How to Access the /Android/data & /Android/obb Folders on the Phone without Root Access?

Рет қаралды 22,296

Күн бұрын

We can undo the security restrictions Google has implemented by uninstalling the updates to our built-in Files app.
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Video Description
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If you've had trouble accessing the /Android/data and /Android/obb directories on your Samsung Galaxy smartphone or tablet, I have a way to fix this issue.
#android #googlepixel #samsunggalaxy #androidemulation #androidemulator
So Google has been trying to block access to these two folders for a couple of years now. When this restriction was first implemented as Scoped Storage, just about every popular file manager app found an easy workaround that allowed them to continue accessing those directories.
But there have been some more strict updates going out and a lot of people are now unable to access these folders with their favorite File Manager app of choice. So today I'll be showing you a quick and easy method of regaining read and write access to those folders and all of the folders within it.
To start, we need to open up the Settings application.
Next, we're going to scroll down a bit until we see the Apps menu.
Then we're going to begin scrolling through this list until you find the Files app.
It should even have the same app icon as you see here.
This is a built-in file manager app that most OEMs replace with their own, but it's this application that Google is using to block access to the /Android/data folder and the /Android/obb folder.
And since it was an application update that added this restriction, we can tap the 3-dot menu icon up here in the top right corner.
So that we can then select the Uninstall Updates option.
This will remove all of the updates that have been installed for this application. Including the restrictions to the data and obb directories.
And once these updates have been uninstalled, you can use the file manager app of your choice.
And as long as that app has implemented the initial workaround for Scoped Storage, then it should work just like it used to.
We can test this out by opening up my file manager app of choice, Solid Explorer, and then trying to access the /Android/data folder for an application like Obtainium, a popular emulator, or whatever app you're trying to add files to.
Now I understand that some people are not going to want a system application like the Files app to be outdated.
Sometimes these app updates include security patches for some pretty critical exploits.
And while we cannot open the Play Store app to install the latest update, we can manually sideload it.
So what I recommend doing is visiting this page over on APK Mirror and downloading the latest copy of the app from there.
It's packaged up as an app bundle, so you will also need to have the APK Mirror Installer
But as you can see here, we can manually update the Files app so it has the latest changes implemented.
Even though you've updated the app, your File Manager app of choice should continue to have access to the directory you gave it access to.
But if you ever run into that issue again, a quick uninstall of those updates again will allow the workaround to grant you access to the /Android/data and /Android/obb folders again.
These steps I showed you here today may work on devices from other OEMs. I haven't been able to test this with a phone running MIUI just yet but I suspect it will work exactly the same.
One issue I have run into when testing this with other phones is that it will not work with my Google Pixel 8. This may be due to the built-in Files app always having the updated version so even though I'm trying to uninstall the updates, it's still keeping a version of the app on the phone that has the patches included.
Mentioned Links
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Files APK Download - www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-...
Step by Step Tutorial
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1. Intro [00:00]
2.
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Пікірлер: 120

@ExplainingAndroid 7 ай бұрын

Daily Question: Is Wireless Charging an important feature for you? And whether or not it is important to you, I would be curious to learn if you use a wireless charger.

@ExplainingAndroid 7 ай бұрын

I'll start off! Wireless Charging is not an important feature to me because it generates too much heat for my liking. So no, I don't use a wireless charger at all. But I have thought about setting one up for my girlfriend to help her keep her phone charged

@KrissCrimson 6 ай бұрын

@@ExplainingAndroidit's a cool feature 😊

@Tenshi_Kira666 25 күн бұрын

I have a Red Magic 8 and it's a no go, but thanks for the video man

@user-kr8tv6zj4x 6 ай бұрын

Woooow, you first in all of internet, who help me! Thanks you!!!

@tonynasaofficial 7 ай бұрын

Thank you! This has helped me alot, I'm very disappointed at Google for removing this feature, this was the whole reason why I loved Android because it allowed people who where into tech or engineering to customize and explore everything it had to offer, even for simple stuff like modding a simple game like GTA san andreas, to emulating games to spoofing locations

@ExplainingAndroid 7 ай бұрын

You're very welcome, and I couldn't agree more. It seems that with each update to Android we are getting fewer and fewer advanced features If you're able to, please consider becoming a KZfaq channel member here - www.youtube.com/@ExplainingAndroid/join If not, then liking the video, subscribing to the channel, and sharing it online are all great things that can help, too

@tonynasaofficial 7 ай бұрын

@@ExplainingAndroid sure thing!

@AndersErichsen-rr7vs 5 ай бұрын

@@ExplainingAndroid It is not advance features, it is standard SANE features that should be open without these insane evil wicked locks.

@zillagodedits136 4 ай бұрын

@@tonynasaofficialdid you also face problems while trying to run GTA SA on Android 14?

@michaelkelly7277 4 ай бұрын

No longer works after recent system update, even after repeating the uninstall of "files".

@TenBear Ай бұрын

I don't have the three dots on the files app so I can't uninstall the updates

@CurbSideManor 5 ай бұрын

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra running Android 14. And my choice of file managers is Solid Explorer also. Just watched and tried the method you described.... and it worked! Thank you! 😊😅

@ExplainingAndroid 5 ай бұрын

that's awesome to year. thank you for taking the time to leave some feedback :)

@michaelkelly7277 4 ай бұрын

I also use Solid Explorer (and several others) but after a Samsung System Update last week, this method no longer works at all. I repeated the uninstall to "files" today several times and that I longer has any effect.

@CurbSideManor 4 ай бұрын

@@michaelkelly7277 Hell! Google is starting to look very much like Apple. "Here's an update for your safety... BUT, YOU can no longer do this, or go here!" Most people whom uses tools etc to access these regions of their devices KNOW what they are doing. And do it for whatever reason. The average user have no idea about these areas of their devices. I now make it a habit, after any update to go through my settings and monitor certain programs to see what they're really up to. (this is now turned on, that setting has been reset, And more stuff is all of a sudden that I've never gotten before trying to connect to the Internet. "UI can't connect, OS can't connect, hair curlers can't connect, Stove Top Stuffing can't connect!" what??? I'm starting to miss "rooting".

@CurbSideManor 4 ай бұрын

@@michaelkelly7277 I sometime use my computer to transfer files or movies I download while out and about. So, I'm transferring a movie onto my computer to edit when it occurred to me! "I wonder if I can access DATA on the computer without using ADB?" And, Yes you can! Hook up my phone to my computer, use file manager to access the DATA folder, then add or subtract files I need.

@kalaiamudhan3394 4 ай бұрын

Thanks, its working! Thought i almost had to root my device

@AndersErichsen-rr7vs 4 ай бұрын

It seems like we need another solution.... but I guess there is only jail breaking left at this point. Why did I ever update - I should have known better. XCover 6 Pro - And because Google forced the programmer to put the data into these folders, there is no access to my data to retrieve it. How am I do access my data? They are literally jailing the users data, they are evil, but I guess we already know that. I wanna go back to my LG V20, repair one of them and get back on Android 7.

@Jaconlau10al 7 ай бұрын

I wanted your help for something, these days I went to install a GSI by fastboot, and at the time I went to apply the fastboot flash system command< instead of apparenting that it doesn't have space it says it doesn't have file or directory, what command can I use to solve this?

@Ovi9852 6 ай бұрын

Thank you, It's working.

@AladdinPop 6 ай бұрын

On my gaming handheld android 13 and i dont have the 3 button option when opening under apps in my settings. Anyway around without root or pc access since i have dozens of mods and patches to install

@worldisinwar2011 4 ай бұрын

The new update doesn't allow you to access the 3 dots in the corner

@AndersErichsen-rr7vs 4 ай бұрын

well, I guess it just means it is no perceived as having any updates. After you delete the update from what it persives as the standard system level app, it is not shown anymore. But... the thing does not work anymore on my XCover6 - which it utter rubbish. Only solution I guess from here is to jail break it and that usually comes with lots of issues with it.

@Daisuki1417 3 ай бұрын

FRRR BRO I REGRET UPDATING MY PHONE

@AndersErichsen-rr7vs 3 ай бұрын

@@Daisuki1417 I FEEL YOU!!!! And wonder if I should just go back to my LG V20, need some new screens but then I should be able to get 2 up and running again.

@AndersErichsen-rr7vs 3 ай бұрын

@@Daisuki1417 Well I did get the 3 dots, but the version clearly don't allow you access to your data.... absolutely rubbish.

@Daisuki1417 2 ай бұрын

@@AndersErichsen-rr7vs it needs to root you access to the files but it's dangerous

@user-jv1yv4tl3p 3 ай бұрын

omggggg screw this android. The only reason that I buy android phones instead of apple ones was taken form me

@FatMan-or3wh Ай бұрын

Facts

@klbs2k5 Ай бұрын

Found the Files and uninstalled update but still didn't work. I just want to access mcpe folder. 😭

@ExplainingAndroid Ай бұрын

What is the mcpe folder m

@void3816 Ай бұрын

@@ExplainingAndroid the folder where minecraft pocket edition stores its data

@koukinswrath5071 5 ай бұрын

Dis works on my Xiaomi 11T Android 12! Thanks, Mister! XD

@lucky77x 3 ай бұрын

Works on Android 12, Doogee S100 Pro. Thank you!

@AndersErichsen-rr7vs 4 ай бұрын

So after the update when it now does not work to downgrade the files app - the version is 14-10586669 and I guess I can't uninstall and get an older better version.

@mizumiya_akio Ай бұрын

i just bought new phone, infinix note 40 which release last month, didnt know anything about android file issue and im try to access data folder it work via shizuku but the is problem, im try to access the undawn garena toaa folder and no item/access denied and this phone dosent have old version file manager..

@Gawkyorange55 5 ай бұрын

Dude thanks so much!

@ExplainingAndroid 5 ай бұрын

you're most welcome! If you're able to, please consider becoming a KZfaq channel member here - www.youtube.com/@ExplainingAndroid/join If not, then liking the video, subscribing to the channel, and sharing it online are all great things that can help, too

@benji_.2323 4 күн бұрын

When replacing with factory version it says "all data will be removed", will that delete all my data? Or are my apps safe if I do this?

@AndersErichsen-rr7vs 4 ай бұрын

Looking into rooting my XCover 6 Pro - as this is utter rubbish not having access to your data. Or is the problem still there after rooting?

@ExplainingAndroid 4 ай бұрын

once you have root access, you can access any file and/or folder on the phon

@AndersErichsen-rr7vs 4 ай бұрын

@@ExplainingAndroid Nice to know - called Samsung and chatted with them today about this rubbish. I am still like... Unlocking the boot loader is required correct? And then it apparently wanna make a full reset of the phone and the data.... rubbish.... I wonder how much data the samsung smart switch app actually saves.... Any gold nuggets?

@kicknantas7578 7 ай бұрын

pixel 7 with android 14 here,this didn't work.I uninstalled updates then tried to enter android/data with FX file explorer and access was still forbidden. Question: is it necessary to sideload the updated version of Files app?Isn't this updated from playstore on pixels? Thanks

@ExplainingAndroid 7 ай бұрын

that's very strange. I did this exact thing with my Pixel 7 Pro with Android 14 QPR1 beta 2 installed, and it worked just like it did with the Galaxy S23 in the video. I used Solid Explorer though. But I would assume FX would work just the same since it has that scoped storage workaround patch The files by google app is different than the AOSP files (file manager) app. you can use the app i show in this video to create a shortcut for it - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mK1grM2Jq6zXaGg.html then you can compare the UI of it with the UI of the 'files by google' app (which is updated from the play store) but I was unable to find a way to update the app without sideloading it (as I show in the video). I have read this issue was patched by google thanks to a Google Play System Update (october, or november) so it may not be updated once a month through there

@kicknantas7578 7 ай бұрын

@@ExplainingAndroid yes i did on the Files app not the Files by Google app.I have the latest november google play system update installed though.And the latest stable.I m also rooted.Or its an FX thing.I was actually always able to access obb with FX,even before the uninstall updates trick,but not the android data contents.Maybe someone with the same config can check

@michaelkelly7277 4 ай бұрын

Was working for me in Solid Explorer (and FX, Cx, Mnn) until a security update from Samsung last week. I can no longer get it to work in any of those file managers, even after repeated uninstalls of updates to Files. My only access now is through Marc Files, or FV File Explorer, which simply provides a shortcut to the hidden android file manager.

@AndersErichsen-rr7vs 5 ай бұрын

For the most part it works on the Samsung XCover 6 but the overall nonsense of Google make me think of just going back to my LG V20 Android 7. Like after Android 14 update, so many more issues. Playstore now can't figure out how to give me an update list. And the ever ending sorting out issues and never really using you device.

@AndersErichsen-rr7vs 4 ай бұрын

DON'T UPDATE YOUR MOBILE IF IT STILL WORKS, YOU MIGHT JUST AS WELL RUIN THE POSSIBILITY OF DOING THIS TRICK. AS I DID..... ARRRRGHHH, I guess there is no way around it, I will have to see if I can root the mobile. This just sucks. On the Samsung XCover 6 Pro Android 14, the latest updates ruined it.

@SaudiShanab 7 ай бұрын

Nice 🤝 thank you

@illwill718 Ай бұрын

Uninstall option not available on S24+. Any other way to gain write access the data folder?

@illwill718 Ай бұрын

@munchy video suggested using FV File Explorer and that worked. Thanx

@kuzuzumori8736 4 ай бұрын

I can acces but i cant copy/paste files

@AstraIMC 4 ай бұрын

Me too any idea to fix?

@carabs3823 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the video but you are 1 step ahead of where I can even navigate to. Using Cx File Explorer, I can see system>data, but nothing in their loads. I receive Loading Error Access Denied.

@hostbeggar731 7 ай бұрын

I was able to access the folders, but when I try to copy some of the files over to desktop or to another folder or same folder I get an "Access denied" error on Solid. Did I miss a step? I am using a Z Fold 4. Appreciate any help.

@ExplainingAndroid 7 ай бұрын

did you uninstall the updates for the files app (as shown in the video)? if so, then I'm not sure how to workaround it other than using a PC if you have a computer and a USB cable then you can access it from there

@_Riko_ 5 ай бұрын

@@ExplainingAndroidI used my old phone and OTG adapter to see what can I do on my S21 FE 5G.I saw every file on my old phone.But when I tried to copy a file to data folder,it denied every time.I am stuck in it.Can you recommend me anyting?

@AndersErichsen-rr7vs 4 ай бұрын

Even the folders you gave permission.... is now just shown as empty.... It does not ask you of anything, but it just shows those folders to be empty...

@Piekarsk409 Ай бұрын

You're the best

@monibsultani7084 4 ай бұрын

I tried all the steps, but it doesn't work for my phone, and my phone is sumsung glaxy a53 5g

@monibsultani7084 4 ай бұрын

It is andorid 14 version

@wayneo6273 7 ай бұрын

Hi Samsung S20 plus updated again this morning and this option to resolve the issue is no longer available? Please help. Still android 13

@mozar94 7 ай бұрын

Same... f**king android is getting on my nerves!!

@michaelkelly7277 4 ай бұрын

Same for me. Stopped working after a security update from Samsung last week.

@mozar94 4 ай бұрын

@michaelkelly7277 Use the FV File Explorer app, once installed inside, choose the "Files" option bottom right at the middle, and then multiple windows will Bob up select whatever you want to install in one window and then drag and drop then to the other second window (your desired game/app) Hope this helps!

@wayneo6273 4 ай бұрын

@@mozar94 you also need shiz for this

@michaelkelly7277 4 ай бұрын

@@mozar94 Thanks. I already have and occasionally use FV. Also use Marc Files, which, like FV, is simply a shortcut to the hidden android file manager. Just wanted to report here that this method of restoring access to Android/Data and obb by uninstalling updates to "files" no longer seems to be working for a lot of people. I suspect that recent android system/security updates have included a different way of blocking access to Android/Data.

@onjx9233 5 ай бұрын

not working, android 14, redmi note 10s

@mangahaven 4 ай бұрын

Redmi 12c not working too

@zillagodedits136 4 ай бұрын

How did you get Android 14 in Redmi Note 10?

@onjx9233 4 ай бұрын

@@zillagodedits136 I don't know, it updated itself. anyway my phone is Redmi Note 10s.. 😁

@dezuza9984 4 ай бұрын

Anyone get idea on Android 14😊

@michaelkelly7277 4 ай бұрын

No longer working for me on Android 13 after a security update, and even after repeating the "files" uninstall updates .

@michaelkelly7277 4 ай бұрын

This no longer works on my Samsung S20,android 13. Stopped working after a recent security update from Samsung, even after i repeated the process twice after the update. I'm guessing the update closed another door.

@AndersErichsen-rr7vs 4 ай бұрын

Jup, same on Samsung XCover 6 Pro with Android 14.

@AstanaVytia 5 ай бұрын

does not work on pixel 8 a14 feb rooted

@Onetapff_ 2 ай бұрын

It still says i cant use it

@iamjhunelleph215 3 ай бұрын

S23U cannot see the 3 dots in the files app... any leads?

@daaaaanieeeeel 2 ай бұрын

I join you wait for an answer 😢

@tiberiudarie57 3 ай бұрын

Did not working😢

@_Eion_ 4 ай бұрын

Pixel 6 Pro.. doesn't work. This sucks google is trash.. becoming as bad as apple...

@benzdavecoronel 4 ай бұрын

So true, i have been working as a tech support knowing every detail to the phone but this was an insult to my skill and kinda frustrating to think people are calling us with the same issues and there are literally no effective workarounds available up to this day, Google indeed sucks!! And fvck i cant even mod games coz of this crap😅

@iamakkkshay 4 ай бұрын

Worked for Realme 7 Android 11

@ExplainingAndroid 4 ай бұрын

that's awesome. thanks for letting us know :)

@saveriogargaglione109 4 ай бұрын

Android 14, xperia 10 iv not working😢

@michaelkelly7277 4 ай бұрын

Samsung S20+, android 13. This workaround stopped working for me after a Samsung security update last week. I've tried repeating the procedure, but it no longer has any effect.

@mystiquefy Ай бұрын

Not working on Infinix Note 30 Pro..

@FBMaximUm 5 ай бұрын

Pixel 6 Pro, not working

@theguyfromfortniteguy Ай бұрын

Its not working I did all the steps Still not working

@garyspencer6291 3 ай бұрын

The Revvl 6 Pro doesn't have the 3 buttons😡😡😡

@TrashyPhancakes Ай бұрын

Doesn't work :/ Android 14

@jarvissangbam1524 3 ай бұрын

It doesn't work anymore

@MooreTalkLive 2 ай бұрын

ATTENTION..... You can still access this area even after the latest updates. But now the only way is to connect your device to a Windows PC via the USB cable. Then access the Android data/obb folders.

@fadifadi-4u 18 күн бұрын

Are you sure ? .. 🤔.. ليتني أملك جهاز حاسوب