Android 11 Limitation
Since Android 11, application data folder is invisible to 3rd party apps according to the storage permission change. You can no longer list files directly:
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/[app_package]
You can use QuickEdit Text Editor to edit these data directories on most devices.
Edit Files In Data Folder (Android 11 & 12)
Since QuickEdit 1.8.5, it supports to read the contents under data folder on Android 11, but needs some additional steps to grant permission to data folder.
Please use following way to grant QuickEdit read/write permission to data folder:
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Navigate to Data Folder
Using QuickEdit built-in file explorer to locate the data folder under internal storage, the path is similar as: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data
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Grant Permission to Data Folder
In latest QuickEdit version, a permission grant dialog will show up, it will point to the data folder, and please click "use this folder" to grant the permission.
See Also4 Best Ways to Restore Data After Factory Reset on Android [2023]How to recover deleted apps and games on AndroidClear browsing data in Chrome - AndroidAndroid Data Recovery ToolPlease choose data folder in this step, not the Android folder or other folders. The data folder path is similar as: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data. Normally when you click OK in grant access dialog, it will guide you to the correct folder, you just need to click "use this folder" button.
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Access Data Folder as Normal
After the grant access success, you can access data folder as normal.
If the grant access dialog popup again, it means you did not choose the correct folder to grant access, please repeat previous step and choose the data folder and try again.
Edit Files In Data Folder (Android 13 & Above)
Android 13 no longer allows 3rd party apps to grant permission to Android folder and/or data folder.
Since QuickEdit 1.9.7, it will support using system built-in file manager to browse and open the file in data folder, then let QuickEdit edit them. This built-in file manager has the permission to access data folder and should work on most Android 13 and above devices.
Following is the steps how to do this:
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Navigate to Data Folder
Using QuickEdit built-in file explorer to locate the data folder under internal storage, the path is similar as: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data
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Open File using System File Manager
Clicking the data folder on Android 13 devices will invoke system file manager. Just find the data folder and the file you want to edit, then open and edit it by QuickEdit.
As a seasoned Android enthusiast with a profound understanding of the Android ecosystem and its evolving features, I am here to shed light on the intricacies of a specific Android limitation that surfaced with Android 11. My knowledge extends beyond the surface, encompassing hands-on experience and an in-depth exploration of the Android 11 and subsequent versions.
The Android 11 limitation in question revolves around changes in storage permissions, particularly concerning the visibility of the application data folder to third-party apps. Prior to Android 11, it was possible to list files directly in the path /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/[app_package]. However, with the storage permission change introduced in Android 11, this data folder became invisible to 3rd party apps, presenting a unique challenge for developers and users alike.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Visibility of Application Data Folder in Android 11:
- In Android 11, the application data folder is made invisible to third-party apps due to changes in storage permissions.
- Directly listing files in the path
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/[app_package]is no longer possible.
-
QuickEdit Text Editor and Data Folder Access (Android 11 & 12):
- QuickEdit Text Editor is mentioned as a tool that can be used to edit data directories on most devices.
- Starting from QuickEdit version 1.8.5, it supports reading the contents under the data folder on Android 11.
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Granting Permission to Data Folder in QuickEdit (Android 11 & 12):
- QuickEdit introduces a permission grant dialog to access the data folder.
- Users need to navigate to the data folder using QuickEdit's built-in file explorer and choose the data folder to grant read/write permission.
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Changes in Android 13 and Above:
- Android 13 imposes further restrictions, disallowing third-party apps to grant permission to the Android folder and/or data folder.
- QuickEdit version 1.9.7 introduces support for using the system built-in file manager to browse and open files in the data folder on Android 13 and above devices.
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Accessing Data Folder in Android 13 and Above Using QuickEdit:
- QuickEdit's built-in file explorer is still used to navigate to the data folder under internal storage.
- On Android 13 devices, clicking the data folder invokes the system file manager, allowing users to find and edit files using QuickEdit.
In conclusion, this information provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges introduced by Android 11's storage permission changes, along with the evolving strategies employed by QuickEdit Text Editor to navigate and edit data folders in subsequent Android versions, including Android 13 and above.
