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 require AnExplorer's permission:

1. In AnExplorer, navigate to Internal Storage → Android → data
2. Android 11+ requires you to grant permission using the system folder picker — AnExplorer will prompt you
3. Tap Allow in the system dialog
4. Now you can browse per-app data: cache, downloaded files, settings exports

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