How to Access Android System Files

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: June 25, 2024 Fact Checked

This wikiHow teaches you how to view the system files, also known as "root" files, on your Android phone or tablet. In order to do this your Android phone must be rooted and you'll need to download the ES File Explorer app from the Google Play Store.

Accessing Root Folders on Android

Root your Android. Then, download and open ES File Explorer from the Play Store. Save it on your Android's internal storage (not SD card).
In ES File Explorer, tap ☰. Find "Root Explorer" and switch it to "on"
. Root folders should begin to appear.
Move ES File Explorer to your Android's internal storage if you get an error. The method will not work if you accidentally save the app to the SD card.

Steps

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1
Root your Android. If you want to be able to access your Android's system files you'll need to root your Android phone first. The process of rooting an Android differs for each manufacturer and model, while some phones cannot be rooted at all. Research what's involved in rooting your phone before attempting to make changes to your device.^{[1]
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- Rooting your Android isn't as dangerous as it may sound, but it will void your warranty and may compromise the security of your phone.
2
Download ES File Explorer. Skip this step if you already have ES File Explorer. To download ES File Explorer, open the
Google Play Store, then do the following:
- Tap the search bar.
- Type in es file explorer
- Tap ES File Explorer File Manager in the resulting drop-down menu.
- Tap INSTALL
- Tap ACCEPT when prompted.
- Select your Android's internal storage if prompted. Do not install ES File Explorer on your SD card.
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3
Open ES File Explorer. Tap OPEN in the Google Play Store, or tap the ES File Explorer app icon.
- If this is your first time opening ES File Explorer, you may have to swipe through several pages before the main page opens.
It's in the top-left corner of the screen. The ES File Explorer menu will open.^{[2]
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This option is near the bottom of the menu. You should see a white switch to the right of it.^{[3]
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It will turn blue
. As long as your Android is rooted and ES File Explorer is installed on your Android's internal storage, this will enable root access for ES File Explorer.
After a second or two, ES File Explorer will refresh; when it finishes, you should see root files and folders displays.^{[4]
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8
Fix the "test failed" error if necessary. If for some reason ES File Explorer ended up on your Android's SD card, you may see an error that says "Sorry, test failed. This feature cannot run on your device." appear at the bottom of the screen. You can fix this error by moving ES File Explorer onto your Android's internal storage:^{[5]
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- Open ES File Explorer's "App Info" page in Settings.
- Tap Storage
- Tap CHANGE under the SD card's heading.
- Tap Internal shared storage
- Wait for ES File Explorer to finish moving.
9
Explore your Android's system files. You can browse through your Android's files and folders like usual, but you should now see system files and folders included in ES File Explorer.
- Any folders that are a lighter color than your Android's standard folders are root folders.
- Do not change any system files unless you're absolutely positive about what the outcome will be. Doing so is a guaranteed way to brick your Android phone.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I fix my bricked Android phone?

Prajesh Raam

Community Answer

Download 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.

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Question

How can I access phone settings through Google?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, you cannot. It is not possible to access phone settings through Google.

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Question

How do I make the folders that start with a "." visible like in the picture??

Community Answer

In Windows Explorer, in folder options, check "display hidden files" option.

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Tips

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.^{[6]
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If you want to edit files from the phone, install a good file manager app from the play store.

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Warnings

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.

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