Tag: file

  • 5 best Android file explorers to manage your phone like a pro

    5 best Android file explorers to manage your phone like a pro

    Every Android smartphone requires a file explorer, and Google Files is the default choice for Pixel smartphones and many others. This lightweight, free tool has all the necessary file management features, and its simple layout makes it simple to examine information in folders or categories. It’s not the greatest file management tool for Android, but it’s an excellent method to get rid of duplicate files and keep your smartphone free of clutter.

    I’ve used a lot of Android file explorers over the years, and these are the greatest substitutes for Google Files since they have more sophisticated capabilities, a more appealing appearance, and more customization choices.

    Cx File Explorer

    With a variety of options to assist users in managing their decreasing storage space, Cx File Explorer focuses primarily on managing the storage on Android devices. Its analysis features, which show the location of storage hogs, the amount of storage used by each file type, and the largest files on the device, are its strongest feature. This feature is very useful to me because it makes it easier to organize the videos I have on my device for offline entertainment and flights.

    In addition to these features, Cx File Explorer has a simple layout with integrated image, video, and audio players, a handy info box showing available storage, and a small icon-based breadcrumbs menu.

    cx file explorer

    Cx File Explorer

    Cx File Explorer is a powerful file manager & storage cleaner app with a clean and intuitive interface. With this file manager app, you can quickly browse and manage the files on your mobile device,

    Mixplorer

    Mixplorer is more extensible and versatile than most file explorers. Having been in development for more than ten years, this is my favorite Android file management software.

    As implied by its name, Mixplorer may easily connect a wide range of storage options, including LAN, Google Drive, OneDrive, external media, internal storage, and other cloud services. You can view all of this info without launching specific apps once it’s set up. Additionally, Mixplorer is compatible with symlinks, which offer even more versatile file access options throughout Android.

    The customizable design of Mixplorer is another well-liked feature. Although the basic layout is easy to use, power users may install skins to customize the software, integrate add-ons for more functionality, and effortlessly navigate between services and folders using the tabbed interface. I adore Mixplorer’s dropdown breadcrumbs menu because it’s a clever design decision that allows you to quickly navigate back to a root folder without taking up much screen real estate.

    mixplorer Android file explorer

    Mixplorer

    MiX Silver is a bundle of MiXplorer file manager and Archiver, Image, Tagger and PDF add-ons as a paid app to support development of MiXplorer.

    Solid Explorer

    In the Android app market, Solid Explorer is likewise quite well-regarded. Solid, a high-end file management program, has many of the same functions as Mixplorer, plus a few extras. Its real-time folder size indicator, which refreshes each directory’s byte count as files are added or removed, is possibly my favorite feature.

    solid explorer

    Solid Explorer File Manager

    Solid Explorer is a file management app inspired by the old school file commander applications.

    Material Files

    Material Files appeals to both Files by Google consumers and power users by striking a mix between an intuitive user interface and a robust feature set. The app feels as though Google themselves could create it because of its heavy reliance on Material You. Its components permit automated Night mode activation based on system settings and take on the color scheme of your device.

    Even though it doesn’t offer the same expandability as Mixplorer, I would contend that its user interface is simpler to use. Nevertheless, the left-hand sidebar has all the information I require. Its dedicated Screenshots shortcut, which takes me straight to screenshots of the programs I frequently use for my articles, is something I really like.

    The program does not let you connect to and access files on Google Drive, for example, but it does enable external storage on physical media or local networks.

    material files file explorer

    Material Files

    An open source Material Design file manager. Lightweight, clean and secure. Follows Material Design guidelines, with attention into details.

    Fossify File Manager

    Finally, Fossify File Manager prioritizes simplicity and privacy and is open-source and free. With more security features, it most likely offers the experience that is closest to Files by Google in that regard. For example, it enables users to secure certain files and folders using a password or fingerprint.

    With multiple color choices for the overall theme, a tab that shows you which file kinds are using up space on your disk, and basic search and organizing tools, the user interface is very user-friendly.

    fosify file manager

    Fossify File Manager

    Tired of file managers that slow you down and invade your privacy? Unlock a lightning-fast, secure, and completely customizable experience with Fossify File Manager.

    Google Files is by no means an inferior app. In fact, Google has created a straightforward and dependable file management solution that ensures constant performance for all Android applications. Consider one of the five programs listed above, though, if you require a few extra capabilities, wish to access local network stores and cloud storage, or want to add protection to your crucial files.

  • How to create secure folders on any Android device

    How to create secure folders on any Android device

    Android users are particularly concerned about privacy and data safety, especially when saving sensitive files, images, or papers. Whether you are concerned about someone peeking through your gallery or want to protect business-related content, Android has built-in security features that do not require third-party apps.

    This guide describes how to use secure folders and app-based file protection features on several Android devices, including Samsung, Google Pixel, and more.

    What is a secure folder

    A secure folder is a safe location on your Android smartphone where you can keep programs, files, and media separate from the main user interface. Access requires authentication (PIN, pattern, or fingerprint), ensuring that only you can open it. When data is moved to a safe folder, it is rendered invisible in conventional folders and apps such as Google Photos or File Manager.

    Samsung’s Secure Folder is the best-known example, however other manufacturers provide comparable functionality.

    How to use Secure Folder on Samsung Galaxy devices

    Samsung offers a native solution called Secure Folder, available on most devices running One UI:

    samsung secure folder
    1. Enable Secure Folder:
      • Go to Settings > Security and privacy > Secure Folder.
      • Sign in to your Samsung account if prompted.
      • Set your preferred lock method (PIN, password, or biometric).
    2. Add apps or files:
      • Open the Secure Folder app from your app drawer.
      • Tap Add apps to duplicate apps like Gallery, Notes, or Email.
      • Tap Add files to move photos, videos, or documents from regular storage.
    3. Access and manage your folder:
      • Secure Folder functions as a sandbox. Files here do not interact with the rest of your phone.
      • Notifications from apps inside Secure Folder can be hidden.
      • You can even hide the Secure Folder icon for additional privacy.

    Samsung’s Secure Folder is protected by Samsung Knox, ensuring hardware-based encryption.

    How to create secure folders on Google Pixel (and stock Android)

    secure folder on Google Pixel

    Google Pixel and stock Android phones don’t include a “Secure Folder” app like Samsung, but there are still options:

    1. Use Files by Google – Safe Folder

    Files by Google includes a Safe Folder to protect sensitive files.

    • Open the Files by Google app.
    • Tap Browse, then scroll to Collections > Safe folder.
    • Set up a 4-digit PIN when prompted.
    • Move any files (photos, documents, videos) into the Safe Folder for encryption and restricted access.

    Limitations:

    • No secure app duplication.
    • Cannot protect entire apps—only individual files.

    2. Use screen pinning or app lock (if supported)

    On Pixel phones, you can use screen pinning to lock a specific app:

    • Go to Settings > Security > Advanced > Screen pinning.
    • Turn it on and set it to ask for unlock credentials.

    When enabled, you can lock an app to the screen and prevent switching until your PIN or fingerprint is entered.

    Secure folder alternatives for OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Realme

    Many Android OEMs offer their own version of secure folder functionality:

    • OnePlus (App Lock & Hidden Space):
      • Go to Settings > Utilities > App lock to lock apps.
      • Use Hidden Space (swipe right in the app drawer) to hide apps or files from plain view.
    • Xiaomi (Second Space or App Lock):
      • Second Space lets you create a full-profile clone for private use.
      • App Lock in Settings lets you password-protect apps and media.
    • Vivo/Realme:
      • Use File Safe or Private Safe under Security settings.
      • This lets you encrypt and store sensitive files securely.

    Each of these tools serves a similar purpose: creating a private area for your data and apps that only you can access.

    When should you use a secure folder

    Secure folders are ideal for:

    • Storing sensitive photos, work files, or legal documents
    • Keeping personal messages or notes private
    • Isolating apps with private data
    • Creating a private profile for shared phones or kids

    If your phone is shared, stolen, or accessed without your knowledge, a protected folder provides an additional layer of security.

    Android provides numerous options to protect your most sensitive data, with secure folders ranking among the best built-in solutions for the purpose. Whether you use Samsung’s powerful Secure Folder, Google’s Safe Folder, or manufacturer-specific features, these solutions offer true privacy without the need to install third-party apps. To protect your digital life, ensure that they are correctly configured and that you use a strong authentication technique.