How to Browse Files on Android

This wikiHow teaches you how to browse files and folders on your Android device using the file manager or your desktop computer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

On Android

  1. Image titled Browse Files on Android Step 1
    1
    Open your device's Apps Tray. It's usually a button with a grid of dots ⋮⋮⋮ at the bottom center of your screen.
  2. Image titled Browse Files on Android Step 2
    2
    Tap File Manager. Most of your files will be organized into folders.
    • Most versions of Android have a stock File Manager app. If yours doesn't, go to the Google Play Store, search for File Manager and download one of the available free apps.
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  3. Image titled Browse Files on Android Step 3
    3
    Tap a folder to browse the files inside it.
  4. Image titled Browse Files on Android Step 4
    4
    Tap the magnifying glass icon to search for a file.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

On Desktop

  1. Image titled Find Free Wallpaper for Your Mobile on the Internet Step 1
    1
    Connect your Android device to a computer. Connect the mini-USB end of the cable to your device's charging port and the other end to a USB port on your computer.
  2. Image titled Browse Files on Android Step 6
    2
    Open the Notification Bar on your device. Swipe down from the top of the screen to do so.
  3. Image titled Browse Files on Android Step 7
    3
    Tap the USB for [purpose] notification.
  4. Image titled Browse Files on Android Step 8
    4
    Tap Transfer files.
  5. Image titled Browse Files on Android Step 9
    5
    Open the device on your computer. To do so:
    • On WIndows, press ⊞ Win+E to open the Explorer window, then click on your Android device.
    • On Mac, open the Android File Transfer tool.
  6. Image titled Browse Files on Android Step 10
    6
    Double-click folders to browse the files inside them.
  7. Image titled Browse Files on Android Step 11
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    Click SD card to browse folders and files on a memory card.
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Warnings

  • Use caution when moving files around. While you shouldn't be able to interfere with app functions without root access, you can still cause problems if you move some files that they expect to find. Usually, any problems you create can be fixed by reinstalling the app that isn't working.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 77,272 times.
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Co-authors: 6
Updated: June 3, 2021
Views: 77,272
Categories: Android
Article SummaryX

1. Open the Apps Tray.
2. Tap File Manager.
3. Tap a folder.
4. Search for a file.

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