File Explorer

FileExplorer is an open-source Android file manager that brings local storage, root folders, archives, remote shares, and optional cloud accounts into one workspace. Built with Kotlin across 19 Gradle modules, it includes a built-in text editor, storage analyzer, app manager, encrypted vault, and a recoverable transfer queue.

It targets users who need more than a basic document picker, with dual-pane browsing, tags, saved searches, and smart collections. Local file work does not require an account, and the app ships with no ads and no behavioral analytics.

Installation

1. Allow installation from your browser or file manager if Android asks. 2. Open FileExplorer and choose full shared-storage access or limited app-storage mode. 3. Android 11+ requires All Files Access for whole-device browsing. If declined, the app stays usable inside its app-specific folder and through Android's system picker.

Features

Browse and organize

- Tabs, dual-pane mode, grid or list views - Breadcrumbs, bookmarks, tags, saved searches, recent locations - Smart collections

Inspect files

- Image thumbnails, PDF rendering, DOCX/XLSX/EPUB previews - APK analysis, hex view, checksums, directory sizes - Storage analysis with large-folder and duplicate detection

Edit and package

- Built-in text editor - Batch rename - ZIP/7z/TAR creation and archive browsing with bounded extraction safeguards

Move data

- Recoverable copy and move queue that survives process death - Conflict previews, deterministic keep-both names, Trash - Quick Share and local share server

Work remotely

- SMB, SFTP, FTP/FTPS, WebDAV - Optional Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive builds

Protect sensitive files

- Android Keystore-backed credentials - AES-256-GCM vault with opaque names - File encryption, biometric gates, integrity watches

Go beyond stock Android

- Optional root access - Android/data access through Shizuku - USB OTG - Installed-app management - Automation intents and a certificate-bound plugin API

Privacy and security

The app has no advertising SDK and no behavioral analytics. Network access is used only when you choose a remote location, cloud provider, cast target, advisory scan, or local share server. Saved network passwords use Android Keystore-backed encryption. Secrets, vault files, and the app database are excluded from Android cloud backup. Flash storage cannot promise forensic erasure, so the app labels secure deletion as best effort rather than a guarantee.

Requirements

- Android 8.0 (API 26) or newer - Full shared-storage access for whole-device browsing, or limited mode - Root, Shizuku, remote servers, cloud credentials, and Cast hardware only for the matching optional features

License

MIT