> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Fossify File Manager: Open Source Replacement to Files by Google on Android - URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/fossify-file-manager-android/ - Published: 2025-01-03T10:08:28.000Z - Updated: 2025-01-03T10:08:28.000Z - Description: Ready to simplify file management on Android without using Google's app or your manufacturer? Try this! - Author: Sourav Rudra - Tags: Open Source Android Apps 🤖, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15 On Linux, there's no shortage of [good file managers](https://itsfoss.com/file-managers-linux/), allowing people to easily navigate and organize their way around files/folders. Each solution brings something unique to the table; if you were looking for something lightweight, then you have [Thunar](https://gitlab.xfce.org/xfce/thunar?ref=itsfoss.com); if you want more features, then you have the likes of [Dolphin](https://apps.kde.org/dolphin/?ref=itsfoss.com) and [Nautilus](https://apps.gnome.org/Nautilus/?ref=itsfoss.com). Similarly, on Android, there are a bunch of file manager offerings, each with something different to offer, but sadly, many of those are **infested with trackers and advertisements**, making one wonder: *Is my data being used to sell me stuff?* For this article, we have an open source offering called Fossify File Manager, which **respects its users' privacy** by not employing any ad or tracking tech. ## Fossify File Manager: Handle Files With Ease ![there are three horizontally arranged screenshots of fossify file manager that show the initial permission request for file access, a list of folders under a folder named pictures, and a list of .jpg images inside a folder called reddit](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/12/Fossify_File_Manager_a.png) Written in [Kotlin](https://kotlinlang.org/?ref=itsfoss.com), Fossify File Manager is **a no-nonsense app that makes organizing files/folders easy**. It has been built to be fast, secure, and highly customizable, providing its users with have a hassle-free experience. I took it for a spin on Android 12, and **my experience was great**. At first launch, Fossify File Manager asked for access to all my files, and after granting the necessary permission, I was able to use it. By default, all the files and folders are laid out in a list with information about each file, like its name, date of modification, and format being shown towards the right. There is **a useful search bar at the top** with a quick shortcut button for the home directory, and besides that are tools to sort any files/folders, change filename visibility, set a folder as home, and more. ![there are three horizontally arranged screenshots of fossify file manager that show many .jpg images in a grid view, a recents page that shows a list of .jpg and .m4a files, and the storage tab that shows how much storage space is remaining (46.9 gb out of 137.4 gb)](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/12/Fossify_File_Manager_b.png) There is also **a grid view** for those who prefer having a more expansive look at their photos and videos, with the “*Recents*” tab listing out any recently accessed/downloaded files for quick access. If you want to **track your smartphone's storage usage**, then you can switch to the “*Storage*” tab to get a detailed overview of how your device's storage has been used across different kinds of data types. ![there are three horizontally arranged screenshots of fossify file manager that show multiple files being selected, file properties for a folder, and the dialog to create a new file or folder](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2024/12/Fossify_File_Manager_c.png) **Managing multiple files and folders is quite straightforward** with the selection tool, and useful details are shown when tapping on the round *i* button for opening up the *Properties* dialog (*the big I button is for renaming*). If you wanted, you could **remove the EXIF data of a selected image** when that dialog is open. Another thing to know is that you can also easily create new files and folders. In my brief testing of the app, there were **other features I didn't really go over in depth**. There are some really handy ones, like **file compression**, **a basic document editor**, the ability to **set files and folders as favorites**, and even **create home screen shortcuts** out of files/folders. If you would rather not install an ad-filled file manager or want to ditch Google's Files app or the default file manager app on your phone, this is a solid alternative. ## Install Fossify File Manager The up-to-date releases of Fossify File Manager can be found on [F-Droid](https://f-droid.org/packages/org.fossify.filemanager/?ref=itsfoss.com), [IzzyOnDroid](https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/org.fossify.filemanager?ref=itsfoss.com) and the [Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.fossify.filemanager&ref=itsfoss.com). For the APKs or the source code, you can consider visiting [GitHub](https://github.com/FossifyOrg/File-Manager?ref=itsfoss.com). [Fossify File Manager](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.fossify.filemanager&ref=itsfoss.com) **Suggested Read** 📖 [15 Best File Managers and File Explorers for LinuxLooking for file managers and explorers for your distro? Here are some of the best options!![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/12/android-chrome-192x192.png)It's FOSSSreenath![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/01/file-managers-linux.png)](https://itsfoss.com/file-managers-linux/)