With each new operating system update Android the structure of the file system becomes more and more closed to the average user. This is done for security, but often creates real problems when you need to find specific files. This question arises especially acutely when you need to make a backup copy of your progress in your favorite game before flashing your smartphone or buying a new device. Finding the answer to the question of which directory the data is in can turn into a real quest.
The situation is complicated by the fact that there is no single standard for all developers. Some applications use standard system storage, others prefer to create their own hidden partitions, and others are completely tied to cloud services, leaving no local copies. Understanding the logic of the file system Android will help you not only find the files you need, but also competently manage free space on your internal storage.
In this material we will analyze in detail all possible locations of game data. You will learn how standard paths differ from hidden ones, how to access protected partitions in new versions of the OS, and what alternative ways exist to save progress without diving deeply into system files.
Standard paths in the device’s system memory
In most cases, if an application follows Google's guidelines and does not use complex encryption schemes, its data can be found at a standard address. Starting from version Android 11, access to this area has been limited, but physically the files continue to be located there. The main storage is the directory /Android/data/. This is where cache files and often progress saves themselves are located for many modern games.
Inside this folder, the structure is usually organized by batch application names. For example, data for a popular game will be in a subfolder with a name like com.example.game. Inside you can find files with the extension .db (databases), .sav or other binary formats. File system Android strictly ensures that applications do not interfere with each other's work, so access from outside is often blocked without special permissions.
⚠️ Attention: Direct editing of files in a folder
/Android/data/on the fly can lead to damage to the game profile or complete inoperability of the application. Always make a copy of the file before making any changes.
Also worth mentioning is the folder /Android/obb/. Although it is primarily designed to store heavy graphics assets and additional resources, some developers mistakenly or intentionally place critical data there. If you are looking for lost files and did not find them in data, checking obb is a mandatory step.
Access features in Android 11, 12, 13 and later
With the release of the eleventh version of the mobile operating system, Google has implemented a policy Scoped Storage (limited storage). This was a game changer for users and file managers. Now standard explorers that you download from the Play Market often show the folder Android empty or do not allow you to enter it at all. This is not a bug, but an intentional feature to protect user data from malware.
To bypass this limitation without obtaining superuser (root) rights, you can use system loopholes or special managers. For example, the built-in file manager Files by Google may request temporary permission to access system folders when trying to open a game through the settings. There are also methods using Shizuku or special APK versions of explorers that have broader privileges.
If you connect your smartphone to your computer via a USB cable, the situation may look different. In file transfer mode (MTP), access to /Android/data/ often remains closed or is displayed incorrectly. This creates the illusion that the files have disappeared, although in fact they are securely hidden from external access via the MTP protocol.
How to gain access via ADB?
For advanced users, there is a method of granting permission via ADB. The command appops set com.android.documentsui MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE allow can expand the capabilities of the standard explorer, but requires a PC and a configured debugger.
Use of cloud saves and Google Play Games
Modern ecosystem Android is increasingly shifting towards cloud technologies. Many developers abandon local storage of progress in favor of synchronization via account Google Play Games. In this case, your device may not have a save file at all in the usual sense - all progress is stored on Google servers.
This has its pros and cons. On the one hand, you can change your phone, log into your account and continue the game from the same place. On the other hand, if the game does not support cloud synchronization or the servers are unavailable, you risk losing your progress. You can check whether the game uses the cloud in the settings of the game itself or in the application profile in the Google Play Store.
- 🌐 Automatic synchronization: Progress is saved instantly when milestones are reached, if there is internet.
- 🔒 Account linking: Data cannot be lost during physical failure of the smartphone if the account is active.
- ⚠️ Dependency on the server: If the game servers are turned off or the account is blocked, access to progress may be lost.
It is important to understand that some games use a hybrid model. The local file can exist as a cache, but priority is always given to the cloud version when logging into your account. If you try to replace a local file with a save from another user, the cloud may overwrite it back the next time you connect to the network.
Specific paths for emulators and ports
A separate category of users does not play native mobile versions, but ports of PC games or use console emulators (PSP, PS2, Nintendo Switch). The logic for storing data here is completely different and is often more transparent to the user. Emulators such as PPSSPP, Dolphin or AetherSX2usually create their own root folders in the device's memory.
For example, the PSP emulator often uses the path /PSP/SAVEDATA/ in the root of the internal memory or memory card. Nintendo Switch consoles through an emulator Yuzu or Sudachi can store saves along the path /Android/data/org.yuzu_emu.yuzu/files/save/ or in a special user directory if it was configured manually. Understanding this structure is critical for those who want to transfer progress between emulators on different devices.
For ports of games (for example GTA: San Andreas from Rockstar or ports through Source Ports) path often looks like /games/com.rockstargames.gtasa/files/. It is important here not to confuse configuration files and save files, since they may be located in different subfolders. The folder structure in this case completely depends on how the port was compiled by the developer.
When using emulators, always check the paths settings. Often, by default, they lead to internal memory, but they can be redirected to an SD card to save space.
Table of paths to saves of popular games
To systematize the information, we present a table with the most common paths for well-known game projects. Please note that paths may vary slightly depending on the game version and region.
| Game name | Batch name (example) | Save path | Data type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minecraft PE | com.mojang.minecraftpe | /games/com.mojang/minecraftWorlds/ | Worlds and progress |
| Genshin Impact | com.miHoYo.GenshinImpact | Cloud only (account) | Online synchronization |
| PUBG Mobile | com.tencent.ig | /Android/data/com.tencent.ig/files/ | Cache and settings |
| Stardew Valley | com.chucklefish.stardewvalley | /Android/data/.../files/Saves/ | Local files.sav |
| Asphalt 9 | com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftA9HM | Linking to social networks | Online profile |
As can be seen from the table, modern online projects (Genshin Impact, Asphalt 9) practically do not store important progress locally in an accessible form. All responsibility lies with the developer's servers. At the same time, sandboxes like Minecraft or indie projects (Stardew Valley) still rely on the device's file system, which gives the user complete control over their data.
Backup and recovery methods
Knowing where the files are located, you need to understand how to properly store them. Simply copying the file to your computer may not work if the game uses integrity checking or binding to a device ID. For a full backup, specialized tools are often required. One of the most powerful solutions is the application Swift Backup or classic Titanium Backup (requires Root).
If you don’t have superuser rights, you can use the “Backup and reset” function in your Google Account settings, but it works selectively. A more reliable way for ordinary users is to use the "App Clone" function or built-in backup tools from smartphone manufacturers (Xiaomi Mi Backup, Samsung Smart Switch). These utilities are able to (pack) application data along with their saves.
⚠️ Attention: When restoring saves from a backup, make sure that the version of the game on the new device matches the version on which the backup was made. The difference in versions may make it impossible to open the save file.
☑️ Checklist before resetting the phone
For advanced users there is a method ADB Backup. This command allows you to create a complete backup of the application and its data without root access, although in the latest versions of Android many developers have prohibited the backup of their applications through this method by setting the flag allowBackup=false in the manifest.
adb backup -f mygame.ab -apk com.example.gameThis command will create a file mygame.ab on the computer, which can later be restored. However, the success of this operation is not guaranteed on modern smartphones due to increased security measures.
Problems with access rights and their solution
A common problem that users encounter when trying to find saves is the “No access” message or an empty folder. This is a direct consequence of Android's security policy. The solution depends on the OS version. On Android 10 and below, it is enough to (give) the file manager permission to access the storage in the settings.
On Android 11+ the situation is more complicated. Standard Explorer may simply not see the contents of the folder data. In this case, it is recommended to use conductors specially adapted to new restrictions, such as Material Files or CX File Explorer. They can request access through the system interface SAF (Storage Access Framework), allowing you to see and modify files in protected directories.
- 📂 Using SAF: The system file selection dialog allows you to give access to a specific package.
- 🛠 Third-party utilities: Applications like MT Manager (requires caution) can work with system files.
- 💻 Connecting to a PC: Sometimes it is easier to access via ADB Shell than through the phone interface.
If none of the methods does not help, and the game is critical, the only option is to wait for the game to be updated with support for new standards or use emulators on a PC where the file system is completely open.
The most reliable way to save progress is to link the game to your Google, Facebook or Apple ID account. Local files are always a risk of data loss.
Is it possible to transfer game saves from Android to iOS?
In most cases, no. File systems and application architecture vary across platforms. However, if the game supports cross-platform synchronization through your own account (for example, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, Minecraft with a Microsoft account), then progress will transfer automatically after logging into your account.
Why is the Android/data folder empty on my phone?
Most likely, you are using Android 11 or later and watching through a standard explorer or connected USB. The system hides the contents of this folder to protect data. Use a specialized file manager or connect via ADB to view.
Deleting the obb folder: is it safe?
No, it is not safe for the game to run. In folder obb Heavy resources (graphics, sounds, maps) are stored. If you delete this folder, the game will either stop launching or be forced to re-download several gigabytes of data the next time you log in.
Where are saves stored in the PPSSPP emulator on Android?
The default path looks like /PSP/SAVEDATA/ in the root of the internal memory. If you changed the settings in the emulator itself, the path can be specified manually in the "System" -> "Memory folder" section.