Accessing the special folders Android/data and Android/obb

Google has recently restricted access to the folders Android/data and Android/obb to the following two methods:

• The built-in "Files" app
• A connected PC or Mac (via USB)

Access for other apps like Total Commander has been blocked. This was done by an update of the "Files" app via Play Store.

On Android 13 and older, you can get back access to these folders by uninstalling all updates of the "Files" app. On Android 14, the newer, restricted version of the "Files" app is built into the operating system and cannot be uninstalled.

To uninstall the updates of the "Files" app, follow these steps:

1. Click OK in the Total Commander dialog which warned you about the blocked access to launch the "Files" app
2. Open the list of all running apps (task manager, e.g. by slowly sweeping up from the bottom of the screen)
3. Click on the icon above the "Files" app
4. Choose "Info" or "App-Info" or click on the "i" icon (depends on Android version)
5. In the app information, click on the 3 dots in the top right corner
6. Click on "Uninstall updates"

Android will automatically update the "Files" app again, but you will not lose access to folders after granting it once.