Files

Android's built-in file picker and Files app that other apps use to open, save and attach documents. Keep it: Files is needed for the phone, its updates or its security.

What it does

Files is Google's build of the DocumentsUI Mainline module. It is the system file picker that appears when an app asks you to choose a document, attach a file or pick a save location, and it also opens as a basic file browser for downloads, internal storage, SD cards and cloud storage apps. Google updates it through Google Play system updates. It is separate from the Files by Google app, although both can appear under similar names.

Also shown as DocumentsUI, File picker.

If you disable it

Apps can no longer open the file picker, so attaching files, opening documents and choosing save locations fail across the phone. Community lists rate removal as unsafe.

How to disable it

On most phones Settings greys out Disable for this package, so ADB is the way to turn it off. The commands below work without root and can be undone.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.documentsui

adb shell pm enable com.google.android.documentsui

The stronger option removes it for your user only; the original copy stays on the phone and a factory reset brings it back. Prefer disabling: it is easier to undo.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.documentsui

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.documentsui

New to ADB? Set it up in about ten minutes.

Data and battery

Shows files only when you browse them and grants the requesting app access to the files you pick.

Where it appears

• Made by Google LLC.
• Android versions: 10 and later.