Since Android 11, apps can't open the Android/data and Android/obb folders, and the stock Files app won't open them either. Solid Explorer can still browse and change files there in three ways: Shizuku (works on every Android version, no root needed), the system folder picker (Android 11–13 only), and root. You don't have to turn anything on. Open the folder in Solid Explorer, and the app picks whichever method your phone supports.
Why the folder is locked
Android/data holds the files each app keeps for itself: game saves, downloaded maps, chat media, mod files. Starting with Android 11, Google stopped other apps from reading these folders to protect your privacy, and each Android release since has closed more of the workarounds. That's why a file manager that used to show these folders now shows them empty or refuses to open them.
Which method works on your phone
Your phone | Shizuku | Document picker | Root |
|---|---|---|---|
Android 11 and 12 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Android 13 | Yes | Yes, one app folder at a time | Yes |
Android 14 and later | Yes | No | Yes |
If your phone runs Android 14 or later and isn't rooted, Shizuku is the only way. Solid Explorer tries Shizuku first, then the system folder picker, then root.
Method 1: Shizuku (recommended, works on all versions)
Shizuku is a free app that lets other apps use the same access level your computer gets over a USB debugging connection. You set it up once, without a computer, using wireless debugging.
1. Install Shizuku from Google Play.
2. Turn on Developer options: open Settings → About phone and tap Build number seven times.
3. Open Shizuku and, under Start via Wireless debugging, tap Pairing. Follow its instructions: open Developer options → Wireless debugging, turn it on, tap Pair device with pairing code, and enter the code in the Shizuku notification.
4. Back in Shizuku, tap Start. Shizuku should show that it's running.
5. Open Solid Explorer and go to Internal storage → Android → data.
6. Shizuku asks whether to allow Solid Explorer. Tap Allow.
The folder opens, and you can copy, move, rename, delete and edit files in it as anywhere else.
Note: if your phone isn't rooted, Shizuku stops when the phone restarts. After every restart, open Shizuku and tap Start again before opening Android/data.
Method 2: The document picker (Android 11–13)
If Shizuku isn't running, Solid Explorer asks Android for permission to use the folder.
1. Open Android → data (or Android → obb) in Solid Explorer.
2. A dialog says Solid Explorer needs access to "Internal storage/Android/data". Choose "Allow access" or "Use this directory" on the next screen. Tap Grant.
3. The system file picker opens on that folder. Don't go into any other folder. Tap Use this folder (or Allow access) at the bottom, then confirm.
If you picked a different folder by mistake, Solid Explorer says the selected directory is incorrect and asks again. Make sure the picker shows the exact folder from step 2 before you confirm.
On Android 13 you can't grant access to all of Android/data at once, only to one app's folder at a time (for example Android/data/com.example.game). Solid Explorer lists folders for the apps you have installed. When you open one of them, you'll be asked to grant access for that app's folder. Folders of apps without an icon in your app drawer aren't listed this way. If you need those, use Shizuku.
On Android 14 and later Google blocked this method completely, so Solid Explorer doesn't offer it there.
Method 3: Root
On a rooted phone you don't need any setup. When you open Android/data, your superuser app (Magisk, KernelSU, etc.) asks whether to give Solid Explorer root access. Allow it and the folder opens. If you denied the request before, allow Solid Explorer in your superuser app and try again.
Troubleshooting
"Access denied" with an "Install Shizuku" or "Open with Shizuku" button.
No method worked. This is what you'll usually see on Android 14 and later without Shizuku. Tap the button to install or open Shizuku, make sure it's running (Method 1), and open the folder again.
"Please allow Solid Explorer access in Shizuku settings."
You denied the Shizuku permission earlier. Open Shizuku, go to its list of authorized apps, and allow Solid Explorer.
I fixed the problem but still get "Access denied".
After a method fails, Solid Explorer stops trying it until the app restarts. Close Solid Explorer completely (swipe it away from recent apps), open it again, and go back to the folder.
Shizuku worked yesterday and now it doesn't.
Your phone probably restarted. Open Shizuku and tap Start again.
"No supported Shizuku version found."
Your Shizuku app is too old. Update it from Google Play.
The permission prompt doesn't appear while copying files.
Solid Explorer only asks for access while you're browsing. Open the Android/data folder in a panel first and grant access there. Then copy or move files in or out.