Browse Files on Android

One of Android's strengths is the ease with which you can access and manage your files. Some devices come with a file manager already installed, but any Android device can install free and paid file manager apps from the Google Play Store. You can also connect your Android to your computer via USB to manage your files.

Steps

Using the Installed File Manager on a Samsung Galaxy Note3

  1. Find and click the apps icon.
  2. Find and click "My Files".
  3. Observe the folders available to browse.
  4. Choose one and browse away!

Using a File Manager App

  1. Download a File Manager app. There are a variety of file managers available on the Google Play Store. Some devices may come with a file manager app already installed, usually labeled "My Files" or "File Manager".
  2. Launch the File Manager app. The interface varies from app to app, but usually you'll be shown a list of folders and files stored on your device.
  3. Navigate your folders. Tapping on a folder will open it so that you can view the contents. You'll usually see your current location at the top of the screen. Tapping the location at the top of the screen allows you to move back to previous folders.
    • You won't be able to access the "root" folder unless you have root access for your device. Most users won't have to worry about this though, as files like pictures and videos are stored in the "storage" folder, which any device can access.
  4. Open the "DCIM" folder to find your pictures. Any picture taken by your camera or other camera app will be stored in the DCIM folder.
  5. Open the "Download" folder to find your downloads. If you've downloaded a file using a web browser like Chrome or Firefox, your downloaded file will likely be located in the Download folder. Certain apps may place downloads made with that app inside the app's folder instead of the Download folder.
  6. Copy or move files. One of the main benefits of a file manager app is the control you have over your files. Press and hold a file to select it. You can then perform a variety of different tasks, including moving, copying, or deleting the file. When you select to "Move" a file, you will be given the opportunity to navigate to the location you want to move it to.
    • Press and hold a file and then tap additional files to add them to the selection. You can then manipulate or move all of the files at once.
  7. Open a file. Tapping a file will allow you to open it. You'll be shown a list of apps that support the file if you haven't opened that file type before.
    • You may be able to select "Open as" from the file's menu, which will allow you to choose a different app to open the file with. This can be really useful if you are trying to use an app that isn't showing up on the regular list of compatible apps.
  8. Create or open a ZIP file. Another popular use for file managers is their built-in ZIP support. Most file managers can extract ZIP files so that you can access the contents. You can also usually select multiple files and create a ZIP archive from the selection menu. This is great if you need to send multiple files to someone.

Using a Computer

  1. Connect your Android device to your computer. For most newer Android devices, it should appear automatically in your explorer window (⊞ Win+E). Older devices may need to enable "USB/Mass storage mode", which can be toggled from the Notification Bar when the device is connected via USB.
    • Mac users will need to install the Android File Transfer tool, available here. Once the software is installed, the Android device will appear on your desktop.
  2. Open the device on your computer to see the files. Select "Internal storage" to see the files stored on the device's storage, or "SD card" if the device has an SD card inserted.
  3. Navigate your files and folders. When you're using your computer to manage your Android files, you can manipulate them just like you would files on your computer.

Warnings

  • Be careful when moving files around. While you shouldn't be able to break any apps if you don't have root access, you can still cause problems if you move some files that they expect to find. Usually any problems you create can be fixed by reinstalling the app that isn't working.

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