Where are the offline maps stored in Yandex Navigator on Android

Many users actively use navigation services when traveling where mobile data is absent or unstable. For such situations, the developers have provided the ability to download maps in advance so that routes can be built without delays and traffic consumption. However, when the need arises to free up space in the device's memory or transfer data to a memory card, smartphone owners face difficulties. The Android system, especially in recent versions, has significantly tightened the access policy to the file system, hiding service application folders from direct viewing.

The question of where exactly Yandex Navigator saves downloaded maps becomes especially relevant when moving to a new phone or after clearing the cache. Previously, it was easier to find these files, since they were in public directories. Now the path to the coveted gigabytes of map data runs through system restrictions that require the use of special file managers or connection to a computer. Understanding the data storage structure will help you manage storage space wisely.

In this article we will analyze in detail the data storage architecture of a navigation application. You'll learn the exact file paths for different versions of the operating system, learn how to safely move data to an external drive, and understand why simply copying folders sometimes doesn't work. We will also touch on the technical features of working with the map database and give recommendations for optimizing the memory of your device.

Android file system structure and access policy

Starting with version Android 11, Google has introduced a new security policy known as Scoped Storage (limited storage). This measure was aimed at protecting user data from unauthorized access by third-party applications. As a result, the folder Android/data, which previously freely stored the cache and data of many apps, has become inaccessible to standard explorers without obtaining special permissions or root access.

For the user, this means that the usual path to the files is now hidden behind the system barrier. If you try to access a directory through a standard file manager, you may see the folder, but when you try to enter, the system will display an error message or simply show empty contents. This also applies to data Yandex Navigator, which stores its voluminous maps in this protected area.

However, physically the files have not gone anywhere. They still take up space on your smartphone's internal storage. The only difference is how the operating system allows applications and users to interact with this data. Accessing them now requires the use of more advanced tools or connecting the device to the PC in file transfer mode (MTP).

⚠️ Attention: Directly editing or deleting files in system folders without understanding their purpose may lead to incorrect operation of the application. Always create a backup copy before making changes.

The exact path to the map files on the internal storage

Despite the increased complexity of access, the logical structure of data arrangement within the application remains the same. All downloaded maps, voice packages and routing settings are saved in a specific directory associated with a unique application identifier (Package Name). For Yandex Navigator, this identifier is ru.yandex.yandexnavi.

The full path to the folder with maps on the internal storage is as follows:

/Android/data/ru.yandex.yandexnavi/files/maps

It is in the folder maps that there are files with the extension .nm2 or similar binary data representing cartographic information. If you connect your smartphone to your computer via a USB cable and select the “File Transfer” mode, you can easily follow this path and see the contents.

It is worth noting that in older versions of Android (up to 10 inclusive), access to this directory was opened directly through any file manager on the device itself. In modern realities, you may need to install a specialized explorer, for example Material Files or CX File Explorer, which can request system permission to access the folder Android/data.

• 📂 The folder files contains the basic application data, including maps.
• 🗣 In the subfolder voices downloaded voice packages of announcers are stored.
• ⚙️ Configuration files and logs are often located in adjacent level directories files.

Features of storing data on an SD memory card

Many users prefer to save maps to an external memory card so as not to fill up the fast but limited internal storage. In the settings of the Yandex Navigator application itself there is a function for selecting a save location. However, due to the limitations of Android, working with external media has its own nuances.

If you chose to save to an SD card, the path to the files will be different. The system creates a similar directory structure, but on external media. The path usually looks like this:

/Android/data/ru.yandex.yandexnavi/files/maps

The only difference is that the root directory is located on the physical partition of the SD card. When you remove the memory card from the smartphone, the navigator will lose access to the maps and will offer to download them again or switch to online mode. This is important to consider when changing media frequently.

It is also possible to transfer already downloaded cards from internal memory to external memory through the settings of the application itself. This method is the most secure because the application itself correctly moves files and updates paths in its database. Manual copying through Explorer may result in the navigator not seeing the maps, even if they are physically located in the desired folder.

Instructions for transferring maps to another smartphone

A common situation: you bought a new phone and want to transfer all downloaded maps from your old device so as not to waste mobile traffic and time on re-downloading. This process is quite real, but requires attention to detail and adherence to the sequence of actions.

For a successful transfer, you must first find the folder with maps on the old device, copy it completely, and then place it in exactly the same directory on the new smartphone. It is important that the application is installed on the new device, but has never been launched, or the data has been previously cleared.

After inserting the files, launch the navigator. The application must index the found data. If the versions of the map databases on the old and new devices are very different, the system may offer to update some regions. This is a normal situation, since the map data is constantly updated.

Action	Old device	New device
Search for files	/Android/data/.../files/maps	Not required (files are copied)
Application status	Any	Installed but not configured
Software version	Any	Preferably the latest
Memory access	Via PC or advanced FM	Via PC or advanced FM

⚠️ Attention: Do not copy files into a running application that has already downloaded some of the maps. This may cause version conflicts and database corruption. It is better to first clear the application data in the Android settings.

Problems with folder visibility and solutions

The most common problem that users encounter when trying to find maps is the inability to open the folder Android/data. Standard file management tools on smartphones from Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands often block access to this section, citing security restrictions.

You can use several methods to solve this problem. The first and most reliable is connecting to a computer. In MTP mode, the computer sees the smartphone's file system differently than the phone itself, and often allows you to bypass local Explorer restrictions. The second method is to install a third-party file manager that has special permissions to work with system directories.

Sometimes users complain that the folder maps is empty, although the navigator settings indicate that several gigabytes of data have been downloaded. This can happen if the entire application has been moved to the SD card (an Android feature) or if specific storage has been used. In such cases, it is worth checking the root of the memory card for the presence of a folder Yandex or similar structures created by bypassing the standard path.

Why might a folder be empty when cards are present?

This often happens after an application update, when it changes the internal storage algorithm or if the data was damaged during a power failure. In rare cases, maps are stored in encrypted form in another section of the cache, access to which is prohibited without root access.

Clearing the cache and deleting unnecessary regions

Over time, the list of loaded regions can grow, taking up precious space. Deleting cards directly through the app interface is the most correct way to free up memory. However, if the application does not start or does not work correctly, you have to resort to manual deletion of files.

Manual cleaning involves deleting specific region files from the folder maps. Each file usually corresponds to a specific city or region. By deleting them manually, you risk compromising the integrity of the database, so do this only as a last resort. After manual removal, it is advisable to go to the application settings and click the “Update” or “Check Maps” button to synchronize the state of the file system with the interface.

It is also worth distinguishing between the application cache and downloaded maps. Cache is temporary files that can be deleted painlessly through Android settings (Applications → Yandex Navigator → Memory → Clear cache). Downloaded maps are user data; deleting them through the system settings will require re-downloading via the Internet.

• 🗑️ Delete maps through the app menu to avoid indexing errors.
• 🔄 Regularly check the relevance of the maps; old versions may not contain new endings.
• 💾 Before manually deleting files, copy them to your computer to be on the safe side.

ℹ️ The interface and file paths may vary slightly depending on the version of the Yandex Navigator application and the specific Android shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). It is recommended to check the current folder structure in the official help of the service if unusual situations arise.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to transfer Yandex Navigator maps to a flash drive through the phone settings?

Yes, in the settings of the application itself Yandex Navigator has a “Storage” or “Memory” item, where you can choose to save maps to an SD card. However, it is better to transfer already downloaded maps using the application, rather than moving folders through Explorer, so as not to confuse the paths.

Why, after transferring the maps folder, does the navigator write that there are no maps?

Most likely, the folder structure or access rights are broken. Make sure the path matches exactly: /Android/data/ru.yandex.yandexnavi/files/maps. Also try clearing the application cache after inserting files so that it scans the directory again.

Where are the voices for the navigator stored?

Voice packages are usually located in the same directory files, but in a separate subfolder, which can be called voices or stored within the general application cache. Their weight is significantly less than cards, but they also take up space in the internal memory by default.

How to find the Android/data folder on Android 11 and higher without a computer?

Standard Explorer can block access. Download an application like “Material Files” or “CX File Explorer” from the Play Market. When you first enter the folder Android/data it will ask for special permission - click “Allow” in the system window, after which access will be granted.

Will the cards be deleted when you delete the application?

Yes, when you delete the application through the system settings, all data from the folder Android/data/ru.yandex.yandexnavi will be permanently deleted. If you want to save the maps, first copy the folder files to another location on your phone or computer.