Total Commander for Android: how to use the file manager on a smartphone

Total Commander is a legendary file manager that has been helping Windows users manage files since 1993. But did you know that its full version also exists for Android? This is not just a copy of a desktop application, but an adapted tool with unique features for mobile devices. In this article, we will look at how to install, configure and effectively use Total Commander on a smartphone or tablet - from basic operations to hidden features that even experienced users are silent about.

The mobile version retains the philosophy of the original: two panels for conveniently moving files, support for archives, an FTP client and even a built-in text editor. However, the interface and some functions are optimized for touch control. If you are used to classic Total Commander on a PC, pleasant surprises await you on Android - for example, integration with cloud services or working with root access (root). And if you are a beginner, these instructions will help you figure it out from scratch.

Installing Total Commander on Android: where to download and how to avoid fakes

The official version Total Commander for Android is distributed free of charge via Google Play. However, there are modified assemblies with viruses or advertising on the Internet; installing them can harm the device. To download the original application:

• 📱 Open Google Play Market on your device.
• 🔍 Enter in search Total Commander (developer - Christian Ghisler).
• ⚠️ Check the number of downloads (should be more than 50 million) and rating (not lower than 4.5★).
• 📥 Click “Install” and wait for the download to complete (size ~10 MB).

If for some reason Google Play is not available, the official APK can be downloaded from the developer's website ghisler.com. Never install an application from third-party sources (for example, w3bsit3-dns.com or torrent trackers) - this can lead to data leakage or device blocking.

⚠️ Attention: Some “optimized” versions of Total Commander contain hidden mining scripts or spyware. If after installation the smartphone starts to slow down or overheat for no reason, remove the application and check the device with an antivirus.

After installation, run the application. When you first open it, the system will ask for permissions to access files, media and storage - be sure to confirm them, otherwise the manager will not be able to work with folders. If you are using Android 11 and newer, you may need additional permission to manage all files (located in system settings).

Total Commander interface: understanding the panel, buttons and gestures

The interface of the mobile version Total Commander is radically different from the desktop version, but retains the main thing - two-panel mode. By default, you'll see two vertical panels (horizontal on tablets) that you can drag and drop files between. Let's look at the key elements:

• 📁 File panels —left and right. Each has its own navigation and can open different folders at the same time.
• ⚙️ Toolbar (bottom) - buttons for copying, moving, creating folders, etc.
• ☰ Side menu - access to settings, cloud services, FTP and plugins.
• 🔍 Search bar - searches for files by name inside the current folder.

Management can be carried out both touchand gestures:

Gesture	Action
Double tap on a file	Open a file (or go to a folder)
Long hold on a file	Selecting a file (a check mark will appear)
Swipe left/right on a file	Quick copying/moving to the opposite panel
Mixing/separating two fingers	Changing the font size in the file list

Pay attention to color marks files:

- Blue — folders

- Green — executable files (APK, EXE),

- Red — archives (ZIP, RAR),

- Gray — hidden or system files.

This helps to quickly navigate the list.

Basic operations: copying, moving, deleting and archiving

Basic operations with files in Total Commander are performed intuitively, but there are nuances that speed up the work. Let's look at the steps:

Copying and moving

1. Open the folder with files on the left panel.
2. Select the required files (long touch → checkmark).
3. Click the button Copy (or Cut to move) on the toolbar.
4. Go to the target folder on right panel and click Paste.

Secret trick: To copy files between panels in one action, select them in one panel and swipe left/right - the file will instantly move to the opposite panel.

Deletion and recovery

Deleting files in Total Commander can be done irretrievable or with the possibility of recovery:

• 🗑️ Delete — files are sent to the trash (if it is included in settings).
• 💀 Delete permanently —files are erased immediately (carefully!).

To restore a deleted file:

1. Go to Trash (icon in the side menu).
2. Select files and click Recover.
3. Specify the recovery folder.

Working with archives

Total Commander supports most archive formats (ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR etc.). To unpack the archive:

1. Select the archive in one of the panels.
2. Click Extract in the toolbar.
3. Specify the folder to extract (you can select the current one).
4. If necessary, enter a password (if the archive is protected).

To create an archive:

1. Select files/folders for archiving.
2. Click Pack → select format (ZIP or 7Z).
3. Set the archive name and compression level (recommended Optimal).

Selected all the necessary files|

Checked the free space on the device|

Specified a clear name for the archive|

Specified a password (if necessary)-->

Working with cloud storage: Google Drive, Dropbox, Yandex Disk

One of the most useful functions Total Commander for Android is integration with cloud services. This allows you to manage files in Google Drive, Dropbox, Yandex Disk and other storages directly from the application, without having to download them to the device.

To connect the cloud:

1. Open the side menu (☰) and select Add an account.
2. Select the desired service (for example, Google Drive).
3. Login through the browser (a login window will open).
4. After successful authorization, the cloud will appear in the list Network connections.

Now you can:

- Copy files between local storage and cloud (just drag them between panels).

- View and edit documents directly in the cloud (for example, open TXT or PDF without downloading).

- Create backup copies of important files to the cloud in one click.

⚠️ Attention: When working with cloud services via the mobile data, monitor the traffic - downloading large files (for example, videos) can quickly exhaust the limit. It is recommended to use Wi-Fi.

If you need to regularly synchronize folders between your device and the cloud, use the function Directory synchronization (located in the side menu). It allows you to set up automatic updating of files on a schedule or when they change.

FTP and SFTP: how to connect to a remote server

For experienced users and administrators Total Commander offers built-in FTP client, which supports protocols FTP, SFTP (SSH) i FTPS. This is useful for: FTP client encrypted channel (SFTP).

• 🖥️ Manage files on hosting or VPS.
• 📂 Uploading/uploading files to a remote server.
• 🔒 Secure data transmission over an encrypted channel (SFTP).

To connect to an FTP server:

1. Open the side menu and select Add FTP connection.
2. Enter connection details:
   • Server name (for example, ftp.example.com),
   • Port (usually 21 for FTP or 22 for SFTP),
   • Username and password.

Click Connect.

Once connected, the FTP server will appear as a separate folder in Total CommanderNow you can move files between local storage and the server just as easily, as between regular folders.

For convenience, save frequently used connections:

1. After a successful connection, click on the icon ⋯ next to the server name.
2. Select Save as bookmark.
3. Set a name for quick access.
What to do if FTP does not connect?

If the connection is not established, check:

1. Correctness of the entered data (server, port, login/password).

2. Firewall settings on the server (port 21 or 22 must be open).

3. Support for passive mode (in the FTP connection settings, enable Passive mode).

4. Availability of an Internet connection (FTP requires a stable connection).

Root access and system files: options for advanced users

If your device has root access, Total Commander turns into a powerful tool for working with system files. This allows you to:

• 🔧 Edit system configuration files (for example, build.prop).
• 🗃️ Delete pre-installed applications (bloatware).
• 🔄 Create backup copies of important partitions (/system, /data).
• 🛠️ Recover deleted files (if you have rights).

To enable root access in Total Commander:

1. Go to Settings → Show hidden/system files and enable the option.
2. Return to the main menu and open the sidebar (☰).
3. Select Root (/) - a request for permission will appear superuser.
4. Confirm the request in the window SuperSU or Magisk.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to data loss or device brick (impossibility of loading before). any changes, create a backup copy via TWRP or other custom recovery.

When working with root, it is recommended:

- Use the built-in text editor to change configuration files (for example, /system/build.prop).

- Before by deleting system applications, check their purpose (some are critical for the operation of Android).

- Avoid changes in folders /efs or /boot - this can make the device inoperable.

If you accidentally deleted an important file, try restoring it through the function Search for deleted files (available only with root). It scans the device memory for traces of deleted data.

Plugins and extensions: how to expand the capabilities of Total Commander

Functionality Total Commander can be significantly expanded using plugins. They add support for new file formats, integration with external services and unique tools. You can install plugins directly from the application:

1. Open the side menu (☰) and select Plugins.
2. Click Download plugins —a list of available extensions will open.
3. Select the desired plugin and click Install.

The most useful plugins for Android:

Plugin	Purpose
LAN Plugin	Access files via local network (SMB, NFS).
WebDAV Plugin	Connect to WebDAV servers (Nextcloud, OwnCloud).
SQLite Plugin	View and edit SQLite databases.
APK Plugin	View the contents of APK files (manifest, resources).
Cloud Plugin Pack	Extended support for cloud services (OneDrive, Box, Mega).

After installation, plugins appear in the side menu or context menu of files. For example, with a plugin LAN Plugin you can connect to a network storage NAS or a folder on a Windows PC.

If you are missing a plugin, you can create it yourself - Total Commander supports API for developers. Documentation is available on the official website.

Customizing Total Commander for yourself: themes, gestures, hotkeys

Total Commander for Android offers flexible interface and control settings. To open the options, click on the three dots in the upper right corner (⋯) and select Settings.

The most useful options for customization:

• 🎨 Themes: you can select dark theme, change the color scheme or font size.
• 👆 Gestures: set up swipes for copying, moving or opening files.
• ⌨️ Hotkeys (for devices with a keyboard): assign keyboard shortcuts for frequently used actions.
• 📂 Display files: hide/show system files, sort by date/size/type.
• 🔄 Auto-update: enable automatic updating of the file list when returning to the application.

Recommended settings for convenience:

1. Enable Show hidden files (useful for working with configuration files).
2. Set Confirmation when deletingto avoid accidental erasure of data.
3. Activate Use recycle bin - this will save you from losing important files.
4. In the section Screen enable Show folder sizes - this makes it easier to keep track of your busy schedule space.

If you often work with text files, set up the built-in editor:

1. Go to Settings → Editor.
2. Enable Syntax highlighting for code (HTML, XML, JSON).
3. Set Auto-save every 5 minutes.

Don't forget about export and import settings (section Settings → Export/Import). This is useful if you reinstall the application or transfer settings to another device.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about Total Commander for Android

Can I use Total Commander without the Internet?

Yes, Total Commander it functions completely offline. Internet is required only to work with cloud storage, FTP or download plugins. All local operations (copying, moving, archiving) are performed without a network connection.

How to enable dark theme?

Go to Settings → Display → Color scheme and select Dark or AMOLED Black (for devices with AMOLED screens). You can also set up automatic theme switching on a schedule.

Why are files on the SD card not displayed?

This is a common problem on Android 11+. Solution:

1. Go to Android Settings → Applications → Total Commander → Permissions.
2. Find the section Files and media and select Allow access to all files.
3. Restart Total Commander.

If the SD card is formatted as internal memory, access to it may be limited. In this case, use Root mode (if you have superuser rights).

How to synchronize files between the device and PC?

There are several ways:

• 📂 Via FTP server: in Total Commander click Network connections → FTP server and connect from the PC via the specified IP.
• ☁️ Via cloud: upload files to Google Drive/Dropbox from your phone and download them to your PC.
• 🔌 Via USB cable: connect the phone to the PC in File transfer mode and use Total Commander on PC to control.

Is it possible to recover deleted files without root?

Without root access, recovery is only possible if:

• The files were deleted in recycle bin (enable it in the settings).
• You are using external SD card —some files can be recovered using specialized apps (for example, DiskDigger).

Full recovery (including system files) requires root access.