ES File Explorer Hidden Features: 19 Things You Didn't Know
ES File Explorer: A Comprehensive Android File Management Solution
ES File Explorer equips Android users with a robust file manager capable of navigating files across various devices, including smartphones, personal computers, and Macintosh systems.
This connectivity is achieved through technologies like Local Area Networks (LAN), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and Remote Bluetooth functionality.
Core Functionality and Features
The application delivers all the standard file management capabilities one would anticipate from a dedicated file manager.
However, its utility extends significantly beyond basic operations.
- It operates effectively as an application manager, allowing users to control installed apps.
- ES File Explorer functions as a client for multiple cloud storage services.
- Supported platforms include Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive, among others.
- It also incorporates both an FTP client and a LAN Samba client.
Unlike many free and lightweight mobile applications, ES File Explorer is remarkably feature-rich when contrasted with alternative file manager apps found on the Google Play Store.
Its extensive toolkit positions it as a powerful solution for comprehensive file management on Android devices.
Introducing ES File Explorer
The ES File Explorer application boasts a user-friendly interface. This is due in part to its functional similarities with Windows File Explorer, and also because a complex initial configuration isn’t necessary. The app’s top portion displays comprehensive information regarding your device’s content, including the number of images, music tracks, movies, and installed applications. It also provides a summary of storage utilization by these file types.
Furthermore, this section incorporates shortcuts for swift access to frequently used bookmarks, essential tools, and network-related functionalities.
Exploring the Toolbar Sections
Swiping the toolbar from the left edge of the screen reveals five distinct sections within the application. The “Favorite” section includes pre-installed applications for accessing popular platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and various Google services.
The “Local” section grants you the ability to navigate your device’s SD card storage. Here, you can effortlessly modify and organize your files and folders.
The “Library” section facilitates browsing and performing actions on your stored images, music, movies, documents, and applications. The “Network” section provides numerous options for establishing a wireless connection between your Android device and a computer.
Finally, the “Tools” section is equipped with helpful utilities. These include a download manager, an SD card analyzer, a music player, and a convenient recycle bin.
Window Management and Bottom Toolbar
A swipe of the toolbar from the right side unveils a window manager interface. This allows you to open new windows, close existing ones, and adjust default window and clipboard settings.
The bottom toolbar provides controls for managing windows, conducting both basic and advanced searches, and establishing new connections to files, folders, servers, or FTP sites.
The functionality of the options within the bottom toolbar is dynamic. They adapt based on your current location within the app and the task you are performing. For instance, selecting “New” while in the network section prompts you to add a new server connection.
Bulk File and Folder Renaming with ES File Explorer
The ES File Explorer application for Android provides functionality for renaming multiple files or folders simultaneously. Begin by navigating to the directory containing the items you wish to modify. A long press on a file or folder will initiate the selection process, indicated by a checkmark appearing on the chosen item.
Once the initial file is selected, activate the selection mode by pressing the “checkmark” button within the application. This allows for the rapid selection of numerous files at once. Following the selection, tap the “Rename” option to proceed.
Utilizing the Batch Rename Feature
Activating the “Rename” function will open a dedicated “Batch Rename” window. Within this window, several renaming options are available. You can choose to append a numerical sequence to the original filenames, specify a starting number for the sequence, or prefix the existing filenames with a custom string.
These options offer flexibility in organizing and identifying files efficiently. The Batch Rename feature streamlines the process of renaming large numbers of files, saving considerable time and effort.
Efficient File Management with ES File Explorer's ClipboardES File Explorer provides a robust clipboard functionality, enabling users to duplicate files and folders with ease. The process begins by selecting the desired files and utilizing the “Copy” or “Cut” options available on the toolbar.
Following the selection of files, they can be pasted into the intended destination directory.
Accessing and Utilizing the Clipboard
After copying content, the “Windows” button on the toolbar grants access to the clipboard. Tapping “Clipboard” in the upper right corner of the application reveals the stored files.
The contents of the clipboard can then be pasted into any directory, and this action can be repeated as many times as necessary.
Clipboard Management
Upon completion of the pasting operations, the “Clear” button allows for the removal of items from the clipboard. Alternatively, exiting the application will automatically clear the clipboard’s contents.
This ensures efficient management of copied files and prevents unnecessary storage of data within the clipboard.
Locating Files Through Local Search
ES File Explorer provides a functionality allowing users to locate files stored on their Android device. This can be achieved either through keyword-based searches or by browsing file categories.
To initiate a keyword search, simply tap the "Search" icon located on the toolbar and input your desired terms. Examples include file types like "mp3," "text," or "PDF."
Searching by File Category
Alternatively, files can be located by category. Access this feature by selecting the "search icon" positioned in the upper corner of the application. From there, choose the relevant category, such as images, audio, video, or APK files, and documents.
Should a standard search prove unsuccessful, an advanced search option is available. This allows for refined searches based on file size, as well as the date of modification or creation.
Modifying Folder Attributes
Gaining root access on your Android device allows for the utilization of a root explorer, often found within ES File Explorer, to alter folder characteristics. Access the toolbar by swiping from the left edge of the screen, navigate to the “Tools” area, and select “Root Explorer.”
To enable modifications, choose “Mount R/W,” which will mount your system files with read and write permissions. Subsequently, pinpoint the desired system folder and tap “Properties” to adjust its permissions.
Adjusting File and Folder Display in ES File Explorer
Similar to the functionality found in Windows File Explorer, the ES File Explorer application provides users with the ability to modify how files and folders are displayed and arranged. The “View” button, located on the toolbar, enables customization of both the view type and the sorting method.
Customization Options
Users can access a range of display and sorting options by tapping the “View” button. This allows for a personalized experience tailored to individual preferences.
The available options include different visual layouts and methods for organizing files. These settings can significantly improve file navigation and management.
As illustrated in the accompanying screenshot, the “View” button presents a menu with choices for altering the presentation of files and folders. This provides a straightforward way to optimize the user interface.
By utilizing these features, users can quickly locate and access the files they need within the ES File Explorer application. This enhances overall efficiency and usability.
Managing Zip Files on Your Android Device
The ability to compress several files into a single ZIP archive offers considerable convenience. This process can notably reduce the overall file size, particularly when dealing with numerous or large files.
For Android users with limited storage capacity, utilizing compression can free up valuable space on their devices. This is especially useful when maintaining a substantial collection of files directly on the phone or tablet.
Benefits of Compressing Files
Reducing file sizes isn't the only advantage. Compressing files before transmission can also minimize data consumption when sending them via a mobile network.
Applications like ES File Explorer simplify the creation and extraction of ZIP files directly on an Android device. This functionality diminishes the need for frequent computer access for these tasks.
By leveraging these tools, users gain greater independence in managing their files and optimizing their device's performance.
Utilizing USB Drives with Your Android Phone
Android phones commonly employ USB connections for both charging and file transfers, making them compatible with pen drives. This offers a convenient method for accessing files directly on your mobile device.
Whether you need to transfer photos and videos or enjoy media content during travel, a USB drive eliminates the need for a computer or reliance on internet connectivity. Simply connect your pen drive and begin accessing your files.
Required Components
To facilitate this functionality, a few items are necessary. These include a physical USB OTG (On-The-Go) cable, featuring a male microUSB connector and a female full-size USB port.
Additionally, a rooted Android device is often required, alongside two applications: StickMount for mounting the pen drive, and ES File Explorer to serve as your file manager.
Detailed instructions on how to connect and utilize a USB drive with your Android device can be found in a dedicated guide. While the OTG cable can be somewhat bulky, its convenience is undeniable, particularly for frequent travelers or those with unreliable internet access.
Streaming Local Video from Android to Chromecast
Chromecast is widely recognized for its ability to facilitate streaming from popular services like Netflix and YouTube to your television, utilizing your smartphone as a control interface.
However, with the aid of the Chromecast plugin – accessible within ES File Explorer – it’s also possible to transmit video files directly from your Android device to a larger screen.
Casting Local Media Files
A dedicated guide details the process of seamlessly casting locally stored media files from an Android device to a Chromecast receiver.
This method allows users to enjoy personal video collections on their TV without relying on internet-based streaming platforms.
- The Chromecast plugin for ES File Explorer is essential for this functionality.
- Ensure both your Android device and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- The guide provides step-by-step instructions for a straightforward setup.
By following these instructions, users can easily expand the capabilities of their Chromecast beyond standard streaming services.
Modifying the Hosts File on Android Devices
Similar to Windows operating systems, Android also utilizes a hosts file for the purpose of correlating hostnames with corresponding IP addresses. A practical application of this is blocking access to specific websites, such as those you might wish to restrict for your children.
This can be achieved by editing the hosts file and directing the website's name to localhost, which is essentially your Android device itself.
Accessing and Editing the Hosts File
To locate the hosts file, navigate through your device’s file system to “device > system > etc > hosts.” Selecting this file will then present you with options, from which you should choose “More > Open As” and specify a text file.
The ES Note Editor, or a similar text editor, will then open, allowing you to modify the hosts file. Insert the localhost IP address (127.0.0.1) before the domain name of any website you intend to block.
