After you have downloaded and installed Cx File Explorer on your Android smartphone or tablet, or Windows PC it is time to get run the app and see what it can do.
Settings
Let’s check Settings first (tap on a small button at the top right corner; you can access them only from the main app’s window):
Default apps allow you to set up apps to open photos, music, videos, and other files. You can also turn on Compatibility mode, but for it to work you need to install File URI Plugin.
In the next section Built-in apps, you can deselect any of the mentioned apps if you are not satisfied with the way Cx File Explorer handles these files.
Notification Settings allow you to select whether you want to receive a notification about the remaining free space or not. The minimum value is 85% of used storage space.
Recycle Bin Settings are useful if you want to move files to the Recycle bin first and only then delete them from your device.
Advanced Settings are as follows:
- Tick or untick Detect USB Connection.
- Show System Storage. If selected, on the Local tab the following folder will appear:
Now you can see what files are used by the Android system.
Show advanced menus enables additional functionality of Cx File Explorer:
- Enables Add to Home Screen button in the advanced menu options. After you have selected any file or folder , tap on button and to create the shortcut of any app, folder, or another file on Home Screen.
- Hide/Unhide any file or folder
- Open As to view images, videos, or other files in an application other than the default one.
About simply shows the current Cx File Explorer version. If you tap on it you can select Debug Mode to perform debugging.
Tip: You also can access Recycle Bin Settings and Show advanced menus by tapping on More and then after selecting any file or folder.
Usage
The top part of the screen is used for Storage Analysis:
If you tap on ANALYZE button you get access to the following information:
- How much free space do you have on your device. Tapping on More provides you with detailed information on how much space each folder takes:
- The cumulative size of all large files
- Currently cached files on your Android smartphone or tablet.
Cx File Explorer has 3 tabs on the main screen: Local, Library, and Network.
Local
There are 4 default icons in Local tab:
Main storage is where all your folders and files are. By tapping on you can set up a preferable view option, sort files or show hidden files in the folder. The settings can be applied to all folders as well:
By tapping on next the functions are available:
Tip: To create a zip file with Cx File Explorer, select the file, tap More and then select Compress. You can also name the newly created file as you wish:
The icon below these buttons leads to the storage analysis page. It shows how much space is taken by files on your smartphone.
Downloads gives instant access to your Android downloads folder.
Apps leads to the list of all apps installed on your device. You can change between all installed apps and the one you have downloaded:
You can also use search to quickly find any app.
Recycle Bin stores all files that you previously deleted. You can empty the bin any time you want.
Tip: your last 4 locations will be saved and you can access them by swiping Cx File Explorer top window:
Library
Library tab features shortcuts to folders that contain Images, Audio, Videos, Documents and New Files. In any of the folders you have the same functionality as if you accessed them from Main storage shortcut.
Network
Network tab allows you to access other devices or locations. The following Cloud platforms are supported:
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- OneDrive
- Box
Remote devices can be accessed with:
- Local Network
- SMB
- FTP
- SFTP
- WebDAV
To connect with a cloud platform or other device tap on New Location and then select your preferred method of connection:
Tip: to sync OneDrive from file explorer you have to set it up first. And later use you email, phone number, or Skype and password to login.
Access from network allows you to get access to the Wi-Fi network generated by Cx File Explorer to quickly transfer files between your Android device and computer. You have to set up port and password to start the network, or just use random-generated values.
If you have issues connecting to a device please go to this page.
Hopefully, this guide was of any help to you! Now you have mastered Cx File Explorer app!