Smartphone users often face a lack of free space or a desire to transfer navigator data to a memory card, but do not know where exactly the application saves its files. In the operating system Android the directory structure has its own characteristics, which have changed with the release of new OS versions, which creates confusion. Understanding the logic of data storage allows you to effectively manage space and solve problems with loading maps.
Navigation service files are distributed across several directories depending on their type and purpose. Cache filesthat speed up the operation of the interface, and offline maps for working without the Internet can be located in different places. Accurate knowledge of the paths is necessary for manually clearing garbage or backing up important regions before reinstalling the system.
In this article we will analyze in detail standard paths to data, features of working with the file system in new versions of Android and methods for safely managing application memory. You will learn how to find hidden files, why they may not be visible in standard Explorer, and what tools are best to use to access system folders.
Main application data storage directory
By default, all user data, including downloaded region maps and settings, is saved in a protected area of internal memory. The standard path to the main folder looks like /Android/data/ru.yandex.yandexmaps/files. This is where the largest files necessary for the operation of the navigator in flight mode are located.
Inside this directory you can often find subfolders with the names of regions or digital identifiers that correspond to downloaded maps. Offline maps they take up a significant amount of memory, especially if the entire country or several federal districts are loaded. Deleting the contents of this folder will require you to re-download the data if there is an Internet connection.
⚠️ Attention: Directly deleting files from the folder
datavia a file manager may lead to incorrect operation of the application or loss of saved locations. It is recommended to clear data through the settings of the smartphone itself or within the application.
Access to this area in modern versions of Android (starting from version 11) is limited by security policies Scoped Storage. Standard explorers may not display the contents of the folder Android or require special permissions to view. Full file management often requires the use of specialized utilities with extended access rights.
Location of the cache and temporary files
In addition to the main data, the application actively uses the cache to store temporary information, such as thumbnails, interface elements and fragments of maps visited recently. These files are usually located along the path /Android/data/ru.yandex.yandexmaps/cache. The cache size can grow to several gigabytes during active use of the navigator.
Clearing the cache is a safe procedure that does not delete your bookmarks, travel history or loaded regions. However, after cleaning, the application may run a little slower when first launched until it generates a new one. cache file. Regularly cleaning this folder helps free up space if you rarely use your navigator.
- 🗑️ Temporary thumbnails and store icons.
- 🗺️ Fragments of maps viewed online.
- ⚙️ Error logs and service information for debugging.
- 📸 Saved screenshots of routes (if any).
It is worth noting that some temporary files may also be duplicated in the system-wide folder /sdcard/Yandexif you selected corresponding save option. Checking both locations allows you to carry out the most complete cleaning of your device from digital garbage.
Use the built-in "Clear cache" function in Android settings so as not to delete unnecessary files manually through Explorer.
Storage features on different versions of Android
The logic of accessing the file system has changed dramatically with the release Android 11 and newer versions. If on older devices (Android 9 and below) folders were accessible immediately after connecting to the PC or through any explorer, then new versions hide the contents of the folder /Android/data/ from the user.
This is done to improve security and prevent accidental deletion of system files by other applications. Now, to view the content, the standard file manager may redirect you to the system permission settings or simply show you an empty folder. To bypass this limitation, you often need to install third-party file managers, such as Total Commander or Files from Google, providing all requested rights.
| Android version | Access to the data folder | Required rights | Recommended access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 9 and below | Full | No | Standard Explorer |
| Android 10 | Limited | Basic | Google File Manager |
| Android 11+ | Hidden | Special. access to folders | Total Commander / CX File Explorer |
| Android 13+ | Strict | Manage all files | Special. utilities |
Users of new smartphones should be prepared for the fact that simply copying files via a USB cable may not be enough to transfer card data. The system can block writing to system directories without explicit confirmation.
How to get access on Android 11+?
To access the /Android/data/ folder on new versions of Android, use the CX File Explorer file manager. When you first start it will ask for permission to access files - click "Allow", then in the system window that appears, select "Use this folder" and confirm the action with the "Allow" button.
Transferring cards to an SD card
Owners of devices with a small amount of internal memory are often interested in the possibility of transferring cards to an external one SD card. In modern versions of the application, this function may be limited or completely absent due to limitations of the operating system itself, which does not recommend storing application data on external media due to low reading speed.
If your version of the application and OS allow you to change the save path, this is done through the settings of the navigator itself. You need to go to the menu, select “Downloaded maps” and find the “Path to maps” option. If the option is active, you can select an external memory card as the target directory.
☑️ Checking transferability
If it is impossible to transfer data using standard means, users sometimes resort to creating symbolic links, but this requires root access and deep knowledge of the file system. Without root access, forced folder transfer ru.yandex.yandexmaps to a flash drive will cause the application to simply stop seeing its data.
⚠️ Attention: The speed of the cards directly depends on the read speed of the drive. Cheap microSD cards can cause the interface to slow down and take a long time to draw the map when zooming.
Searching search history and bookmarks
Search history and saved places ("My Places") are usually not stored as separate text files that can be easily read or edited in Notepad. This data is synchronized with your account Yandex ID and stored on the company's servers, and locally stored in the form of encrypted databases.
Local databases are located deep in the application folder structure, often in subdirectories with names like databases or files, and have extensions like .db or .sqlite. An attempt to manually edit these files without special knowledge of the database structure will damage the user profile.
- 📍 Favorites are synchronized via the cloud.
- 🕒 Search history is available in the user profile.
- 🗺️ Tracks (if saved) can be in a separate folder.
- 🔒 The data is protected by encryption of the account link.
To restore bookmarks after reconstruction, simply log into your account. Local copying of folders with databases makes sense only if you have root access and understand the structure of the database; in other cases it is redundant.
All your bookmarks and history are securely stored in the Yandex ID cloud, so when you reset your phone, you just need to log in again.
Cleaning up space and deleting files
If The navigator takes up too much space, the best thing to do is to delete loaded regions that you do not use through the app interface. Go to the "Downloaded maps" section, select the unnecessary region and click "Delete". This will free up space in the folder /Android/data/ without the risk of deleting unnecessary things.
You can also use system cleaning tools. In Android settings, go to the "Applications" section, find Yandex Maps and select "Storage". There you will see a "Clear cache" and "Clear data" button. The second button will delete all settings and maps, returning the application to the state immediately after installation.
It is not recommended to use aggressive memory cleaners that automatically delete all files from the folder cache indiscriminately. They can delete important temporary files that are currently being used by the navigator, which will lead to a malfunction of GPS or map display.
What to do if the maps are not deleted?
If you cannot delete a region through the app, try turning off the Internet, go to the folder /Android/data/ru.yandex.yandexmaps/files/maps/ (the path may differ) and delete region files manually. After that, turn on the Internet and update the list of maps in the application.
Where exactly is the file with offline maps?
Offline map files are usually located along the path /Android/data/ru.yandex.yandexmaps/files/maps/. There may be folders with digital region codes inside. Do not delete files unless you are sure that they belong to cards you do not need.
Why is the Android/data folder empty?
On Android 11 and newer, the system hides the contents of this folder for security. To see the files, you need to give the file manager special permission through the system window “Use this folder” or use a PC with debugging mode enabled.
Is it possible to transfer Yandex Maps to a flash drive completely?
It is impossible to completely transfer an application to a flash drive, since this is an Android system limitation for critical applications. You can transfer only part of the user data (maps), if this function is supported by the application version.
How much space do maps of all of Russia take up?
A full set of maps of Russia with detail can take up from 15 to 25 GB of memory, depending on the level of detail and the availability of satellite images. It is recommended to download only the necessary areas.
How to reset all map settings?
To do a complete reset, go to Phone Settings → Applications → Yandex Maps → Storage → Clear data. This will delete the cache, downloaded maps and settings, but will not delete your account and bookmarks in the cloud.