Total Commander has long ceased to be just a file manager for desktop computers and has turned into a real harvester for managing data on mobile devices. For beginners, the interface of this app may seem ascetic and even intimidating due to the lack of familiar icons and bright design. However, it is this simplicity that provides incredible speed and functionality that is inaccessible to standard file managers.
Use Total Commander on Android opens access to advanced operations: working with archives, connecting to network storage via FTP, editing system files and batch data processing. Unlike standard system tools, this tool gives the user complete control over the directory structure. You can easily move gigabytes of information between the internal memory and the card microSDwithout wasting time on unnecessary clicks.
In this article we will analyze in detail all aspects of working with the application, from basic navigation to setting up complex plugins. You'll learn how to optimize your workflow and turn your smartphone into a powerful file management tool. We will pay special attention to hidden functions that are often overlooked even by experienced users.
Interface and basic navigation
The main feature of the app is the two-panel mode, which can be hidden by default on narrow smartphone screens. To activate it, you need to go to the settings and select the appropriate item, which will allow you to see the contents of two different folders at the same time. This is critical for quickly copying and moving objects, as it eliminates the need to constantly go back in the directory hierarchy.
Navigation is carried out either through the touch screen or using hardware buttons or on-screen gestures. Each panel has its own address bar, which displays the current path, and a list of files with detailed information about the size and modification date. Sorting Data can be sorted by name, extension or date, which makes it easier to find the necessary documents in crowded storages.
⚠️ Attention: By default, the application may not display hidden system files. To make them visible, you need to activate the option Show hidden files in the main menu, but this should be done with caution so as not to accidentally delete critical system data.
A long press on any element selects it, after which the context menu with copying, cutting or sending operations. Multi-selection is fully supported: you can mark dozens of files in different ways, including inverting the selection or selecting by name mask.
Use the "Select by mask" function (star icon in the selection menu) to quickly select all files of a certain type, for example, all photos .jpg or documents .pdf, without manually selecting them one by one.
The top of the screen contains shortcut buttons for frequently used functions, such as creating a new folder or searching. The bottom panel is occupied by function keys, similar to those used in the desktop version of the app. Understanding the logic of the arrangement of these elements significantly speeds up working with the file system Android.
Basic operations with files and folders
Performing routine tasks in Total Commander happens as quickly as possible thanks to a well-thought-out system of hot keys and menus. Copying, moving and deleting are carried out through clear buttons Copy, Move and Deletelocated at the bottom of the screen. When performing bulk operations, the application shows a progress bar and allows you to pause the process if necessary.
One of the strengths of the app is the built-in support for working with archives without the need to install third-party software. You can open files in ZIP, RAR, 7Z and TAR formats like regular folders, extract individual documents from them, or add new files directly to the archive. This saves memory space and simplifies data exchange.
- 📂 Creating archives: Select the required files, press the menu and select "Pack files", specifying the desired format and compression level.
- 🔍 Content search: The search function works not only by names, but also by the contents of text files, which is indispensable when searching for specific information in logs.
- ✏️ Renaming: Batch renaming of files using masks is supported, which is convenient for organizing photos or documents.
When moving files between different memory sections (for example, from an internal drive to an SD card), the system automatically uses a buffer exchange. It is important to ensure that the device’s power is not interrupted during the recording process, although modern file systems Android are quite resistant to failures.
☑️ Safe data movement
A simple but functional editor with syntax highlighting is built in for editing text files and scripts. It allows you to make changes to application configuration files directly on the device, without connecting the phone to the computer. This is especially useful for advanced users who configure specific software.
Working with plugins and extensions
The true power Total Commander is revealed when using plugins that turn the file manager into a universal tool. The platform Android supports many add-ons that allow you to view databases, edit HEX code, work with cloud storage, and even manage/root access. Plugins are installed through the built-in manager or by downloading APKfiles of compatible versions.
After installing the extension, it is automatically integrated into the context menu or becomes accessible through a special toolbar. For example, a plugin for working with SQLite databases allows you to open messenger database files or system logs for analysis. This makes it possible to diagnose problems or retrieve remote information.
| Plugin name | Purpose | Required rights |
|---|---|---|
| FTP Plugin | Connecting to remote servers | Network access |
| Registry Editor | Editing the Windows registry (for emulators) | Root access |
| QuickSearch | Instant file search by index | Memory reading |
| Image Viewer | Advanced graphics viewing | Access to gallery |
Some plugins require root access to function fully, as they access protected sections of the system. Before installing such extensions, make sure that your device is properly unlocked, otherwise the functionality will be limited to user space only.
⚠️ Attention: Download plugins only from trusted sources, such as the official developer forum or store Google Play. Third-party modifications may contain malicious code that can steal your data.
Where to look for plugins?
The official plugin repository is located on the developer's website. Also, many useful extensions are available in the developer profile in the Google Play app store. Search for them using the query "Total Commander Plugin".
Management of installed extensions is carried out through the main menu in the "Plugin Settings" section. There you can disable unnecessary modules to speed up the launch of the app, or configure the operating parameters of each specific tool to suit your needs.
Network capabilities: FTP, LAN and Cloud
Total Commander on Android is an excellent client for working with network resources, supporting protocols FTP, SFTP, WebDAV i SMB/CIFS. This allows you to connect to your home server, work computer, or cloud storage as easily as you would to a regular folder on your phone. Setting up the connection takes only a couple of minutes and requires entering the server address, login and password.
To connect to a local network (LAN) via the protocol SMB it is enough to know the IP address of your computer or NAS storage. After adding a new connection to the Network Neighborhood menu, you will have access to all shared folders to which you have rights. This is an ideal way to transfer a heavy movie from your computer to your phone or backup a photo without using cables.
- ☁️ Cloud services: Special plugins allow you to work with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive i Yandex Disk directly from the app interface.
- 🔒 Secure connection: The protocol
SFTPencrypts the transmitted data, which is critical when working through public Wi-Fi networks. - 🔄 Synchronization: The directory synchronization function allows you to maintain identical contents of folders on the device and the server, automatically updating changed files.
When working with the network, it is important to consider the connection speed and signal stability. In the settings, you can increase the size of the read/write buffer to speed up the transfer of large files over a fast channel. The function of resuming an interrupted download is also available, which helps with unstable Internet.
Using FTP/SFTP via Total Commander is often faster and more reliable than standard cloud service clients, as it allows you to manage files in a two-panel mode and use automation scripts.
If you plan to frequently connect to different servers, use "Favorites" to save settings connections. This will eliminate the need to enter access details each time and allow you to switch between resources in one click.
Customizing appearance and hot keys
Although the app interface is minimalistic, it lends itself to deep customization. The user can change color schemes, fonts and icon sizes, adapting the application to their vision and preferences. Themes are available for light and dark hours, as well as the ability to create your own design configurations through settings files.
Particular attention should be paid to setting hot keys and the buttons on the bottom panel. You can assign free spaces to launch specific applications, execute scripts, or navigate to specific directories. This turns the file manager into a kind of device control panel, where all the necessary tools are at hand.
In the settings section Contents of panels you can choose which columns of information to display in the list of files. By default, the name and size are visible, but you can add the modified date, attributes, and permissions. For advanced users, it is useful to enable display inode or checksums of files.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and available settings may vary depending on the version Android and the specific build of the application. Always check that the options in the help for your software version are up to date.
The configuration is saved automatically, but it is recommended to periodically backup the file wincmd.ini. This will allow you to quickly restore all settings in case of reinstalling the system or changing the device, without spending hours on reconfiguration.
Solving typical problems and optimization
During operation, situations may arise when the application does not see the memory card or refuses to delete files on new versions. Android. This is due to the tightening of system security policies that limit the access of third-party apps to certain directories. To resolve this issue, you need to grant the application special access through your system security settings.
If the app is slow when scanning large directories, try disabling the display of thumbnails for images and videos. Generating previews requires significant CPU resources, especially on older devices. Disabling this function in the settings Contents of panels will instantly speed up scrolling of lists.
If errors occur when writing to external drives, make sure that the file system of the memory card is supported by the system (usually FAT32 or exFAT). The format NTFS may require special drivers or superuser rights to write data. In such cases, it is better to use built-in formatting tools or third-party utilities.
Why are files not deleted in Android 11+?
Starting with Android 11, access to the root of an external drive is limited. The first time you try to delete, the system will prompt you to go to settings and allow access to the folder manually. You need to click "Use this folder" and confirm the permission.
Regularly clearing the application cache through system settings helps maintain high speed. It is also useful to check for updates to the app itself, as developers are constantly fixing bugs and adding support for new operating system functions.
How to enable the display of hidden files?
Go to the main menu (three dots or the menu button), select Settings -> Panel contents. Find the checkbox Show hidden files and activate it. Files whose names begin with a dot will become visible.
Can I edit files on a computer via a phone?
Yes, if you set up an FTP server on your computer and connect to it via Total Commander on your phone. You can open files in the editor, save changes, and they will be immediately applied on your PC.
Where are the app settings stored?
The main settings are stored in a file wincmd.iniwhich is usually located in a folder /Android/data/com.ghisler.android.TotalCommander/files/ or in the root of the memory card, depending on the version and settings installation.
Why doesn't copying to an SD card work?
On new versions of Android, special permission is required. During the first operation, the system will open a folder selection window. You need to go to the root of the SD card and click the button Allow access or Use this folder.
Does the app support working with root access?
Yes, if you have Root access, Total Commander can work with system partitions, delete protected files and edit the system configuration. The mode is turned on automatically when superuser rights are detected.