Android 6.0 File Manager: A How-To Guide
Android's Hidden File Manager
The Android operating system provides comprehensive access to a file system, including compatibility with removable SD cards. However, a native file manager application has historically been absent from the core Android experience.
This absence previously necessitated that device manufacturers develop their own file manager apps, or that users seek out and install third-party solutions.
Introducing the Built-in File Manager
Beginning with Android 6.0, a file manager was integrated directly into the system, though it remains concealed from typical user access.
Google has chosen not to provide a dedicated icon within the app drawer, maintaining a degree of file system obscurity for the average user.
Functionality and Capabilities
Despite being hidden, this file manager offers a full suite of file management features.
- Browse the file system.
- Delete unwanted files.
- Search for specific files.
- Open files with compatible applications.
- Share files with other apps or devices.
- Copy files to different locations.
Essentially, it provides all the standard functionalities expected of a dedicated file manager application, allowing users to manage their files effectively.
Utilizing the Hidden File Manager in Android 6.0
The Android 6.0 operating system includes a built-in File Manager that can be accessed through the Settings application. Begin by opening the Settings app from within your device’s application drawer.
Further Reading: Methods for Freeing Up Space on Android: 8 Techniques
Within Settings, navigate to the "Storage & USB" section, which is located under the "Device" category. This section provides tools for managing storage space on your Android device.
This directs you to Android’s storage management interface. Here, a visual representation of your device’s storage usage is displayed, categorized into sections such as Apps, Images, Video, Audio, and Other files.
If your device supports multiple user accounts, the storage usage for each account will also be shown.
Selecting a specific category will reveal the files consuming the most space within that category, allowing you to choose items for deletion. For instance, tapping "Apps" will present a list of installed applications, sorted by size.
To launch the file manager itself, scroll to the bottom of the storage list and select the "Explore" option.
Related Information: Managing Files and Utilizing the Android File System
This action will open an interface enabling you to view and navigate both your device’s internal storage and any connected external SD card storage.
Android presents the underlying file system in this view, mirroring the experience found in many third-party file management applications.
However, complete access to the root file system requires a third-party file manager application and root permissions.
Utilizing the Native File Manager on Android Devices
The Android operating system includes a built-in file manager offering essential functionality for managing your device’s storage.
Core Functionalities
- File System Navigation: Initiate browsing by tapping a folder to reveal its contents. To navigate upwards, select the folder name located in the top-left corner, then choose a parent directory.
- File Opening: Selecting a file will attempt to open it with a compatible application, provided one is installed on your Android device. For instance, tapping on the "Downloads" folder allows you to view downloaded files, and selecting a PDF will launch your default PDF reader.
- File Selection: A long press on a file or folder initiates the selection process. Subsequent taps will toggle selection status. The menu button provides a "Select all" option for bulk selection within the current view.
- File Sharing: Once files are selected, the Share button enables transmission to other applications. This allows for uploading to cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive, for example.
- File Deletion: Selected files can be removed by tapping the trash can icon.
- File Copying: The "Copy to" option, accessible via the menu button, allows duplication of selected files or folders to a different location. Selecting "Show internal storage" from the menu reveals your device’s internal storage for destination selection. A "New folder" button is also available for creating new directories. Moving files is achieved by copying to a new location and then deleting the original files.
- File Searching: Utilize the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner to locate specific files within your Android device’s storage.
- View Options: Toggle between "Grid view" and "List view" using the menu button to alter the file display.
- File Sorting: The sort button, found in the top-right corner, allows organization by "By name," "By date modified," or "By size."
While the integrated file manager is relatively simple, it provides the fundamental features needed for basic file management.
Furthermore, the "Show internal storage" option, accessible through the menu button within Android’s "Save To" interface, grants direct access to your device’s file system, enabling precise control over file saving locations.