ownCloud on Android with AnExplorer
ownCloud is the original open-source self-hosted cloud platform — Nextcloud was forked from ownCloud in 2016. Both use the same WebDAV protocol for file access, so AnExplorer connects to ownCloud in the same way: via a WebDAV bookmark.
How to Connect ownCloud to AnExplorer
ownCloud exposes WebDAV at:
https://your-owncloud-server.com/remote.php/webdav/
Older ownCloud v8 and below use /remote.php/webdav (no trailing slash); v9+ uses the same path as above.
In AnExplorer:
- Open AnExplorer and tap + in the sidebar
- Select WebDAV
- Enter your ownCloud WebDAV URL
- Username and Password: your ownCloud credentials
The connection appears in AnExplorer's sidebar and works like any other storage location.
App Passwords for ownCloud
If you have 2FA (two-factor authentication) enabled in ownCloud, you must use an app password. App password support was introduced in ownCloud 10.0.
Create an app password:
- Log in to ownCloud
- Click top-right avatar → Settings → Security
- In the "App passwords" section, generate a new app password
- Use this password in AnExplorer instead of your main password
ownCloud vs Nextcloud — Key Differences for AnExplorer Users
Both are self-hosted WebDAV servers and connect identically to AnExplorer. The main differences are in the server software itself:
| ownCloud | Nextcloud | |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL + Commercial | AGPL |
| Typical users | Enterprise (ownCloud Infinite Scale) | Self-hosters, homelab |
| Mobile sync app | ✅ | ✅ |
| AnExplorer WebDAV | ✅ | ✅ |
| Synology package | ✅ | ✅ |
| Docker image | ✅ | ✅ |
If you're deciding between the two for a fresh install: Nextcloud has a larger community and receives more frequent updates. ownCloud's Infinite Scale (oCIS) is their next-generation rewrite being adopted by enterprise customers.
WebDAV URL by ownCloud Version
| ownCloud Version | WebDAV URL |
|---|---|
| ownCloud 10.x | https://your-server.com/remote.php/webdav/ |
| ownCloud Infinite Scale (oCIS) | https://your-server.com/remote.php/webdav/ (same) |
| Older v8 and below | https://your-server.com/remote.php/webdav |
Test your URL in a browser — if prompted with an HTTP authentication dialog, the URL is correct. A 404 means the URL needs adjustment.
Common Workflows
Move files from ownCloud to NAS:
- Open ownCloud WebDAV bookmark in AnExplorer
- Long-press files > Copy
- Navigate to your SMB/NAS bookmark
- Paste — AnExplorer transfers directly between the two servers
Back up phone photos to ownCloud:
- Navigate to your phone's
DCIM/folder in AnExplorer - Select photos > Copy
- Open ownCloud WebDAV > navigate to backup folder > Paste
For automated photo backup, the official ownCloud Android app has an auto-upload feature — use AnExplorer for management and bulk file operations alongside it.
Troubleshooting
SSL certificate error:
- ownCloud with self-signed certificates will cause an SSL error in AnExplorer
- Most users install a proper certificate via Let's Encrypt; on LAN, try HTTP instead of HTTPS
Connection timeout on remote access:
- Make sure port 443 (HTTPS) or 80 (HTTP) is open on your router
- For more secure remote access, use SFTP or VPN + WebDAV instead of exposing ownCloud publicly
Related Guides
- Nextcloud WebDAV guide
- WebDAV connections in AnExplorer
- Connect to NAS from Android
- SFTP for remote secure access