How to Show Hidden Files on Android

Android hides files and folders that start with a dot (.) by default — just like Linux. Many apps store data in hidden directories (/.thumbnails/, /.cache/, /.nomedia) that your regular file manager never shows. AnExplorer lets you toggle hidden file visibility instantly.

Quick Answer

AnExplorer → tap ⋮ (Settings or View Options) → enable Show Hidden Files. All dotfiles and hidden folders instantly appear.

Enable Hidden Files in AnExplorer

1. Open AnExplorer
2. Tap ⋮ More (three-dot menu) → Settings or View Options
3. Toggle Show Hidden Files to enabled
4. Hidden files and folders (those starting with .) now appear in all directories

To hide them again: same menu → toggle off.

What Hidden Files Look Like

Hidden files on Android follow the Linux convention — they start with a period (.):

• .thumbnails/ — thumbnail cache for gallery images
• .nomedia — empty file that tells gallery apps to ignore a folder
• .cache/ — app-specific browser or media cache
• .DS_Store — macOS metadata (usually harmless, from Mac file transfers)
• .trashed-* — files moved to trash on some systems

Hidden directories may also have a regular name but be inside hidden parent folders.

Common Hidden Files and What to Do With Them

Access App Data in Hidden Directories

App data is stored in /Android/data/[app.package.name]/ — these aren't strictly hidden (they don't start with .) but they have been increasingly restricted by modern Android versions:

• Android 11 and 12: You must grant permission using the system folder picker when prompted by AnExplorer.
• Android 13 and 14+: Google completely blocks file managers from directly accessing these directories. However, AnExplorer supports accessing them by opening the system file manager natively, or alternatively, by using its Root File Manager mode via ADB.
• Connecting via PC: You can always access and modify these files by connecting your device to a PC via USB MTP.

Adding a .nomedia File to a Folder

If you have photos in a folder that keep showing up in your Gallery app:

1. Navigate to the folder in AnExplorer
2. Tap ⋮ More → New File
3. Name it exactly: .nomedia (with the dot prefix, no extension)
4. Create the file — Gallery apps will now ignore that entire folder

This is useful for: meme folders, app icon sets, wallpapers, project assets you don't want polluting your photo gallery.

Remove .nomedia (Make Folder Visible to Gallery)

If a folder's photos are missing from your Gallery app:

1. Enable hidden files in AnExplorer (as described above)
2. Navigate to the affected folder
3. Look for a .nomedia file
4. Long-press it → Delete
5. Reopen your Gallery app — the photos should now appear (may need a refresh or restart)

Root-Only Hidden Directories

Some directories are protected by Android's root system and require root access even with hidden files shown:

If you have a rooted device: AnExplorer → Settings → Enable Root Support → ReMount root. Then navigate to /data/data/[app.package]/databases/ for direct SQLite access.

Troubleshooting

Hidden files toggle enabled but some folders still not visible

• Some folders are protected by Android's security model and are truly inaccessible without root, regardless of file visibility settings
• /data/app/ (installed APK storage) requires root
• Try using AnExplorer's system access mode for deeper navigation

.nomedia file created but gallery still shows photos

• Gallery apps cache their index — restart the Gallery app or reboot for the .nomedia to take effect
• Some gallery apps (Google Photos, Samsung Gallery) may sync cloud photos even when local .nomedia is present

Related Guides

• WhatsApp Storage Fix — manage WhatsApp's hidden media folders
• Storage Full Fix — find hidden large files consuming space
• Backup Apps as APK — access app data before backup