How to find saved files on my phone or tablet?
Losing track of files on your Android phone or tablet can be frustrating. When you download or save something, it’s easy to forget where you put it. This can make finding important files a challenge. Learn how to find saved files on my phone.
Only the newer versions of Android have a file manager app included. A good file manager will help you to not only find files, but help you to organize them into folders, copy between folders, move between SD memory card and internal storage, and open or delete the file.
You should also look for folders that were created by an app that no longer exists. When you remove an app from your Android phone or tablet, the uninstall process doesn’t always remove all the files and folders that were created when the app was installed. Using a file manager app is a good way to find those orphaned files and folders and delete them.
Many file manager apps will show categories of types of files. For example, to find a downloaded file, select the Downloads category and that will display all the downloaded files.
How to use a File Manager to find saved files on my phone?
The Files by Google App works very well to find files on Android phone or tablet. You may have it already pre-installed on your Android device. Take a look at your Apps screen to find it. If you don’t have it, go to Google Play store, search on Files by Google, download and install it. If you see an option to Enable instead of download, this means you already have the app on your Android device and you just need to Enable it, but then be sure to download updates.
- Open the Files by Google app
- To find files on Android, select a Category of the type of file you are looking for
- For example, if you are looking for a photo, touch on Images or if you are looking for a downloaded file, touch on Downloaded.
- On the top of the screen, you will see additional sub-categories you can select.
- Scroll through the files until you find the one you want, Touch on it to open.
How do I find a PDF file on my phone?
You also have the option to search for a file or extension.
- On the top right side of the screen, you will see an image of a magnifying glass icon, touch it to open the search function.
- Type the file name, or
- Type the file extension, such as PDF and search.
- The app will display all the files on your phone or tablet that has an extension of PDF.
- This search function works for all types of files including .TXT (text files), .JPG (jpg image files), .xlsx (Excel files), .docx (Word files) and more
What are the file locations?
To find files on Android, you can look in specific file locations on your phone. When you open the file manager app, it will show Internal Storage, and SD Card Storage (if you have an SD memory card installed). The Internal Storage consists of files residing on your device, and SD Card Storage will show the files stored on your SD memory card.
The internal storage consists of several folders with each folder having different types of files. You can touch on the magnify icon on the top of the screen to search for a file if you know the name of it.
- The Android folder contains the required Android programs and files – Don’t mess with the files in this folder
- The DCIM folder and/or a Pictures folder will contain your photos.
- Documents folder has the general non-specific document files
- The Download folder will have any downloaded files.
- Music folder contains the music files.
- There will be several other folders that contain data or files for any specific app that you have downloaded.
Which File Manager should I download?
Ultimately, the best file manager app for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a simple and easy-to-use app, then Files by Google is a good option. If you need a more powerful and feature-rich app, then Solid Explorer or Astro are good choices.
Comparison Chart of Android File Manager Apps
Note: This chart compares some of the most popular Android file manager apps. Features may vary depending on the app version and device.
| Feature | Files by Google | Solid Explorer | Total Commander | Astro File Manager | X-Plore File Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic File Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud Storage Integration | ✓ (Google Drive) | ✓ (Multiple) | ✓ (Multiple) | ✓ (Multiple) | ✓ (Multiple) |
| Root Access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Multiple Panes | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Built-in File Viewer/Editor | ✓ (Basic) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Compression/Extraction | ✓ (Basic) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Network Access (FTP, SMB, etc.) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Customizable Interface | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Material Design | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ad-Supported | No | No (Paid version available) | No (Paid version available) | No (Paid version available) | No (Paid version available) |
Additional Features to Consider
- File Transfer: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, etc.
- Search Functionality: Advanced search options, filters
- Storage Analysis: Visual representation of storage usage
- Security Features: Encryption, password protection
- Offline Access: For files stored in cloud storage
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing a file manager app:
- Price: Some file manager apps are free, while others require a one-time purchase or a subscription.
- Features: Consider the features that are important to you, such as support for cloud storage, network drives, and file compression.
- User interface: Choose an app with a user interface that you find easy to navigate.
- Permissions: Be sure to read the permissions that an app requests before you install it.
I recommend trying out a few different file manager apps to see which one you like best. Most of the apps on this list offer a free trial or a free version with limited features.
Frequently asked questions and answers to find saved files on my phone?:
Q: Where are my files stored on my Android phone or tablet?
A: Your files are stored in the internal storage of your device, or on an external SD card if your device has one. You can access your files using the Files app, which is pre-installed on most Android devices.
Q: How do I find saved files on my phone or tablet?
A: To find files on your Android phone or tablet, open the Files app and tap on the category of files you want to find (e.g., Downloads, Images, Music, Videos). You can also use the search bar at the top of the screen to search for specific files by name.
Q: How do I open files on my Android phone or tablet?
A: To open a file on your Android phone or tablet, tap on it. If the file is associated with an app (e.g., a PDF file is associated with a PDF reader app), the app will open automatically. If the file is not associated with an app, you will be prompted to choose an app to open it with.
Q: How do I find hidden files on my Android phone or tablet?
A: To find hidden files on your Android phone or tablet, open the Files app and tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen. Then, select “Settings” and tap on the toggle next to “Show hidden files”.
Q: How do I find downloaded files on my Android phone or tablet?
A: To find downloaded files on your Android phone or tablet, open the Files app and tap on the “Downloads” category. This will show you all of the files that you have downloaded to your device.
Q: How do I search for files on my Android phone or tablet?
A: To search for files on your Android phone or tablet, tap on the search bar at the top of the screen in the Files app. Then, type in the name of the file you are looking for and press enter. The Files app will search your device and show you all of the files that match your search query.
Q: How do I move files on my Android phone or tablet?
A: To move files on your Android phone or tablet, open the Files app and tap on the file you want to move. Then, tap on the three dots in the bottom right corner of the screen and select “Move”. You can then choose the destination folder where you want to move the file.
Q: How do I copy files on my Android phone or tablet?
A: To copy files on your Android phone or tablet, open the Files app and tap on the file you want to copy. Then, tap on the three dots in the bottom right corner of the screen and select “Copy”. You can then choose the destination folder where you want to copy the file.
Q: How do I delete files on my Android phone or tablet?
A: To delete files on your Android phone or tablet, open the Files app and tap on the file you want to delete. Then, tap on the trash can icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. You will be prompted to confirm that you want to delete the file.
I hope this list of frequently asked questions and answers helps you to find and manage your files on your Android phone or tablet.
For information about how to open Zip files – How to open Zip files on Android?
If you have a new Android phone and you want to transfer all your data from your old phone, this post will help. How to transfer data from old Android phone to a new Android phone?
