[5.4.2+] Android files have moved; How to access mods/worlds/etc on Android

Post Reply
User avatar
rubenwardy
Moderator
Posts: 6972
Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2012 18:11
GitHub: rubenwardy
IRC: rubenwardy
In-game: rubenwardy
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Contact:

[5.4.2+] Android files have moved; How to access mods/worlds/etc on Android

by rubenwardy » Post

Minetest 5.4.2 was released to Android only on 23rd October 2021

Before, Minetest files were stored in a public directory in a "Minetest" folder. From November 2021, Google prevents apps from accessing this public directory directly, in order to improve privacy. Therefore, we've had to move from this public directory to an app directory.

5.4.2 will automatically move user data from the public directory to the app directory, as part of the app loading process.

Accessing user data files

Where?

Before you try to access your files, make sure you open Minetest at least once.

Minetest user data files are stored at /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/net.minetest.minetest/files/Minetest. This may be under Internal Storage > Android > data > net.minetest.minetest in your file manager.

If this folder is empty or doesn't exist, then it's likely that your file manager doesn't have permission to read all files. You may be able to find a setting in the file manager to enable this. If not, you might need to install a different file manager, such as Total Commander.

Using Total Commander
  • Open Minetest at least once
  • Install and open Total Commander
  • Go to Internal shared storage > Android > data > Installed apps
    Screenshot_20220113-150056.png
    Screenshot_20220113-150056.png (46.67 KiB) Viewed 5330 times
  • There will be a dialog asking you to choose a directory. Click Yes,
    photo1642094073.jpeg
    photo1642094073.jpeg (31.52 KiB) Viewed 5326 times
  • Tap "Use this folder", and then "agree" on the dialog
    usethisfolder.jpeg
    usethisfolder.jpeg (65.17 KiB) Viewed 5307 times
  • Select net.minetest.minetest and then open files/Minetest.
  • You should now see Minetest's files.
    Tap the bookmark icon at the top, and then tap "Add bookmark" at the bottom.
    minetest.jpeg
    minetest.jpeg (65.5 KiB) Viewed 5306 times
  • Check "show in home folder"
    add_bookmark.png
    add_bookmark.png (44.67 KiB) Viewed 5307 times
  • Optional: you can click the folder icon and choose Installed Apps > Minetest to have a Minetest icon for the bookmark.
  • Tap "Add new bookmark"
  • On the home screen of Total Commander, there will now be a link to the Minetest folder.
  • Optional: To add a shortcut on your phone's homescreen, tap and hold the "Minetest" folder/link, and then select "Create link on desktop"
    shortcut.jpeg
    shortcut.jpeg (26.62 KiB) Viewed 5302 times
And that's it.

In the future, to access the Minetest folder all you need to do is tap the bookmark on Total Commander's homescreen, or the launcher link on your phone's homescreen.

Thanks to ROllerozxa for their feedback on this guide
Renewed Tab (my browser add-on) | Donate | Mods | Minetest Modding Book

Hello profile reader

User avatar
ROllerozxa
Member
Posts: 157
Joined: Sun Apr 25, 2021 12:25
GitHub: ROllerozxa
IRC: ROllerozxa
In-game: ROllerozxa
Location: Sweden
Contact:

Re: [5.4.2+] Android files have moved; How to access mods/worlds/etc on Android

by ROllerozxa » Post

This method unfortunately no longer works on Android 13, as this was a bug/exploit that was patched by Google.

If you are on Android 13 and have a computer, you can use ADB to access and manage your user data on Android, see this Wiki page for more details.

Delta352448
New member
Posts: 0
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2023 00:23

Re: [5.4.2+] Android files have moved; How to access mods/worlds/etc on Android

by Delta352448 » Post

What about releasing a version of MT with access to public storage on f-droid or somewhere else since google play does not allow it?

DFeniks
New member
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2016 02:29
In-game: DFeniks Dfeniks

Re: [5.4.2+] Android files have moved; How to access mods/worlds/etc on Android

by DFeniks » Post

Good that i'm still on Android 12 , now i just need to prevent it from upgrading.
But about Minetest , perhaps some inbuilt data importer/exporter could be made? or basically some mini file manager in Minetest itself.

Delta352448
New member
Posts: 0
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2023 00:23

Re: [5.4.2+] Android files have moved; How to access mods/worlds/etc on Android

by Delta352448 » Post

Delta352448 wrote:
Wed Jan 11, 2023 00:28
What about releasing a version of MT with access to public storage on f-droid or somewhere else since google play does not allow it?
what do I need to change in the source code before compiling to allow for that? When did that change happen, can someone help by linking that commit on github? Can't find it on my own. TIA

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests