Nextcloud on Android with AnExplorer
Nextcloud is the most widely deployed self-hosted cloud storage platform. Unlike Dropbox or OneDrive, you run Nextcloud on your own server — a home NAS, a VPS, or a Raspberry Pi. AnExplorer connects to Nextcloud via WebDAV, giving you full file management without needing the Nextcloud mobile app.
How to Connect Nextcloud to AnExplorer
Nextcloud exposes a WebDAV endpoint at:
https://your-nextcloud-server.com/remote.php/dav/files/YOUR_USERNAME/
In AnExplorer:
- Open AnExplorer and tap + in the sidebar
- Select WebDAV
- Enter your Nextcloud WebDAV URL (see format above)
- Username: your Nextcloud login
- Password: your Nextcloud password (or an app password — recommended)
The connection appears in the AnExplorer sidebar as a WebDAV bookmark.
Use an App Password (Strongly Recommended)
Nextcloud supports app-specific passwords, which let you grant AnExplorer access without exposing your main Nextcloud password. If your main password changes, only the app password needs to be regenerated.
Create an app password in Nextcloud:
- Log in to your Nextcloud web interface
- Go to Profile icon → Personal settings → Security
- Under "Devices & sessions", enter a name like
AnExplorerand click Create new app password - Copy the generated password and paste it into AnExplorer's WebDAV password field
What You Can Do
| Action | Notes |
|---|---|
| Browse all Nextcloud folders | Including shared folders and team spaces |
| Download to phone | Long-press > Copy > Paste to local folder |
| Upload from phone | Copy local file > Paste to Nextcloud WebDAV bookmark |
| Create folders | Long-press in space > New Folder |
| Delete files | Long-press > Delete |
| Move between Nextcloud and NAS | Copy from Nextcloud > Paste to SMB/FTP bookmark |
For moving files between Nextcloud and a NAS directly from AnExplorer, see the NAS connection guide. This works because AnExplorer can have both open at the same time in its sidebar.
Common Nextcloud Deployment Types
| Deployment | Nextcloud URL format |
|---|---|
| Home server (local only) | http://192.168.1.x/remote.php/dav/files/USERNAME/ |
| VPS or cloud server | https://cloud.yourdomain.com/remote.php/dav/files/USERNAME/ |
| Synology via Nextcloud package | https://your-nas.com:PORT/remote.php/dav/files/USERNAME/ |
| Nextcloud All-in-One (Docker) | Typically https://cloud.yourdomain.com/remote.php/dav/files/USERNAME/ |
For HTTP-only (no HTTPS) connections on a local network: some Android versions require a specific setting to allow cleartext HTTP connections. If the connection fails, try adding https:// even on LAN — or set up a self-signed certificate in Nextcloud.
Nextcloud vs Nextcloud + AnExplorer vs Nextcloud App
| Nextcloud App | AnExplorer + WebDAV | |
|---|---|---|
| Photo auto-sync | ✅ | ❌ |
| File browsing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Manage NAS files alongside | ❌ | ✅ |
| Offline access | ✅ (marked files) | Downloads only |
| Archive handling (ZIP/7z) | ❌ | ✅ |
| TV/Wear OS access | ❌ | ✅ |
| Multiple cloud accounts | ❌ | ✅ |
If you also want photo auto-sync from your phone to Nextcloud, keep the Nextcloud app installed alongside AnExplorer — use Nextcloud app for sync, AnExplorer for browse and manage.
Troubleshooting
Connection refused or 404 error:
- Verify the WebDAV URL format — the
/remote.php/dav/files/USERNAME/path is required - Test in a browser: paste the WebDAV URL — you should see an authentication prompt
401 Unauthorized:
- Double-check username and password
- If you have 2FA enabled on Nextcloud, you must use an app password (not your main password)
Slow performance over remote connection:
- Nextcloud WebDAV over the internet is slower than local LAN access
- For home use, SMB on your NAS alongside Nextcloud is faster for large files
Related Guides
- WebDAV connections in AnExplorer
- ownCloud connection guide
- Connect to NAS from Android
- SFTP for secure remote access