Native file management is one of the main reasons to choose Android over iOS. Power users rely on third-party apps like ES File Manager and Solid Explorer from the Play Store. Most Android phones come with a built-in file manager app. However, these are basic at best. Among them, Samsung’s default File Manager stands out with various features. Read along to learn the best tips and tricks for it.
Samsung’s native file management is not limited to moving files from one folder to another. It supports third-party cloud storage and a few other tricks up its sleeve to keep you away from third-party options in the Play Store.
1. Mark a File as a Favorite
If you need to access certain files frequently, you should bookmark them for easy access. Open the File Manager app on your Samsung phone, select the photo, video or document and tap the little star icon in the upper right corner.
You can now access these starred files from the Favorites section separate from the home screen.
2. Add Items to Home Screen
Samsung also allows you to add a file or image shortcut to the phone or tablet home screen. You can access these files directly from the home screen without going to the Gallery or File Manager app. Open the File Manager app and tap and hold the image, video or file you want to add on the home screen.
Tap the More button in the lower right corner and select Add to home screen. Use the add button or drag and drop the file to your preferred location on the home screen.
3. Remove Location Data While Sharing
Samsung introduced this neat trick for your peace of mind when sharing pictures or videos. When you select and tap the share button, the One UI share menu prompts you to remove location data before transferring it to the other person.
4. Unzip ZIP or RAR Archive Files
Samsung Files, Zip, RAR, 7Z etc. It has a separate Compressed folder to access files. You can also open these archive files and access the content in them.
This way, you don’t need to download another application just to check the archive files.
5. Clear Recent Files List
By default, Samsung Files shows frequently used files and pictures at the top. If there is some sensitive or private content, you may want to clear the recent files list from the My Files main screen.
Tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner and select the Clear Recent Files list from the menu below.
6. Integrate Third-Party Cloud Storage
Samsung’s My Files app works as a central hub to manage all files stored on the phone, SD Card or cloud storage. The app lets you view and access files on popular services like OneDrive and Google Drive. We hope to see Dropbox and Box included in future updates.
7. Use Network Storage
Samsung didn’t stop with the cloud storage addon in the My Files app. The app also allows you to add an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or SFTP server to the Files app and access locally stored files from PC or Mac.
Go to Network storage > Add network storage and select FTP or SFTP server. You can also add a Network driver to the application.
8. Customize My Files Homepage
If you don’t use OneDrive or Google Drive cloud storage, you can remove these options from the home screen. Go to My Files Settings > Customize My File Home and disable any options you no longer need.
9. Analyze Storage
Samsung My Files has a nifty Storage Analytics option that provides a detailed look at the type of content taking up space on the device. With a single tap, you can find large files, duplicate files and remove irrelevant content from Samsung device.
10. View Hidden Folders and Files
Want to access folders and files in your phone’s internal storage? Go to My Files Settings, scroll down to show hidden system files and enable the option.
After that, the My Files app will show you the hidden folders and files with a dot and slightly translucent icons in front of their respective names.
Manage Files Like a Pro
Samsung My Files is a powerful file management application. We like that the app offers OneDrive, Google Drive, and FTP integration in the app. Which is your favorite number from the list? Mute the sound in the comments section below.
Next: Samsung Gallery is a capable gallery app on Galaxy devices as well. Read the post below to learn about the top ten Samsung Gallery tips and tricks.
