Choosing the best file manager and explorer for Android. How to install applications on android from a computer Installing apk on android without a file manager
The Android system, unlike iOS, is more flexible and convenient, thanks to which you can carry out many operations with it, including manual installation of applications using the corresponding ".apk" files.
Before installing programs from original archives, namely apk files, you will probably ask the question: "Why install the application through a file, if you can download it directly from Google Play Store?"
The answer to this question may surprise many, but it is quite logical and reasonable.
First of all, the advantage of installing applications from apk files is that you can choose any version of the application. Perhaps you prefer the old design or the functionality of a later version is convenient for you, or perhaps your gadget simply cannot fulfill all the requests of the updated application, and it is at such moments that different versions of the same application in the apk file will come to the rescue.
The second, no less important, advantage is the ability to install even paid applications or programs with various modifications that cannot be found in the vastness of the usual application store.
Where should I start installing apk files?
In order to start working with apk files, you need to allow the gadget to install applications from unknown sources.
To do this, you need to go to Settings/Settings -> Applications/Application Settings. Next in the list of items find " unknown sources" and check the box next to it. Now the installation will proceed without any failures.
1. Installation using a file manager
There are several ways to install apk files, and one of the easiest is installation using file managers. We recommend using ES File Explorer and its equivalents.
These applications quickly recognize files and allow you to install applications on your gadget.
2. Install apps using the app manager
If you want to make working with apk files even easier, then you can use programs from the application managers category. These assistants were created specifically for working with applications and their direct installation and removal.
3. Install applications using computer and USB
If you don't like fiddling with files, then you can install the apk file directly from your computer to your phone. To do this, just use the InstallAPK application, which will work directly with the data of your gadget.
4. Other ways to install Android apps
If none of the above methods suits you, then you can use the old, but proven installation method, namely, go to the standard browser of your gadget and enter this path in the address bar: content://com.android.htmlfileprovider/sdcard/Filename.apk
This method will be useful for those people who do not like to work with additional programs and do not want to clog their gadget with them.
Conclusion
The file manager greatly simplifies access to music, videos and various documents. If you are doing something serious on the device, then you cannot do without it. That is why the first analogues of the computer Explorer appeared on mobile phones back in the mid-2000s. With the advent of the era of smartphones, the functionality of such utilities has expanded significantly.
This collection contains the best file managers. We will try to identify the main advantages and disadvantages of each program so that you can choose a convenient application for yourself based on our experience.
Price: Free
A file manager with many installs and a high rating in Play market. The application has a visually pleasing interface and clear controls. The main screen displays folders with the maximum number of files - music, documents, downloads, etc., there is also a separate breakdown into internal and external memory. In order to access the full list of folders, for example, for manual cleaning, just click on the desired drive. Like many managers, the program has a memory analysis function, after a short collection of information, detailed information about which types of files take up the most space is displayed, the largest objects in folders are displayed (including those where the user himself may not guess to look), as well as applications with the largest cache. Cleaning after such an analysis can be done manually or entrusted with the removal of the application.
The program has advanced settings where you can choose which software to use to open a particular file, as well as set the display type - hide or show system folders, and so on. Additional options include remote access, synchronization with a PC via FTP and access to . The application has a paid version, but there is no particular point in connecting it, since the existing functionality is quite enough for comfortable work. I would like to see a dark theme in the application, but its absence cannot be considered a minus, since the software copes with its tasks perfectly. Also, from the useful features that have not been implemented by this utility, but very useful in life, there is a log (displays the latest files downloaded to the smartphone).
Advantages:
Flaws:
- There is no event log.
Price: Free
The file manager has good user ratings. It offers a simple interface with clear controls, a fairly good set of features, and all this without being accompanied by ads. The uncomplicated main menu has been divided into three tabs - the most frequently visited places, all folders and cloud storage. There is also an analysis function, which, after a short memory scan, will show the most “heavy” files and applications. Then it remains to choose - to entrust the cleaning to the program or do everything yourself. CX Explorer has FTP support, which allows you to conveniently exchange information from a PC without using wires.
To view files, there are built-in utilities - audio, video, text. With their help, the process of finding and deleting unnecessary information becomes much easier than when using third-party applications. However, if desired, the firmware can be configured in the settings - then when the file is opened, a third-party application of the user's choice will be launched. In general, the manager is quite functional, it does not have a very beautiful design visually, but for simple tasks of searching, sorting and deleting software, it fits perfectly. In future updates, the developers promise to introduce the function of obtaining Root rights, which will expand the possibilities of working with system folders and files.
Advantages:
Flaws:
- There is no event log.
File Manager - Local and Cloud File Explorer
Price: Free
The file manager has a very stylish and advanced design, with the ability to swap windows and customize themes. At the same time, the translation of the application is rather crooked - some items and functions are not Russified at all, while others are named in such a way that it is difficult to immediately understand what is at stake, for example, the “compressed” folder contains archived files. If you do not look at the interface, then the application is very functional. There is a standard breakdown by folders, a display of free and used space, a list of directories with the maximum amount of content, a list of installed software (broken down into native and user). In the settings, you can specify which folders will be displayed in the main window, open Root access ( system files and directories), set a lock password. Like many managers, File Manager can work with cloud storage and supports FTP.
The cache cleaning mode looks strange - by clicking on the corresponding menu item hidden in the settings section, the application will start cleaning something, but what exactly and what effect cannot be understood from this. Also, the application clearly lacks the analysis function, which displays the most capacious files for automatic cleaning. The application has a paid Pro version which removes ads.
Advantages:
- Beautiful and customizable interface.
- There is an event log.
- Ability to lock the application with a password.
- Root access to system files.
- Work with FTP and cloud storages.
Flaws:
EZ File Explorer
Price: Free
EZ File Explorer is a convenient file manager with wide functionality, nice interface and clear controls. Already in the main window, the user will find everything they need - folders with the largest files, information about the state of the drive, as well as a log for the last days. In addition, there is access to the root directory with folders installed apps, and for whom this is not enough - you can generally see the system directories and files. It is not recommended for unprepared users to climb and delete something there, and experienced Android users can use this functionality to develop software or study their own software. mobile device, at least this is how the developers of the manager present it.
The application allows you to customize the theme, how files are displayed, select the method for sorting them, display the name and size of files (or only the name). The FTP manager has access to the phone from a PC, the ability to manage applications (both third-party and native). The program is not burdened with advertising, but quite unobtrusively offers to install other utilities from the developer, for example, a functional gallery for viewing photos and videos or a safe in which you can hide content from prying eyes.
Advantages:
Flaws:
- No option to clear memory - all junk files will have to be removed manually.
- There is no way to connect cloud storages to the manager.
File Manager (File Explorer)
A file manager from such a well-known company as Asus cannot be bad in principle. It has been downloaded by over 700,000 people. The overall score is 4.4 points out of 5, which is quite good. First of all, the program has a very pleasant design with a beautiful and clear display of information. Everything is conveniently located, the functionality is not too great, but in fact it is more than enough - access to the root directory, displaying hidden files and folders, connecting cloud storages, transferring files to a PC via FTP, the ability to create a password-protected storage.
The application has an option to estimate memory and delete large files and allows you to find duplicate files. This is relevant for Android devices after all, when sending any files through instant messengers or applications, they are copied and heavily litter the memory. Given the lack of advertising in the program, it is one of the best of its kind.
Advantages:
Flaws:
- The application in automatic mode does not always find large files created by applications, and not downloaded by the user.
Price: Free
Many of us have Total Commander installed on our computers. Now it is the most convenient file manager with a two-window interface. Meanwhile, the developers are not asleep - some time ago they decided to create a separate version of the application, sharpening it for the Android operating system.
If desired, you can also enable a two-panel interface here - this is done in the settings. If you have Root rights, the program provides access to absolutely all folders. There is also a function that allows you to connect to an FTP server, useful for any owner of an Internet site. The display of files can be different - it all depends on how many of them you want to put on the screen of your smartphone. If you so wish, the file manager for Android will even show thumbnails of photos. Theoretically, this will completely abandon the standard "Gallery".
Other interesting things include the presence of a built-in archiver. Also, some users should like the function of managing other applications. There is also support for plugins that will allow you to access LAN, WebDAV and USB flash drives. In a word, Total Commander can easily be turned into a completely professional application.
Advantages:
- The presence of a two-panel mode.
- Possibility to download for free.
- Support for plugins, which are also distributed free of charge.
- The presence of a built-in archiver.
- Manage installed applications.
Flaws:
- Complex interface.
- Not every person will guess about the existence of plugins.
.FX File Explorer
Price: Free
If you want to download a file manager for Android with this name, then be prepared for the fact that it will be in English. Unfortunately, the authors of the application do not think about Russian-language localization yet. But that's no reason to skip it. The fact is that excellent two-window mode is implemented here. At the same time, the interface is simplified as much as possible, so that even a beginner will not have any questions.
Like many of its competitors, FX File Explorer creates thumbnails of media files so you don't have to rely solely on their names. The built-in archiver helps you work with files in ZIP, 7ZIP, GZIP and even RAR formats. The player should also please. A nice bonus is the HEX editor, which will come in handy for application creators. The developers have not forgotten about the usual text editor.
It is curious that you can transfer files using FX File Explorer to another device not only via traditional Bluetooth, but also via Wi-Fi. In a word, if you have no problems understanding English, then be sure to check out this application.
Advantages:
- Plugin support.
- Simple and intuitive interface, complemented by a two-pane mode.
- Transfer files over Wi-Fi.
- Built-in archiver.
- The presence of a HEX editor.
- FTP support.
- Good built-in media player.
Flaws:
- Only a trial version is available for free.
- The absence of the Russian language.
Xplore
Price: Free
And many people remember this file manager from the time of Symbian. Interestingly, the developers from Lonely Games did not seriously modify their creation with the advent of the Android era. There is a familiar interface that shows the device's file system in a tree structure. The music player allows you not to launch a separate application to listen to the audio file of interest. The creators did not forget about the HEX editor, which was also present on the N73 and other legendary smartphones of the past.
Any folder here can be added to Favorites. If you have Root rights, absolutely the entire file system is displayed. The archiver available here supports 7ZIP, RAR and ZIP formats. Webmasters will like the ability to send files via the FTP protocol. Well, ordinary users will be happy to introduce support for cloud storage here. By simple manipulations, you can transfer files via Wi-Fi.
In a word, one could safely say that X-Plore is the best file manager. But we will not do this. We understand that Explorer for Android should have the most simplified interface, because most smartphones are used by ordinary people who do not want to learn something new. And the interface available in X-Plore is difficult to understand - this could be said about the versions of the file manager for Symbian.
Advantages:
- Sending files over Wi-Fi.
- Cloud storage support.
- Built-in archiver.
- Ability to use dual mode.
- FTP protocol support.
- The presence of a HEX editor.
- Quick image preview.
- Distributed for free.
- The presence of a music player.
Flaws:
- The interface is rejected by beginners.
- Plugin support.
- Working with cloud storage
- FTP protocol support.
- Simple interface, understandable for a beginner.
- Built-in archiver.
- Ability to edit documents.
- Possibility to change the theme.
- Properly implemented two-pane mode.
- Creating a backup copy of files.
- The free trial mode lasts only 14 days.
- Unstable operation on some devices.
- Doesn't work well with large archives.
If it seems to you that the icons of folders and files are too large, then you can easily reduce them. There are also a large number of sorting criteria here, which also helps to quickly find the file you are interested in. The creators endowed solid explorer built-in archiver. He is able to create ZIP archives and tar. As for RAR, the file manager can only unpack such archives.
Experienced users will be delighted with the dual-window mode implemented here. The function of creating a backup copy of all files should also be liked - this is rarely found in such programs (if we are not talking about their computer versions). Finally, the possibility of using cloud storage is not superfluous.
Advantages:
Flaws:
To start working with files - simple copying, manual deletion, cleaning or something else - you need to open a special application. However, even the simplest question - how to open a file manager on Android - can confuse an inexperienced user. Where to begin?
There are several Android explorers and it is important to choose the right one.
Smartphone manufacturers are often limited to the standard file explorer from Google. Alas, its functionality leaves much to be desired. This application can perform only the most elementary operations - copying, moving, deleting, renaming.
This explorer does not have any advanced features, such as analyzing the contents of memory or working with system partitions in administrator mode. But if these functions are enough for you - to your health. As a rule, the icon of this file manager looks like a folder, like in Windows on a desktop computer.
The standard Android explorer does not offer wide functionality
Different manufacturers of smartphones and tablets use different skins. In some, the application shortcut is already placed on the desktop, in others it is hidden in the general list. The name may also differ: “Explorer”, “File Manager”, etc.
And if not
Then, before you open the file manager on Android, you need to install one. Today, one of the most interesting third-party file managers for Android is ES File Explorer. This application is rich in features:
- copes well with file operations and navigation;
- supports work with remote network and cloud resources;
- has advanced security and data analysis features.
At the same time, if you have ever dealt with the window system in Windows and at least once copied and renamed folders there, you will also figure it out easily with ES File Explorer.
Read a separate article on how to install it. And if necessary, you will find instructions in the program itself. On our portal you can download the application as
And GIF animations, and PDF documents, and some archives, and much more. How to sort all this? And how to quickly go to the file we need without getting lost when looking for it? Only using the file manager. Or "Explorer", as Windows experts call it. A huge number of such applications have been released for the Android operating system. We will try to tell you about the best of them.
Think back to your desktop computer, if you have one. Or at least a laptop. Such a device contains a huge number of photos, documents, music, and, in particular, those files whose extensions will not tell you anything. Modern smartphones are becoming more and more like computers.
They have a processor of similar power, a considerable amount of memory and a variety of various sensors. In this regard, we are starting to use smartphones in the manner of a computer. This means that such devices also accumulate a huge number of files. That is why you definitely need to install a file manager for Android in Russian. But which "explorer" should be downloaded? Here the choice is up to you. We will only talk about best apps of such kind.
File Manager for Android Total Commander
Surely many of our readers use Total Commander on their computer. This is a great two-window file manager. It is possible to implement a similar principle of operation on smartphones and tablets, but it will turn out to be inconvenient - it will simply be impossible to hit the tiny buttons and file names with your finger.
Therefore, the Android version of Total Commander is single-windowed at first glance. In tablet mode, there are already two panels. But with its help it is not difficult to rename files, move them, copy and perform other actions. And there is also the ability to connect via FTP or even via . That is, you can connect an external HDD and view its content through the app!
The file manager for Android offers to work with archives in ZIP or RAR formats for free. Yes, you read that right: the application is distributed free of charge, unlike its computer counterpart!
The main advantage of Total Commander is its performance even on old smartphones. Users note that the file manager launches successfully even on Android 1.5. And under the control of this version, the first commercial android smartphone functioned!
Docs To Go
This explorer for Android is primarily designed for working with documents. There are separate buttons, clicking on which leaves only files in PDF, PPT, DOC and XLS formats visible. However, the utility will also work for managing other files - you can also perform various actions with them.
The application allows you to view not only the contents of the built-in memory and microSD cards. If your device supports OTG technology, then a USB flash drive will also become visible. And with the help of Docs To Go, you can connect to - among the supported services are Google Drive, OneDrive, Box and Dropbox.
But the main advantage of the program is the fact that it can open office documents and even allows you to edit them! It turns out that you do not need to install office suites on your smartphone or tablet. Well, the disadvantage of the application is its high cost. Of course, there is also free version, but it is very limited in its functionality, and is also provided with advertising.
ES Explorer
This application is also known as ES File Explorer. It can be assumed that this is one of the simplest "conductors". Even those who recently picked up a smartphone for the first time will be able to deal with the program.
Here it is not necessary to go through the file system in search of music, images and any documents. The application contains separate buttons that immediately send you to the desired area file system. Also on the main page of the program, you can immediately see how much memory is currently occupied.
All in all, ES File Explorer offers traditional features. With it, you can copy and cut files, as well as rename them. Available here and work with archives. Other features include connection to cloud storage OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive and some others.
Built in here and support local networks along with FTP. In a word, this is an excellent file manager for Android, which you can download for free! Of the shortcomings of the utility, only the presence of advertising can be noted. If it annoys you, then you can buy the PRO version for about 180 rubles. It also allows you to customize your interface.
file manager
For some connoisseurs operating system Android this program is known as "Explorer by Cheetah Mobile". In terms of the interestingness of the interface, the application is inferior to many competitors - something similar was offered by Java applications.
Most of all, File Manager resembles, oddly enough, the traditional "Explorer" for some Windows XP. In terms of functionality, you should not expect anything unusual either. The file manager allows you to copy, cut, rename and perform other simple actions. Any directory can be added to Favorites so that you can get quick access to it in the future.
You can download the file manager for Android from Cheetah Mobile for free. In this case, you will get absolutely all the functionality - up to viewing a remote server via FTP or some other protocols. The interface has been translated into many languages, including Russian. The only downside is the ads that pop up from time to time. You can get rid of it only by purchasing the Pro version.
If you search Google Play for a file manager for Android in Russian, you will surely come across a huge number of programs that are called “File Manager”. In our case, we are talking about the fruit of the work of developers from Flashlight + Clock. This application has been downloaded over five million times.
Every few months it is updated - developers add new features. For example, in the summer of 2017, support for WebDAV and Yandex.Disk was introduced. As you already understood, the program has support for cloud storage - in addition to the Russian service, these are Google Drive and Dropbox.
The application allows you to perform a variety of operations with files. At the same time, the file manager provides access not only to documents, videos and musical compositions. With this program, you can even access all applications installed on the device - including copying them to another area of the file system. The utility also understands connecting to NAS and FTP servers. Through the same FTP, you can establish a connection to a PC.
solid explorer
If you need an Android explorer in Russian, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with Solid Explorer. Especially if the files you need are contained not only in the smartphone itself. The fact is that here you can easily access the information stored on the memory card.
And if your device has OTG support, then a USB flash drive will also be available! But that's not all. Using Solid Explorer, you can connect to the "cloud", an account on which you have already registered. Supported services include Yandex.Disk, Dropbox, and OneDrive. And in the corresponding list of connection types you will find FTP, SFTP, WebDav and LAN.
The application is able to please the built-in archiver. Supported formats include both ZIP and RAR. Of the unique features of the utility, support for Chromecast and third-party plug-ins can be noted. And on a tablet, you'll enjoy a dual-pane mode that simplifies everything you do.
If you think about it, Solid Explorer is the best file manager for Android. The guys at NeatBytes did a great job. But pay attention to the fact that you can use all the functionality for free only for 14 days. Then you have to pay for the full set of features.
Amaze File Manager
The most concise file manager in our selection. Surely, in terms of the width of the functionality, it will be very close to the "explorer" that is preinstalled on your smartphone. But it is precisely for its conciseness that many users love it. After all, many of them do not have an account in any cloud storage. Then why the corresponding function?
We can say that everything superfluous is excluded from Amaze File Manager. Only buttons leading to videos, photos, music and downloads remained here. The application also has a button leading to the DCIM directory - usually there are not only photos taken with the built-in camera, but also screenshots. A feature of the utility is support for themes. And there is also a built-in application manager - in case the standard one did not please you with something. This program is distributed free of charge.
Conductor
Of course, there could not be a program called “Explorer” on Google Play. This is a free file manager that offers a look at what documents, music tracks and photos are contained in the device's memory.
It provides traditional functionality - files are allowed to be moved, copied, renamed and some other actions can be performed with them. You can also view the contents of a memory card or USB flash drive using Explorer (if OTG is supported). Also, the developers have introduced the ability to connect to multiple cloud storage, which is also good news.
In general, the program cannot surprise with something like that. Yes, there is an application manager. Yes, the built-in archiver understands many different formats, including TGZ and TBZ. But almost all these functions are available in other file managers. Well, "Explorer" differs from them only in free. And even then it is conditional - if you want to disable the display of ads, you will still have to pay a certain amount.
File Expert
One of the rare file explorers that provide the ability to view the contents of the built-in memory in the form of a tree. At the same time, there is a full-fledged player that allows you to refuse to launch other applications in order to view or listen to media files.
And this is just one of the advantages of File Expert! It also has a built-in SQLite database editor. All sorts of protocols are also supported here, allowing you to view the file system of a remote server. For example, you can even watch videos using FTP and SMB!
This file manager also has such a simple thing as a text editor. It can save and open files with extensions .conf, .config, .log and many others. Another interesting feature of this "guide" is the presence of a shredder.
This function allows you to delete a file and overwrite it - recovery after that becomes impossible. Of course, there is also support for cloud storage - including almost all of the most popular ones. And if you sign up for the corresponding subscription, you will get 10 TB of space in GCloud.
Surprisingly, we haven't even listed half of File Expert's features! This must be one of the best "guides". But you will have to pay for all the functionality - this will scare away some smartphone owners.
Root Browser
A free explorer for Android called Root Browser is worth downloading only for those who have. This file manager is designed to give you access to hidden sections of the file system. You need to be extremely careful - deleting some important files can damage the operating system and "brick" the device!
Unlike other "explorers", Root Browser can be called a professional application. It even has the ability to execute script files! Of course, the utility can also work with archives of different formats - it can even unpack the APKS file.
For any folders and files using the Root Browser, you can change the access rights. The SQLite explorer is also present here. Almost any file can be edited, and their sorting can be done not only by name, but also by date.
In general, the application causes only positive emotions. However, you should remember that it is designed only for viewing the file system of a smartphone or memory card. There is no way to connect to the cloud storage and carry out other similar actions. But if you have root access, then you need to install this file manager anyway.
Now you know about all the file managers for Android that are worthy of a place in the built-in memory. However, do not rush to download and use such programs with might and main. Check out our short tips:
- Do not go into hidden sections of the file system unless absolutely necessary. Accidental actions with the settings files of the operating system or pre-installed applications can lead to consequences that only flashing can eliminate.
- Immediately connect your cloud storage accounts to the file manager. This will allow you to appreciate such a cool feature if it is provided by your chosen “explorer”.
- Train yourself to download media files from your computer using a file manager, over the air - this is much more convenient than when connected.
- Use dual-pane mode on your tablet, if available. It is much easier to copy or move files in it.
- Do not spare money for the paid version of the "explorer". It costs, as a rule, inexpensively, but at the same time it eliminates annoying ads and provides access to more functions.
These are our simple tips. Let's hope you find them useful!
Summarizing
It is possible that more advanced file managers will be released for the operating system in the future. But so far, the applications we have selected provide the greatest functionality. They also have the most convenient interface.
Here we will not talk about which particular “conductor” is the best. Each of the presented programs is good in its own way. We suggest that you gradually familiarize yourself with all the applications at once - especially since many of them are free.
What file manager have you used so far? Or did you not even think about installing it before reading our article? Share your opinion in the comments.
File Manager is an application that allows you to effectively manage your files on Android. Thanks to it, you can create folders, delete and copy files, add them to archives and extract them from there. By default, in the standard firmware of most devices, there are file managers, however, as a rule, they have only a basic set of functions, which are not always enough for comfortable work.
Which file manager to install on Android depends, first of all, on your needs. Consider several applications that are able to manage files on your device.
Total Commander
A fairly well-known file manager among Windows users, a feature of which is its two-panel design. In landscape mode, the application looks like you are working on a desktop PC.
Key features:
- copy, move, rename, delete, create folders
- copy, move, rename, delete files
- send files via Bluetooth (OBEX)
- display thumbnails of graphic files
- simultaneous selection of multiple files
- file sorting
- archiving and unzipping ZIP archives
- unzipping RAR archives.
Additional features:
- setting up internal file associations (system independent)
- delete and backup applications
- bookmarks
- story
- Search
- built-in text editor
- built-in audio/video player
- root support
- support for Lan, Ftp, WebDAV (using additional plugins)
- DropBox support (optional plugin)
- changing file attributes
- adding buttons with custom commands
- internal commands, launching programs given with a parameter.
The disadvantages include a fairly simple appearance and lack of updates. But do not forget that the application is absolutely free.
ASTRO File Manager
Unlike Total Commander, this file manager has a modern, up-to-date user interface and more advanced features for the average user.
Key features:
Additional features:
- built-in application manager (application backup)
- built-in task killer
- Information about the load of individual folders on the SD card.
ASTRO File Manager is an interesting product that is suitable for most ordinary users. The disadvantages include the impossibility in advanced mode, having root rights, and there is also no possibility to set file attributes.
Install ASTRO File Manager from GooglePlay: install
In addition, there are other file managers:
Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, the choice is great, so everyone will choose what suits him.
