Download Article
2 easy ways to view your Android’s files, folders, and downloads
Download Article
Wondering where the file manager is on your Android phone or tablet? We can help. This wikiHow guide teaches you how to locate and open your Android’s File Manager.
Opening File Manager on Your Android Phone
- To find the file manager, open the app drawer and select Files , My Files , Files by Google , or similar.
- You may also be able to manage files in the Settings app under Storage .
- When viewing your Android files, the files will open in their default apps.
Steps
-
Open your Android’s app drawer. Although it was once necessary to install a file manager manually, most Android phones and tablets come with file manager apps.
-
Select your file manager. If you're using a Samsung Galaxy phone, your file manager is called My Files . On Google Pixel phones and most other Android models, the file manager is called Files by Google (or just Files ). On other models, you may find a file manager with the name File Manager , File Explorer , or File Browser . [1] X Research source
- If you don’t have a file manager, you can download Files by Google from the Google Play Store .
- If you have a Downloads app in the app drawer and are using an older Android model, you may be able to use it to browse files. Tap it, then tap ☰ to view additional folders.
Advertisement -
Tap a folder to view its contents. If you have an SD card , you may be able to browse it by tapping its name. Otherwise, tap Internal Storage (or Internal Memory ) to browse for files.
-
Tap any file to view it. The selected file will open in its default app. [2] X Research source
- For example, tapping a photo will open it in your gallery or photo manager app, documents in Google Docs, and spreadsheets in Google Sheets.
Advertisement
-
Open your Android’s Settings. It’s the that’s typically found in the app drawer or on the home screen. You may also find it on the notifications bar.
- This may not work on all Android models.
-
Scroll down and tap Storage or Storage & USB . This opens a list of storage locations on your Android, such as your SD card (if you have one) and internal storage.
-
Scroll down and tap Explore . If you don’t see this option, you may have to select your internal or removable storage first. A confirmation message will appear.
-
Tap Explore to confirm. You now have access to the files and folders on your Android.
- This option is sometimes called Misc .
-
Tap any file to view it. The selected file will open in its default app.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow do I open zip files?Community AnswerYou have to download and app that will extract the files and then open them for you. You can do an internet search to find free zip file extractors. Winzip is a common one.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
References
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 254,425 times.
Advertisement