alieRN
Android/data access
Solutions for accessing Android/data folder on Android 11+
December 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM
Updated: July 19, 2025 at 09:00 PM

Summary

  • On Android 11 and later, access to Android/data using java.io.File was made impossible.
  • A loophole in DocumentsUI allowed apps to get access to Android/data, if the app set the initial URI to that folder.
  • A patch was made later, which prevented apps from getting access to Android/data. However, it was still possible to set the initial URI to specific folders inside this folder and get access to them.
  • In September 2023, a new version of DocumentsUI started rolling out. Which made it impossible to get access to anything inside Android/data.

Solutions

Method 1: Custom ROMs

Some custom ROMs allow users to disable Android/data restrictions from DocumentsUI, allowing file explorers to request access to folders and files inside.

Method 2: Uninstall updates of Files app (temporary, might not work)

In some cases, users can uninstall updates of the Files (DocumentsUI) app, and revert to a version which has partial restrictions. To do this: Device settings > Apps > All apps/Manage apps > Files (the one with the blue icon, name depends on language) > Uninstall updates`. The app may be hidden from this list by default, in this case look for an option to un-hide system apps. Note that these steps may vary depending on your device.

Method 3: Use Shizuku with ZArchiver (proprietary)

Shizuku is an app which lets other apps elevate their permissions with ADB Wireless Debugging or Root access. ZArchiver can be configured to use permissions from Shizuku: ZArchiver settings > Root > Root type > Shizuku.

Method 4: Connect device to a PC with USB or ADB

Android/data can be accessed on a PC when the device is connected via ADB or USB. For USB, selecting "file management" option is required after connecting the device. For ADB, commands such as adb pull and adb push can be used. I do not know if there are GUI apps for this.

For LAC or Polyfield

LAC

  • Use LAC Tool, it has Shizuku support.
  • Use in-game community tab to share & download maps.
  • Copy .txt link of the map you want to download, and paste it to map name field when creating map. This will download the map.
  • Copy link of the wallpaper you want to use, and paste it on in-game cellphone settings.
  • Manually manage files using the previous methods
  • Android/data/com.MA.LAC/files/editor for maps
  • Android/data/com.MA.LAC/files/wallpapers for wallpapers
  • Android/data/com.MA.LAC/files/screenshots for screenshots

Polyfield

  • Use PF Tool, it has Shizuku support.
  • Download maps from the in-game maps list.
  • Manually manage files using the previous methods
  • Android/data/com.MA.Polyfield/files/editor for maps