Hi, I’ve been using material files on Android, and I especially like how you can share anything to it, and it will give you the option to save it as a file.
However, recently, it has lost its ability to save files. I think it doesn’t have permission anymore, with no ability to reenable. So, I was wondering if anybody else can recommend a good file browser and file manager for Android?
Edit: thanks for the recs! I’m trying them out.
You must log in or register to comment.
I don’t have an answer to your question, but one thing I love about Material Files that I haven’t seen in other FOSS apps, is that it has lots of options to access network locations, including SMB, (S)FTP, and WebDAV, and other apps’ files via Storage Access Framework.
On my tablet (which I currently use as both a dev machine and a file server) I can access Termux and TIC-80 home directories, and from other devices I can access the WebDAV server (Copyparty under Termux).
I just wish it had better UI when using a keyboard (tablet) or remote control (TV).
I’ve had a fine experience with Fossify File Manager. I can’t recall running into anything I wanted to do that it couldn’t handle.
I use Fossify FM for most on-device stuff, thumbs up from me too.
If I need to copy/move files between my phone and my NAS I use Ghost Commander as it has SMB support and the dual-panels make moving between devices easier to grapple with visually.
I’ve always used Solid Explorer.
Yeah, I started using them forever ago and haven’t looked back because it does exactly what I want it to. My only sad is that it isn’t open source.
not foss, but i always use total commander
There’s Ghost Commander, if you want a foss alternative to Total Commander. I remember the switch as Ghost Commander feeling basically the same but slightly better.
Same
CX File Explorer has always worked well for me.
I like it a lot too and it’d be perfect if it had a dark theme, I feel like I’m waiting on this since ages
Very friendly for NAS users too.
Not foss, but MiXplorer is the best file manager I have ever used, it’s easy to use and packed with features. You can get if for free from Xdaforums
I used ES File Explorer for 10 years before finally giving up on an old, pre-enshittified version, and switching to Mix.
I don’t love it, but its the best out there today.
Edit: Some of the way it works is really powerful, like the bookmark system, tab management, copy process, etc. I just can’t get it to look the way I want, with slightly larger everything, and higher contrast text/icons (I admit I’m too lazy to make it happen, pretty sure I could just create a skin).
I’m still using FX File Explorer which apparently hasn’t been updated since 2023 yet still works fine on Android 16?
I still have the option to save stuff as a file with material files, so not sure what’s wrong.
What happens when you hit save? I get get that far but afterwards I get permission denied.
Edit: seems like it is only/mainly for certain images. I’m trying to find an example.
Are webp files giving you a hard time? They’re a pain in the butt.
Yeah I think that’s it! What’s the hangup?
Webp’s are the biggest pains in the butt. I hate them. Very few apps that I use support sharing them. I usually have to take a screenshot of the webp, save it as something that’s not an idiot format, and THEN share it. I don’t have anything against the format, itself, I just wish it was more widely-supported.
I just don’t get why the error would say permission denied when I try to save it with material files. Shrug!
The rest makes sense I’ll probably do that.
It saves the file and it works. I think there might be a permissions issue with some images (are the images part of a particular album/folder? Are they all from a certain app? etc.)
Double check the permissions of Material Files, maybe you have it set to something like “only allow images I select”
I recently switched from Amaze to Fossify Manager and Gallery.
Amaze file manager off FDroid
