 Support for archives (ZIP, RAR, 7Z) without additional apps.
  • 🔹 FTP/SFTP client for remote management of files on the server.
  • 🔹 Plugins for expanding functions (for example, working with Google Drive or Dropbox).
  • 🔹 Batch renaming and advanced search for file contents.

In addition, Total Commander does not impose advertising (unlike many analogues) and works even on weak devices. And if you have ever used it. this app on Windows, then Android it will seem even more familiar!

📊 What file manager do you use on Android?
Total Commander
Files by Google
Built-in from the manufacturer
Other

Where to find high-quality video instructions for Total Commander?

If you prefer to learn from video rather than text, here are proven sources with detailed lessons:

Source Content type What you will learn
YouTube channel "Android Tips" Playlist of 10 videos Basic operations, setting up the interface, working with archives
Rutreker (section "Training") Video course (2026 g.) Advanced functions, automation, FTP
Official website of Total Commander Short demo videos New features of the latest versions
Telegram channels on Android Mini lessons (1-3 min) Quick life hacks and hidden settings

🔍 Tip: Look for videos tagged "Total Commander Android 2026/2026" - they take into account the latest interface updates. Old videos (until 2023) may show outdated menus.

⚠️ Attention: Some "instructions" on YouTube contain malicious links in the description (for example, to "hacked" versions of the app). Download Total Commander only from Google Play or from official website.

First acquaintance: installation and basic setup

After installation Total Commander (you can download here) you will be asked to select a language and agree to the license agreement. Next, follow these steps:

  1. 📱 Allow access to files - without this, the application will not be able to work with the device memory.
  2. ⚙️ Go to Settings → Appearance and select a topic (Dark/Light).
  3. 🔄 Enable Two-panel mode in the display settings.
  4. 📁 Configure Home folders (for example, add quick access to Downloads or DCIM).

💡 Useful trick: To quickly switch between folders, slide your finger across the top bar with paths (for example, /storage/emulated/0/) - a drop-down menu with history will appear.

☑️ Initial setup of Total Commander

Done: 0 / 4

Basic operations with files: copying, moving, deleting

Working with files in Total Commander is intuitive, but there are several nuances:

  • 📋 Select files: Long press on the file → a check mark will appear. To select multiple files, use Menu → Select group.
  • 🔄 Copy/move: Select files → press F5 (copy) or F6 (move) → select the target folder in the second panel.
  • 🗑️ Delete: Select files → F8 or the "Trash" button. Attention: files are deleted permanently (unlike the standard "Garbage" in Android)!
  • 🔍 Search: Click Menu → Search → specify the file name or extension (for example, *.jpg).

📌 Important: If you are working with SD card, make sure that it is connected as Internal memory (settings Android). Otherwise Total Commander will not be able to write files to it.

What to do if the SD card is not visible?

1. Go to Android Settings → Storage.
2 Click on the SD card → Settings → Format as internal.
3. After formatting, all data will be deleted, but the card will become writable.

Working with archives: how to unpack ZIP/RAR without additional apps

One of the key advantages Total Commander — built-in support for archives. You do not need to install WinRAR or 7-Zip:

  1. Find the archive (for example, photos.zip) in one of the panels.
  2. Click on it → a menu with options will appear (Unpack, View, Add files).
  3. Select Unpack → specify the destination folder in the second panel.
  4. For RARarchives you may need to install a plugin (the application will offer to download it automatically).

⚠️ Limitation: The free version supports archives up to 2 GB in size. To work with large files you will need paid plugin (cost ~3$).

Archive format Support in the free version Plugin required?
ZIP Yes (up to 2 GB) No
RAR Partially (unpacking only) Yes (for creation)
7Z Yes No
TAR/GZ Yes No

FTP and cloud storage: how to connect to remote servers

Total Commander can work not only with local files, but also with remote resources:

  • 🌐 FTP/SFTP: Click Network → Add FTP connection → enter server address, login and password. Protocols are supported FTP, SFTP (ssh) and FTPS (SSL).
  • ☁️ Clouds (Google Drive, Dropbox, Yandex Disk): Install the appropriate plugin from Settings → Plugins.
  • 📡 LAN (local area network): You can connect to shared folders on a PC using the protocol SMB (plugin required Lan Plugin).

🔐 Security: When connecting to FTP always use SFTP or FTPS —regular FTP transfers passwords in clear text! For cloud storage, set up two-factor authentication in your account.

💡

If you cannot connect to FTP, check the firewall settings on the server. Often ports 21 (FTP) or 22 (SFTP) are blocked by the ISP.

Advanced features: plugins, scripts and automation

For advanced users, Total Commander there are tools that go beyond the standard file manager:

  • 🤖 Plugins: Extend functionality (for example, Media Plugin to watch videos directly in Explorer or Crypt Plugin to encrypt files).
  • 📜 Batch renaming: Select files → Menu → Rename → use templates (for example, IMG_*_2026.jpg → Photo_*.jpg).
  • 🔄 Folder synchronization: Click Menu → Synchronize directories → select source and target folders.
  • 💻 Terminal: The plugins have a built-in ADB terminal for executing commands Android (required root access).

🚀 Automation example: Using the plugin Button Bar you can create a button that will archive all photos from the folder DCIM to ZIP and download them to Google Drive in one click!

⚠️ Attention: Plugins for Total Commander are installed as separate applications. Do not download them from unverified sources - this may lead to leaks. data!
💡

Total Commander on Android is not just a file manager, but a full-fledged replacement for many specialized apps (archivers, FTP clients, cloud synchronizers).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

🔹 How to enable the recycle bin in Total Commander?

By default, files are deleted permanently. To enable the recycle bin:

  1. Go to Settings → File operations.
  2. Activate the option Use recycle bin.
  3. Specify the folder for storing deleted files (for example, /storage/emulated/0/RecycleBin/).

Now, when you click F8 files will be moved to the trash, and not deleted forever.

🔹 Is it possible to view videos and photos in Total Commander?

Yes, but for this you need:

  • Install plugin Media Plugin (available in Settings → Plugins).
  • Select media file and select View.

For video supported formats MP4, MKV, AVI (depends on the device codecs).

🔹 How to set up hot keys like on a PC?

Total Commander on Android supports virtual buttons F1-F12:

  • Press Menu → Settings → Control.
  • Enable Show function keys.
  • Now buttons will appear at the bottom of the screen F1-F12, like on a keyboard.

💡 Tip: If you have a Bluetooth keyboard, connect it - Total Commander fully supports hot keys (F5 - copy, F6 - move, etc.).

🔹 Why are hidden files (for example, .nomedia) not shown?

To see hidden files and folders (those starting with a dot):

  1. Go to Settings → Display.
  2. Activate the option Show hidden files.
  3. Also check whether display of system files is enabled (option Show system files).

⚠️ Be careful: deleting or changing system files may lead to malfunctions Android!

🔹 How to transfer Total Commander settings to another phone?

All settings are stored in a file wciconfig.xmlwhich is located in the folder:

/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.ghisler.android.TotalCommander/files/

To transfer settings:

  1. Copy the file wciconfig.xml to a new phone in the same folder.
  2. When you first start Total Commander it will automatically apply the saved settings.

📌 Important: If the version of the app on the new phone is very different, some settings may not be applied.