Summary of How to Access Android System Files (Even Without Rooting)
- How to access Android system files without root?
- How do I access my system files?
- How do I see hidden system apps on Android?
- How to see all hidden files on Android?
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You can access Android system files using built-in apps like Files by Google, third-party file managers (Solid Explorer, MiXplorer) with special permissions for the data folder, or via ADB commands on a computer for deeper access, but direct modification of core system files often requires rooting and carries risks, so using apps like Files by Google or system pickers is safer for general browsing.
This video demonstrates how to access your Android’s files:
56s
How-To Authority
YouTube · Jun 27, 2025
1. Using Built-in & Third-Party File Managers (Safer)
Files by Google: Open the app, tap the three lines (menu), go to Settings, and check “Show hidden files” to see more system-level files.
Other File Managers (MiXplorer, Solid Explorer): Install from the Play Store, open the app, grant “All Files Access” permission in your phone’s Settings > Apps > Special app access, and then you can browse folders like /Android/data.
This video shows how to use the Files by Google app to find files:
59s
YourSixTech
YouTube · Nov 21, 2024
2. Accessing the /data Folder (Android 11+ Restrictions)
System File Picker: Some apps (like XODO, FV File Explorer) can launch the built-in system file picker, which allows access to the Android/data folder for specific tasks like file transfers.
ADB (Advanced): For computer access, install ADB, enable USB debugging, connect your phone, and use commands like adb shell and cd /data to navigate.
Watch this video for a method to access the data folder on Android 14:
1m
Click & Tap
YouTube · Dec 3, 2024
3. Viewing System Apps
Files by Google: Go to Categories > System apps to see system processes.
Device Settings: Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps, then use the three-dot menu to “Show system” apps to view and manage them.
This video explains how to check system apps on your Android phone:
30s
Droid Leopard
YouTube · Dec 29, 2024
Important Warning
Directly modifying or deleting files in system folders (like /system or /data) without knowing what you’re doing can permanently damage your phone, making it unusable (bricking it). Stick to viewing files unless you’re an expert and have backups.
Related Links
How to Show Hidden Files & System Files on Android Phone … – YouTube
Nov 21, 2024 — phone. so if you want to go and see like the system files and such it’s very easy to do swipe on up from the bottom lo…
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YourSixTech
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How to Access Android System Files (Even Without Rooting) – wikiHow
Jul 25, 2025 — 1. Open Files by Google. This app icon looks like a collection of folders by color: blue, green, red, and yellow. Your…
wikiHow
How do you see hidden system files on your Android without root?
Aug 28, 2018
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This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Darlene has been writing and editing tech content at wikiHow since 2019. She previously worked for AppleCare, served as a writing tutor, volunteered in IT at an animal rescue, and taught as an adjunct professor for EN101 and EN102. Darlene has completed Coursera courses on technology, writing, and language. She holds both a BA (2011) and an MA (2012) from Rowan University in Writing, with a focus on workplace communication. With her extensive experience, academic background, and ongoing learning, Darlene has become the go-to grammar expert for her friends and family, as well as a skilled wordsmith for anyone in need.
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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.
Steps
Viewing Hidden Files
- 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.
- Tap ☰. You’ll see this three-line menu option in the top left corner of your screen.
- Tap Settings. It’s next to a gear icon and will open the “Settings” menu.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tap Apps. It’s the last option in the “Categories” section.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 ⋮ > 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 ⋮ 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]
- QuestionHow do I fix my bricked Android phone?Prajesh RaamCommunity AnswerDownload 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.
- QuestionHow can I access phone settings through Google?Community AnswerUnfortunately, you cannot. It is not possible to access phone settings through Google.
- QuestionHow do I make the folders that start with a “.” visible like in the picture??Community AnswerIn Windows Explorer, in folder options, check “display hidden files” option.
- 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]Thanks
- 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.Thanks
- If you want to edit files from the phone, install a good file manager app from the play store.
- 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]Thanks
- 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.Thanks
- ↑ https://developer.android.com/training/data-storage
- ↑ https://support.google.com/android/thread/147289175/android-system-files-taking-up-space?hl=en
- ↑ https://support.google.com/files/answer/9935264?hl=en#zippy=,set-up-your-safe-folder,change-your-lock,move-files-to-your-safe-folder
- ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/7680439?hl=en
- ↑ https://www.androidauthority.com/phone-storage-folders-explained-744100/