Accessing Android System Files: Easy Methods to View Hidden Files

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View hidden system files on your Android (with or without root)
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Did you know that you can access the system files on your Android without rooting your phone? Fortunately, a popular file manager app that comes pre-installed on many Android phones is the answer: Files by Google. Read on to learn more about what Android system files are and how you can access them using Files by Google.

Accessing Root Folders on Android

Android's system files are necessary for your phone or tablet to work properly. You can see hidden files in Files by Google and hide your own personal files in Safe Folder. Note that disabling, uninstalling, or changing how system apps work may brick your Android.

Section 1 of 4:

What are Android system files?

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  1. These files help your Android work. System files include app files that are required for the app to work properly, like media, databases, or app-specific files, [1] as well as files necessary for your operating system, which may take up a lot of space. [2] Here's the hierarchy of the internal and external storage on your Android that you'll be able to see better if the Android is connected to a computer:
    • Internal Storage:
      • Root directory - can't be edited by users
      • System directory - stores all the application APKs, executable binaries, and .libs that users with specific software can edit.
      • Data directory - stores user data like photos, music, videos, etc. Users can delete anything here, but should make sure it's not essential before it's gone!
      • Cache directory - stores temporary data, and is the most helpful to clear to get space on your Android .
    • External Storage: stores user data like photos, music, and videos. This is removable storage and is not built into your Android.
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Section 2 of 4:

Viewing Hidden Files

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  1. 1
    Open Files by Google. It's pre-installed on many Android phones, but you'll need to download it if you have a Samsung.
    • The app icon looks like a collection of folders by color: blue, green, red, and yellow.
  2. 2
    Tap ☰ . You'll see this three-line menu option in the top left corner of your screen.
  3. 3
    Tap Settings . It's next to a gear icon and will open the "Settings" menu.
  4. 4
    Tap the toggle next to "Show hidden files" to turn it on. The switch will be colored and pointing to the right when it's enabled.
    • When you find folders that are greyed out, these were initially hidden files.
    • Most system files aren't editable in order to keep your phone functioning properly.
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Section 3 of 4:

Finding System Files

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  1. 1
    Open Files by Google. This app icon looks like a collection of folders by color: blue, green, red, and yellow.
    • Your system files are viewable whether or not you have "Show hidden files" enabled or disabled.
  2. 2
    Tap Apps . It's the last option in the "Categories" section.
  3. 3
    Tap System apps . You'll see a list of apps that your system uses. For example, here you'll find the app that controls the navigation bar on Samsung phones and tablets.
    • Note that uninstalling, disabling, or otherwise changing these functions may cause your phone to become unusable.
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Section 4 of 4:

Protect Your Files with Safe Folder

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  1. 1
    Open Files by Google. This app icon looks like a collection of folders by color: blue, green, red, and yellow.
    • This is a completely different approach, but it still answers the question of hiding folders on Android. Use this method if you have files that you want to hide from any users on your Android.
  2. 2
    Set up your Safe Folder. Before you can use it, you have to set it up. When you open Files by Google, you'll see Safe Folder listed under "Collections."
    • Tap on it to continue.
  3. 3
    Select a PIN or pattern. Create a password to get into your Safe Folder. That way, no one without the PIN or pattern can access your folder.
    • Enter it twice; then tap Got it to continue.
  4. 4
    Move files to your Safe Folder. Once you have the Safe Folder created, long-press a file, it can be an image, video, document, or any file on your Android, and select â‹® > Move to Safe Folder .
    • Enter your Safe Folder PIN or pattern, and the file will be stored in that password-protected folder.
    • If you want to hide the folder, tap â‹® next to "Collections" and select Hide Safe Folder .
    • If you want to change the PIN or pattern for your Safe Folder, go to ☰ > Settings > Safe Folder > Change lock . You must know the original PIN or pattern to do this. If you forgot it, you won't be able to use the Safe Folder feature anymore. [3]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I fix my bricked Android phone?
    Prajesh Raam
    Community Answer
    Download your device's stock ROM or any compatible ROM and put it in your SD Card. Go to Recovery mode and delete data and cache. Install ROM and reboot.
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  • Question
    How can I access phone settings through Google?
    Community Answer
    Unfortunately, you cannot. It is not possible to access phone settings through Google.
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  • Question
    How do I make the folders that start with a "." visible like in the picture??
    Community Answer
    In Windows Explorer, in folder options, check "display hidden files" option.
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      Tips

      • It's helpful to update your Android's operating system to the latest version available before accessing its system files, since the files may change depending on the operating system. [4]
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      • If you are running out of space, tinkering with your Android's system files is not the answer. Instead, check out this wikiHow article on freeing up space on your Android.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you want to edit files from the phone, install a good file manager app from the play store.
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      Warnings

      • When you delete files and applications, make sure that you don't delete anything that you aren't 100% sure is safe to delete. You can permanently damage your Android phone if you delete any system files that are necessary to operate the phone. [5]
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      • Rooting your Android is the only way you can view and edit system files; however, this process is long, requires you to connect to a computer, voids your Android's warranty, and might brick your phone. The cons outweigh the pros for rooting your Android, so it's most likely not worth it.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://developer.android.com/training/data-storage
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/thread/147289175/android-system-files-taking-up-space?hl=en
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/files/answer/9935264?hl=en#zippy=,set-up-your-safe-folder,change-your-lock,move-files-to-your-safe-folder
      4. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/7680439?hl=en
      5. ↑ https://www.androidauthority.com/phone-storage-folders-explained-744100/

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