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2 easy ways to view your Android’s files, folders, and downloads
Written byNicole Levine, MFA
Last Updated: September 6, 2024Fact Checked
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- Using Your Android’s File Manager |
- Using the Storage Settings |
- Video |
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.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Using Your Android’s File Manager
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1
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.
2
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]
- 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.
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3
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.
4
Tap any file to view it. The selected file will open in its default app.[2]
- For example, tapping a photo will open it in your gallery or photo manager app, documents in Google Docs, and spreadsheets in Google Sheets.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Using the Storage Settings
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1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
Tap Explore to confirm. You now have access to the files and folders on your Android.
- This option is sometimes called Misc.
5
Tap any file to view it. The selected file will open in its default app.
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Community Q&A
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Question
How do I open zip files?
Community Answer
You 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.
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About This Article
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 251,066 times.
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Co-authors: 5
Updated: September 6, 2024
Views:251,066
Categories: Android
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