From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

I'm posting with a new toy, a Lenovo Tab K10 that's so far been updated to
Android 12. It has an unusual problem. The built in device Files app
doesn't show up in the all-files screen and thus can't be put on a regular
screen. However it does show up in the Settings All Apps list. I can use it
from there but that's a royal PITA. The Google Files app came installed of
course and works as it's supposed to and I can use it but still the
device's Files app's apparent bug bugs me...
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

I'm posting with a new toy, a Lenovo Tab K10 that's so far been
updated to Android 12. It has an unusual problem. The built in device
Files app doesn't show up in the all-files screen and thus can't be
put on a regular screen. However it does show up in the Settings All
Apps list. I can use it from there but that's a royal PITA. The
Google Files app came installed of course and works as it's supposed
to and I can use it but still the device's Files app's apparent bug
bugs me...

Maybe it got hidden. Different brands of phones have different
settings. On my Samsung A36, I go to:

Settings -> Home screen -> Hide apps on Home and Apps screens

Else, you can go into settings and search on "hide".

There are listed the apps which I can select will not show on the Home
or Apps screens. There are bundled apps that cannot be uninstalled
(except possibly using ADB to uninstall packages), but can be disabled
(not all of them since Samsung commands some will remain enabled). I
disable their notifications, and anything I can about them, and then can
hide them.

While My Files may not be in the app drawer, a workaround to get it
added to a home screen is to add it in a group. When you drag one home shortcut atop another, a group gets created. When you open the group,
there is a "+" icon to let you add more shortcuts within the group
(another way is to drag into the group). After tapping "+", a list of
apps appear that you can add. My Files should be listed, so select it
to add. You can either leave the My Files shortcut in the group, like
one titled Tools, or drag it out of the group onto a home screen.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL wrote:

The built in device Files app doesn't show up in the all-files
screen

You mean the App Drawer?

and thus can't be put on a regular screen. However it does
show up in the Settings All Apps list. I can use it from there but
that's a royal PITA.

Don't suppose the Files App provides a 1x1 widget? if it does, adding
that to the home screen would get the effect you want ...

--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 1/26/26 10:39 AM, VanguardLH wrote:

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

I'm posting with a new toy, a Lenovo Tab K10 that's so far been
updated to Android 12. It has an unusual problem. The built in device
Files app doesn't show up in the all-files screen and thus can't be
put on a regular screen. However it does show up in the Settings All
Apps list. I can use it from there but that's a royal PITA. The
Google Files app came installed of course and works as it's supposed
to and I can use it but still the device's Files app's apparent bug
bugs me...

I lied. I can't open Files from Settings. Apparently earlier I was trying to
open something or hit a link and it gave me the choice of using the local
Files app or the Google Files app. I hit the local Files app and it opened.
Now I can't remember what I did to even get that.

Maybe it got hidden. Different brands of phones have different
settings. On my Samsung A36, I go to:

Settings -> Home screen -> Hide apps on Home and Apps screens

No luck.

Else, you can go into settings and search on "hide".

No luck.

There are listed the apps which I can select will not show on the Home
or Apps screens. There are bundled apps that cannot be uninstalled
(except possibly using ADB to uninstall packages), but can be disabled
(not all of them since Samsung commands some will remain enabled). I
disable their notifications, and anything I can about them, and then can
hide them.

My local Files app shows up normally in settings and looks completely normal
including the remove permissions if not used but there's no way to to get
it on the app drawer.

While My Files may not be in the app drawer, a workaround to get it
added to a home screen is to add it in a group. When you drag one home >shortcut atop another, a group gets created. When you open the group,
there is a "+" icon to let you add more shortcuts within the group
(another way is to drag into the group). After tapping "+", a list of
apps appear that you can add. My Files should be listed, so select it
to add. You can either leave the My Files shortcut in the group, like
one titled Tools, or drag it out of the group onto a home screen.

My problem is that there is no local Files icon anywhere to work with. And
since I forgot how I got that choice notification of which files app to use
I now can't get the local Files app to activate at all.

Further I'm starting to smell a rat. Upon checking my other Topsand N8
tablet toy (Android 14) it does the exact same thing. I had not noticed it
before. Since they were both Googleized when I got them I think I know who
the rat is...

It's no biggie since the Google Files app works just fine. It just bugs me.
The local Files app is there in all respects except it won't open.




--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 1/26/26 11:28 AM, Andy Burns wrote:

AJL wrote:

The built in device Files app doesn't show up in the all-files
screen

You mean the App Drawer?

Yup. I forgot what it was called.

and thus can't be put on a regular screen. However it does
show up in the Settings All Apps list. I can use it from there but
that's a royal PITA.

Don't suppose the Files App provides a 1x1 widget? if it does, adding
that to the home screen would get the effect you want ...

I don't see anything about widgets in the Apps/All Apps/Files folder.


--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL wrote:

I don't see anything about widgets in the Apps/All Apps/Files folder.

Long press an empty part of the Home screen

--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

On 1/26/26 11:28 AM, Andy Burns wrote:

AJL wrote:

The built in device Files app doesn't show up in the all-files
screen

You mean the App Drawer?

Yup. I forgot what it was called.

Don't worry about it, just yet another non-standard thing! :-(

Samsung calls them the 'Home screen' and 'Apps screen' (both with
multiple sub-screens). On Samsung, a Settings search on 'drawer' comes
up empty.

[...]
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 1/26/26 12:24 PM, Andy Burns wrote:

AJL wrote:

I don't see anything about widgets in the Apps/All Apps/Files folder.

Long press an empty part of the Home screen

Ah. Did that and the local Files app was not in the list...


--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL wrote:

I'm posting with a new toy, a Lenovo Tab K10 that's so far been updated to
Android 12. It has an unusual problem. The built in device Files app
doesn't show up in the all-files screen and thus can't be put on a regular
screen. However it does show up in the Settings All Apps list. I can use it
from there but that's a royal PITA. The Google Files app came installed of
course and works as it's supposed to and I can use it but still the
device's Files app's apparent bug bugs me...

Hi AJL,

I am confused by that description, so I'm simply gonna assume (for now,
unless corrected) that you think you have a package installed, and yet
there is no icon for you to launch that package, which is very common.

I have over a thousand packages installed, for example, on my 64GB Galaxy
but, oh, I don't know, only half of that (or fewer) have homescreen icons.

I had tested all the free "app drawer" apps years ago and found every one lacking so the way I'd go is I'd use Muntashirakon App Manager to find it.

If it's installed in the system or user space, Muntashirakon should see it.
1. Once Muntashirakon sees it, it can launch it.
2. Once Muntashirakon sees it, it can create a homescreen shortcut to it.

If you don't want to install Muntashirakon, adb should be able to see it.

adb shell pm list packages | findstr /i files

If Muntashirakon and/or adb doesn't see it, then it's not there.
--
I avoid complex solutions when a leaner one already solves known issues.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

My problem is that there is no local Files icon anywhere to work with. And
since I forgot how I got that choice notification of which files app to use
I now can't get the local Files app to activate at all.

But you can still open the Google Files app? If you selected it as the default, go into settings to see which apps are designated as the
default for each category.

When I look at my default apps, [My] Files is not listed nor a category
for file management (no such category); however, in installing Google
Files and making it the default, maybe a new category got added to the
default apps list.

You said you installed Google Files. You can't use that?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.nbu.files

I've not installed nor used it, so I have no experience if it is better
than the file manager bundled on the phone by Samsung (my phone) or
Lenovo (your Android platform).

Further I'm starting to smell a rat. Upon checking my other Topsand N8
tablet toy (Android 14) it does the exact same thing. I had not
noticed it before. Since they were both Googleized when I got them I
think I know who the rat is...

It's no biggie since the Google Files app works just fine. It just
bugs me. The local Files app is there in all respects except it won't
open.

You sure there was a bundled file manager on the Android device when you
got it new?

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/file-manager/

There was not a link to download their file manager app. The Lenovo Tab
K10 was discontinued, so I couldn't find a link for support that might
have a download. Eventually I found:

https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/tablets/k-series/tab-k10/downloads?linkTrack=Caps%3ABody_SearchProduct&searchType=0&keyWordSearch=

but no downloads for apps, drivers, or other software. Just an update
link. You might check at their forums at:

https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Lenovo-Android-based-Tablets-and-Phablets/bd-p/lt02_en

Could be Lenovo dumped their file manager, and opted to distribute the
one from Google.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 1/26/26 12:47 PM, Frank Slootweg wrote:

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

On 1/26/26 11:28 AM, Andy Burns wrote:

AJL wrote:

The built in device Files app doesn't show up in the all-files
screen

You mean the App Drawer?

Yup. I forgot what it was called.

Don't worry about it, just yet another non-standard thing! :-(

Samsung calls them the 'Home screen' and 'Apps screen' (both with
multiple sub-screens). On Samsung, a Settings search on 'drawer' comes
up empty.

Apparently the 'problem' has been around for quite awhile. My 6 year old
Samsung Galaxy S10+ phone does the same thing. The LOCAL Files app is shown
in settings as "installed" but is NOT in the App Drawer and I see no way to
put it there or to open it. However The "Google Files" app AND the Samsung
"My Files" app are in the drawer so guess the designers probably figured I
didn't need 3 Files apps.

Give your stuff a check and see what you find...

[...]

--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 1/26/26 2:42 PM, Maria Sophia wrote:

AJL wrote:

I'm posting with a new toy, a Lenovo Tab K10 that's so far been updated to >> Android 12. It has an unusual problem. The built in device Files app
doesn't show up in the all-files screen and thus can't be put on a regular >> screen. However it does show up in the Settings All Apps list. I can use it >> from there but that's a royal PITA. The Google Files app came installed of >> course and works as it's supposed to and I can use it but still the
device's Files app's apparent bug bugs me...

Hi AJL,

I am confused by that description, so I'm simply gonna assume (for now, >unless corrected) that you think you have a package installed, and yet
there is no icon for you to launch that package, which is very common.

I have over a thousand packages installed, for example, on my 64GB Galaxy >but, oh, I don't know, only half of that (or fewer) have homescreen icons.

I had tested all the free "app drawer" apps years ago and found every one >lacking so the way I'd go is I'd use Muntashirakon App Manager to find it.

If it's installed in the system or user space, Muntashirakon should see it.
1. Once Muntashirakon sees it, it can launch it.
2. Once Muntashirakon sees it, it can create a homescreen shortcut to it.

If you don't want to install Muntashirakon, adb should be able to see it.

adb shell pm list packages | findstr /i files

That's way above my pay grade experience...

If Muntashirakon and/or adb doesn't see it, then it's not there.

If it came with the phone (and later the same situation on 2 tablets) and is
shown as installed in Settings/Your Apps and has all the settings of the
other apps it's there. I just can't open it because there's no icon
anywhere. I'm open to suggestions...

Also on my Lenovo tablet I did get the local Files app open once when it
gave me a choice of Google Files or local Files. I chose the local and it
opened and worked fine. But I don't remember what I hit to get the
'choice'. Any idea what to do to get that choice notification again?

--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 1/26/26 3:17 PM, VanguardLH wrote:

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

My problem is that there is no local Files icon anywhere to work with. And >> since I forgot how I got that choice notification of which files app to use >> I now can't get the local Files app to activate at all.

But you can still open the Google Files app? If you selected it as the >default, go into settings to see which apps are designated as the
default for each category.

When I look at my default apps, [My] Files is not listed nor a category
for file management (no such category); however, in installing Google
Files and making it the default, maybe a new category got added to the >default apps list.

Yup. local "Files" is not listed in my default apps choices.

You said you installed Google Files. You can't use that?

Google Files came installed on the tablets. And I suspect Google made the
local Files app unavailable. Yes, as I said in an earlier post (copied
below): "No biggie", I can use the Google Files app. But it seems odd that
one can't use another installed Files app also if wanted. Heck Samsung gave
me 2 Files apps though it still killed the local one also. Weird, huh...

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.nbu.files

I've not installed nor used it, so I have no experience if it is better
than the file manager bundled on the phone by Samsung (my phone) or
Lenovo (your Android platform).

Further I'm starting to smell a rat. Upon checking my other Topsand N8
tablet toy (Android 14) it does the exact same thing. I had not
noticed it before. Since they were both Googleized when I got them I
think I know who the rat is...

It's no biggie since the Google Files app works just fine. It just
bugs me. The local Files app is there in all respects except it won't
open.

You sure there was a bundled file manager on the Android device when you
got it new?

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/file-manager/

Yup. Got it new just a few days ago. The case should be here today. Love
Amazon...

There was not a link to download their file manager app. The Lenovo Tab
K10 was discontinued, so I couldn't find a link for support that might
have a download. Eventually I found:

https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/tablets/k-series/tab-k10/downloads?linkTrack=Caps%3ABody_SearchProduct&searchType=0&keyWordSearch=

but no downloads for apps, drivers, or other software. Just an update
link. You might check at their forums at:

https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Lenovo-Android-based-Tablets-and-Phablets/bd-p/lt02_en

Could be Lenovo dumped their file manager, and opted to distribute the
one from Google.

Yes it is an older new model. And new leftovers are cheaper toys. But Lenovo
has updated it twice so far so they are still servicing it. The battery was
completely flat when it arrived and I was scared it might be damaged but it
still charges to 100% and so far I'm getting about 5 hours to 70% so think
it's probably OK. Again the Files thing is no big deal. I just never
realized it existed. Now it appears to be somewhat common (at least with my
stuff). I was just curious and don't plan to try to fix it unless it's very
easy. Thanks all...


--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 1/26/26 9:57 AM, AJL wrote:

I'm posting with a new toy, a Lenovo Tab K10 that's so far been updated to Android 12. It has an unusual problem. The built in device Files app
doesn't show up in the all-files screen and thus can't be put on a regular screen. However it does show up in the Settings All Apps list. The Google Files app came installed of course and works as it's supposed to and I
can use it but still the device's Files app's apparent bug bugs me...

Turns out that this "bug" has existed for years with lots of discussions
about it online. Here's one fix I found. Way too much hassle for me so I'll
just stick with good old Google Files...

(1) Native Files does exist.
(2) Settings > Apps > Click the grayish icon to the right of "Your apps"
(Filter and sort) > Toggle Show system apps to ON.
(3) Scroll down to F and you will see the default Android Files app is
present and alive, just not directly accessible.
(4) How do you gain access to this?: Use the "Shortcut Maker" app from the
Play Store. In this app, go to Activities, click on Files, and select
"com.android.documentsui.files.FilesActivity" to make a shortcut to this
app.

--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
[...]

Apparently the 'problem' has been around for quite awhile. My 6 year old
Samsung Galaxy S10+ phone does the same thing. The LOCAL Files app is shown
in settings as "installed" but is NOT in the App Drawer and I see no way to
put it there or to open it. However The "Google Files" app AND the Samsung
"My Files" app are in the drawer so guess the designers probably figured I
didn't need 3 Files apps.

Give your stuff a check and see what you find...

Indeed, on my Samsung Galaxy A56 (Android) there is indeed a 'Files'
app in the (Settings ->) 'Apps' list. (And I of course have the Samsung
'My Files' app. I do not have the 'Google Files' app.)

BTW, contrary to your other post, I do not have to "Toggle Show system
apps to ON" to see the mystery 'Files' app. I already saw it, before I
toggled the switch to ON.

Mystery solved.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 1/27/26 8:37 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
[...]

Apparently the 'problem' has been around for quite awhile. My 6 year old
Samsung Galaxy S10+ phone does the same thing. The LOCAL Files app is shown >> in settings as "installed" but is NOT in the App Drawer and I see no way to >> put it there or to open it. However The "Google Files" app AND the Samsung >> "My Files" app are in the drawer so guess the designers probably figured I >> didn't need 3 Files apps.

Give your stuff a check and see what you find...

Indeed, on my Samsung Galaxy A56 (Android) there is indeed a 'Files'
app in the (Settings ->) 'Apps' list. (And I of course have the Samsung
'My Files' app. I do not have the 'Google Files' app.)

BTW, contrary to your other post, I do not have to "Toggle Show system
apps to ON" to see the mystery 'Files' app. I already saw it, before I >toggled the switch to ON.

Yup, me too. My Files app on this Lenovo tablet is listed in plain sight in
the all apps list. That 'toggle system apps on' was just one cut and paste
solution I found for a particular device as an example of the very common
'bug' I didn't know existed.

Mystery solved.

Not for me cause I actually got my Files app to open on this tablet. And it
worked. I just can't remember how. Somehow I tapped something and got the
popup 'Open in Files, Open in Google Files, Always use this app. I picked
Files and it worked fine. So the mystery is what did I push to open that
choice. And if I had picked Always use this app would the local Files start
working? Lotsa mystery left...


--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On January 27, AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

On 1/27/26 8:37 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
[...]

Apparently the 'problem' has been around for quite awhile. My 6 year old >> Samsung Galaxy S10+ phone does the same thing. The LOCAL Files app is shown
in settings as "installed" but is NOT in the App Drawer and I see no way to
put it there or to open it. However The "Google Files" app AND the Samsung
"My Files" app are in the drawer so guess the designers probably figured I
didn't need 3 Files apps.

Give your stuff a check and see what you find...

Indeed, on my Samsung Galaxy A56 (Android) there is indeed a 'Files'
app in the (Settings ->) 'Apps' list. (And I of course have the Samsung
'My Files' app. I do not have the 'Google Files' app.)

BTW, contrary to your other post, I do not have to "Toggle Show system
apps to ON" to see the mystery 'Files' app. I already saw it, before I >toggled the switch to ON.

Yup, me too. My Files app on this Lenovo tablet is listed in plain sight in
the all apps list. That 'toggle system apps on' was just one cut and paste
solution I found for a particular device as an example of the very common
'bug' I didn't know existed.

Mystery solved.

Not for me cause I actually got my Files app to open on this tablet. And it
worked. I just can't remember how. Somehow I tapped something and got the
popup 'Open in Files, Open in Google Files, Always use this app. I picked
Files and it worked fine. So the mystery is what did I push to open that
choice. And if I had picked Always use this app would the local Files start
working? Lotsa mystery left...

I happened to get the 'hidden' 'Files' app to open, not with an icon 'shortcut' in the 'app drawer', but still.

I'll describe what I did, so that might lead to a clue to what you did
and hopefully to some method to open the 'Files' app in some easier way.

I was in the (Google) 'Drive' app and wanted to download a file to my
phone, so I tapped the <three_vertical_dots> icon to the right of the
file name and tapped on 'Download'. Then I got a popup that a
notification would appear [1]. In the notification area there was a notification "<Drive_icon> Downloaded 1 file <my_Google_Account_name>".
Opened ('\/' down-caret on the right) the notification, which now also
said 'Locate file'. Tapped on that and lo and behold, I got a popup:

"Complete action using (i)

<Files_icon> <My Files icon>

Files My Files

Just once Always"

By tapping 'Files' and the 'Just once', the 'Files' app opened and I
could use it.

Sadly, I did not find a way to attach it to a icon/shortcut for the
'app drawer'.

I hope this helps (a bit).

[1]
"1 item will be downloaded. See notification for
details."
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2/1/2026 11:34 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:

On January 27, AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

On 1/27/26 8:37 AM, Frank Slootweg wrote:

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote: [...]

Apparently the 'problem' has been around for quite awhile. My
6 year old Samsung Galaxy S10+ phone does the same thing. The
LOCAL Files app is shown in settings as "installed" but is NOT
in the App Drawer and I see no way to put it there or to open
it. However The "Google Files" app AND the Samsung "My Files"
app are in the drawer so guess the designers probably figured I
didn't need 3 Files apps.

Give your stuff a check and see what you find...

Indeed, on my Samsung Galaxy A56 (Android) there is indeed a
'Files' app in the (Settings ->) 'Apps' list. (And I of course
have the Samsung 'My Files' app. I do not have the 'Google
Files' app.)

BTW, contrary to your other post, I do not have to "Toggle Show
system apps to ON" to see the mystery 'Files' app. I already saw
it, before I toggled the switch to ON.

Yup, me too. My Files app on this Lenovo tablet is listed in plain
sight in the all apps list. That 'toggle system apps on' was just
one cut and paste solution I found for a particular device as an
example of the very common 'bug' I didn't know existed.

Mystery solved.

Not for me cause I actually got my Files app to open on this
tablet. And it worked. I just can't remember how. Somehow I tapped
something and got the popup 'Open in Files, Open in Google Files,
Always use this app. I picked Files and it worked fine. So the
mystery is what did I push to open that choice. And if I had
picked Always use this app would the local Files start working?
Lotsa mystery left...

I happened to get the 'hidden' 'Files' app to open, not with an icon
'shortcut' in the 'app drawer', but still.

I'll describe what I did, so that might lead to a clue to what you
did and hopefully to some method to open the 'Files' app in some
easier way.

I was in the (Google) 'Drive' app and wanted to download a file to my
phone, so I tapped the <three_vertical_dots> icon to the right of the
file name and tapped on 'Download'. Then I got a popup that a
notification would appear [1]. In the notification area there was a notification "<Drive_icon> Downloaded 1 file
<my_Google_Account_name>". Opened ('\/' down-caret on the right) the notification, which now also said 'Locate file'. Tapped on that and
lo and behold, I got a popup:

"Complete action using (i)

<Files_icon> <My Files icon>

Files My Files

Just once Always"

By tapping 'Files' and the 'Just once', the 'Files' app opened and I
could use it.

Yup, that's the popup I got before and used it to open the local Files
app. I just don't remember what I was doing and haven't been able to
open the app since. But the app still sits and grins at me in the
tablet's All Apps list...

Sadly, I did not find a way to attach it to a icon/shortcut for the
'app drawer'.

So I just tried it again your way with a text file stored in Google
Drive. Hit the "3 dots/download". It just downloaded the text file
direct to Google Files with no pop up. So then I tried the "3dots/open
with" in both Google Drive and Google Files. They both gave me a popup
choice of using the Chrome app or the HTML Viewer app but nothing about
the local Files app. Huh??

I hope this helps (a bit).

I dunno. Tell me again why I actually need the local Files app???

[1] "1 item will be downloaded. See notification for details."

--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:
[...]

Yup, that's the popup I got before and used it to open the local Files
app. I just don't remember what I was doing and haven't been able to
open the app since. But the app still sits and grins at me in the
tablet's All Apps list...

Sadly, I did not find a way to attach it to a icon/shortcut for the
'app drawer'.

So I just tried it again your way with a text file stored in Google
Drive. Hit the "3 dots/download". It just downloaded the text file
direct to Google Files with no pop up. So then I tried the "3dots/open
with" in both Google Drive and Google Files. They both gave me a popup
choice of using the Chrome app or the HTML Viewer app but nothing about
the local Files app. Huh??

That you didn't get the popup is probably because Google Files is set
as your default app for these kinds of operations.

I always :-) use 'Just once' instead of 'Always', because 'Always'
sets the default app and I don't know/remember to unset it.

I know how to unset default file-extension to 'app' settings on
Windows, but the Android method is counter intuitive and a mystery for
me.

If you (or someone) know how to unset the association with the Google
Files app, perhaps you'll get the popup again.

I hope this helps (a bit).

I dunno. Tell me again why I actually need the local Files app???

Because it's there and yet it's not!? :-)

And it's always nice to have at least one problem which isn't.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

I always :-) use 'Just once' instead of 'Always', because 'Always'
sets the default app and I don't know/remember to unset it.

I know how to unset default file-extension to 'app' settings on
Windows, but the Android method is counter intuitive and a mystery for
me.

In Android's settings, and rather than give the nav path for my
particular phone which could differ on your phone, the easiest method is
to search the settings on "default". For me, one of the search hits is
titled "Choose default apps". For me, that takes me to the Apps list,
but at the top is a "Choose default apps" entry which, when selected,
lists (with my defaults listed in parenthesis):

Browser app (Edge)
Call redirecting app ([Google] Voice)
Digital home assistant (Google)
Home app (One UI Home)
Phone app (Phone)
SMS app (Messages)
Wallet app (Samsung Wallet)

Not many are listed, because when presented with a choice of using Once
or Always, I usually pick Once. Some were preset when I got the phone,
and some due to my choice of Always, like for the web browser. The ones
where I picked Once don't show up in the defaults apps list.

In the Apps listing, there is also the option "Open links in apps".
When a URL is specified that has an app-specific URI, and this option is enabled, the link is opened in the associated app, not in the default
web browser. This is similar to the URIs defined in Windows that result
in opening in Edge instead of whatever is the default web browser, like ms-settings: URI that loads in Edge, ms-word: URI that loads in MS Word,
and so on.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

VanguardLH <V@nguard.lh> wrote:

Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

I always :-) use 'Just once' instead of 'Always', because 'Always'
sets the default app and I don't know/remember to unset it.

I know how to unset default file-extension to 'app' settings on
Windows, but the Android method is counter intuitive and a mystery for
me.

In Android's settings, and rather than give the nav path for my
particular phone which could differ on your phone, the easiest method is
to search the settings on "default". For me, one of the search hits is titled "Choose default apps". For me, that takes me to the Apps list,
but at the top is a "Choose default apps" entry which, when selected,
lists (with my defaults listed in parenthesis):

Browser app (Edge)
Call redirecting app ([Google] Voice)
Digital home assistant (Google)
Home app (One UI Home)
Phone app (Phone)
SMS app (Messages)
Wallet app (Samsung Wallet)

Not many are listed, because when presented with a choice of using Once
or Always, I usually pick Once. Some were preset when I got the phone,
and some due to my choice of Always, like for the web browser. The ones where I picked Once don't show up in the defaults apps list.

In the Apps listing, there is also the option "Open links in apps".
When a URL is specified that has an app-specific URI, and this option is enabled, the link is opened in the associated app, not in the default
web browser. This is similar to the URIs defined in Windows that result
in opening in Edge instead of whatever is the default web browser, like ms-settings: URI that loads in Edge, ms-word: URI that loads in MS Word,
and so on.

Thanks for your response. That's what I have found also, but no clear solution for an app which is *not* listed in the "Choose default apps"
list.

Like you, I have not set (m)any defaults and I think that's the
'problem'.

I've again done a bit of Googling and I think the situation is this:

- If an app is *not* set as the default for its function(s):
- It is (of course) not listed in the "Choose default apps" list.
- There is no 'Clear defaults' button on the 'App info' page of the
app.

- If an app *is* set as the default for its function(s) (by selecting it
and tapping 'Always' in the 'Just once/Always' popup):
- It is probably listed in the "Choose default apps" list (and the
default can be changed to another app, if any).
- There hopefully is a 'Clear defaults' button on the 'App info' page
of the app, to unselect the app as the default.

I think none of my apps (other than the few 'Default apps') are set as defaults, hence I don't see them in the 'Default apps' lists and they do
not have a 'Clear defaults' button on their 'App info' page.

I am sure my old Huawei phones had such 'Clear defaults' buttons, so
*if* I set some default and want to clear it later, I hopefully will
find a 'Clear defaults' button in the respective app.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

VanguardLH <V@nguard.lh> wrote:

Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

I always :-) use 'Just once' instead of 'Always', because 'Always'
sets the default app and I don't know/remember to unset it.

I know how to unset default file-extension to 'app' settings on
Windows, but the Android method is counter intuitive and a mystery for
me.

In Android's settings, and rather than give the nav path for my
particular phone which could differ on your phone, the easiest method is
to search the settings on "default". For me, one of the search hits is
titled "Choose default apps". For me, that takes me to the Apps list,
but at the top is a "Choose default apps" entry which, when selected,
lists (with my defaults listed in parenthesis):

Browser app (Edge)
Call redirecting app ([Google] Voice)
Digital home assistant (Google)
Home app (One UI Home)
Phone app (Phone)
SMS app (Messages)
Wallet app (Samsung Wallet)

Not many are listed, because when presented with a choice of using Once
or Always, I usually pick Once. Some were preset when I got the phone,
and some due to my choice of Always, like for the web browser. The ones
where I picked Once don't show up in the defaults apps list.

In the Apps listing, there is also the option "Open links in apps".
When a URL is specified that has an app-specific URI, and this option is
enabled, the link is opened in the associated app, not in the default
web browser. This is similar to the URIs defined in Windows that result
in opening in Edge instead of whatever is the default web browser, like
ms-settings: URI that loads in Edge, ms-word: URI that loads in MS Word,
and so on.

Thanks for your response. That's what I have found also, but no clear solution for an app which is *not* listed in the "Choose default apps"
list.

Like you, I have not set (m)any defaults and I think that's the
'problem'.

I've again done a bit of Googling and I think the situation is this:

- If an app is *not* set as the default for its function(s):
- It is (of course) not listed in the "Choose default apps" list.
- There is no 'Clear defaults' button on the 'App info' page of the
app.

- If an app *is* set as the default for its function(s) (by selecting it
and tapping 'Always' in the 'Just once/Always' popup):
- It is probably listed in the "Choose default apps" list (and the
default can be changed to another app, if any).
- There hopefully is a 'Clear defaults' button on the 'App info' page
of the app, to unselect the app as the default.

I think none of my apps (other than the few 'Default apps') are set as defaults, hence I don't see them in the 'Default apps' lists and they do
not have a 'Clear defaults' button on their 'App info' page.

I am sure my old Huawei phones had such 'Clear defaults' buttons, so
*if* I set some default and want to clear it later, I hopefully will
find a 'Clear defaults' button in the respective app.

As an example, and since I did select Always for the Edge web browser, I
see the following:

- Edge is listed as a default app in the "Choose default apps" list.
- In the Apps list for Edge, there is a section for "Defaults: Browser
app - Edge".

In my Samsung A36 Android 16 phone, the following are listed in the Apps listing:

- Files
Defaults: Set as default - In this app.
No choice to Force Stop the app.
- My Files
Defaults: Set as default - In this app.
Force Stop option.

I'm guessing "In this app" means they were configured to be the default
when the app is loaded. Doesn't make much sense that an app is a
default after it is loaded since obviously it was loaded already, and
getting used.

However, neither is listed when I open a group of shortcuts, and click
on the "+" icon to add another app that way.

The Apps list never shows the owner/author of an app. For that, I have
to go into the Play Store app, but neither Files nor My Files are listed
there. Seems those were bundled apps that came on the phone; i.e.,
Samsung slapped them in their image they put of their customized OS on
their phone.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

I'm posting with a new toy, a Lenovo Tab K10 that's so far been updated to
Android 12. It has an unusual problem. The built in device Files app
doesn't show up in the all-files screen and thus can't be put on a regular
screen. However it does show up in the Settings All Apps list. I can use it
from there but that's a royal PITA. The Google Files app came installed of
course and works as it's supposed to and I can use it but still the
device's Files app's apparent bug bugs me...

While a workaround instead of a direct solution (you can't find Files
listed in the Apps list, and no widgets, either), you could use an app
that creates shortcuts from app activities. I wanted a shortcut on my
home screen (in the absence of a shortcut in the Notifications panel
that Samsung didn't put there) that went directly to Android settings -> Notifications -> Advanced settings -> Notification history. I looked at
apps on notifications, but they were designed to record newly received notifications in their own history instead of just showing me the
history already enabled in the phone.

I was recommended to use the Activity Launcher app which lists the
activities for the apps. It would let me create a shortcut on the home
screen to the activity, so now I have a shortcut to directly view the notification history recorded by Android, not some separate app
recording its own history, and only for new notifications received after starting the app in its record mode.

Activity Launcher https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.szalkowski.activitylauncher

"Introduction to Activities in Android" https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/android/introduction-to-activities-in-android/

"Android - Activities" https://www.tutorialspoint.com/android/android_acitivities.htm

When I load the Activity Launcher app, I see entries for Files (with 7 activities) and My Files (with 50 activities). I'm no Android guru to
know which activity to pick when creating a shortcut, so I try a file,
test the shortcuts, and delete those that don't load the file manager,
or don't seem to do anything.

For the Files app's activities, I'd use Activity Launcher to create
shortcuts to the PickActivity, (Files), and FilesActivity activities,
test the shortcuts to see which loaded the Files app, and delete the
other shortcuts.

For the My Files app's activities, there are 50 activities. I'd try the MainActivity, (My Files), My Files, and maybe a couple others, test the
newly created shortcuts, and keep whichever one opened the My Files app.

I didn't want yet another app to record its own history of
notifications, but there was no link to the Android's own history in the notification panel (and clicking on No Notifications didn't work,
either). Android doesn't give the user a means of linking a shortcut to
a specific activity within an app, so I did have to get the Activity
Launcher to give me that option. You could dig into what activity does
what inside an app, but typically a few activities listed for an app
look like viable candidates, so I just experiment.
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2/2/2026 10:18 AM, VanguardLH wrote:

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

I'm posting with a new toy, a Lenovo Tab K10 that's so far been
updated to Android 12. It has an unusual problem. The built in
device Files app doesn't show up in the all-files screen and thus
can't be put on a regular screen. However it does show up in the
Settings All Apps list. I can use it from there but that's a royal
PITA. The Google Files app came installed of course and works as
it's supposed to and I can use it but still the device's Files
app's apparent bug bugs me...

While a workaround instead of a direct solution (you can't find
Files listed in the Apps list, and no widgets, either), you could use
an app that creates shortcuts from app activities. I wanted a
shortcut on my home screen (in the absence of a shortcut in the
Notifications panel that Samsung didn't put there) that went directly
to Android settings -> Notifications -> Advanced settings ->
Notification history. I looked at apps on notifications, but they
were designed to record newly received notifications in their own
history instead of just showing me the history already enabled in the
phone.

I was recommended to use the Activity Launcher app which lists the
activities for the apps. It would let me create a shortcut on the
home screen to the activity, so now I have a shortcut to directly
view the notification history recorded by Android, not some separate
app recording its own history, and only for new notifications
received after starting the app in its record mode.

Activity Launcher https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.szalkowski.activitylauncher

"Introduction to Activities in Android" https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/android/introduction-to-activities-in-android/

"Android - Activities" https://www.tutorialspoint.com/android/android_acitivities.htm

When I load the Activity Launcher app, I see entries for Files (with
7 activities) and My Files (with 50 activities). I'm no Android guru
to know which activity to pick when creating a shortcut, so I try a
file, test the shortcuts, and delete those that don't load the file
manager, or don't seem to do anything.

For the Files app's activities, I'd use Activity Launcher to create
shortcuts to the PickActivity, (Files), and FilesActivity
activities, test the shortcuts to see which loaded the Files app, and
delete the other shortcuts.

For the My Files app's activities, there are 50 activities. I'd try
the MainActivity, (My Files), My Files, and maybe a couple others,
test the newly created shortcuts, and keep whichever one opened the
My Files app.

I didn't want yet another app to record its own history of
notifications, but there was no link to the Android's own history in
the notification panel (and clicking on No Notifications didn't
work, either). Android doesn't give the user a means of linking a
shortcut to a specific activity within an app, so I did have to get
the Activity Launcher to give me that option. You could dig into
what activity does what inside an app, but typically a few activities
listed for an app look like viable candidates, so I just experiment.

As I mentioned earlier a Google search does provide a lot of workarounds
(I posted one). I was first surprised that the "bug" existed and then
even more surprised that it had been there for years without me
noticing. Thanks for the effort but I think I'll just leave things the
way they are.

It took me awhile to write that response because this new W11 laptop
kept blacking out and had to be rebooted (re-hybernated?) twice. I
recently had installed a dimmer app cause the LT was too bright for me
at its lowest setting in a dark room. I just uninstalled the app and so
far so good. If that's not it maybe the latest MS bug I've been reading
about? Ah well I've always got my Chromebooks. Never a problem with
them, they just work...





--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

VanguardLH <V@nguard.lh> wrote:

[Just addressing this point:]

The Apps list never shows the owner/author of an app. For that, I have
to go into the Play Store app, but neither Files nor My Files are listed there. Seems those were bundled apps that came on the phone; i.e.,
Samsung slapped them in their image they put of their customized OS on
their phone.

Yes, not knowing the owner/author is a nuisance, but - at least on
Samsung devices - there is some information for some apps.

'Of course' the 'Files' app is the exception; No info. Sigh! Most
likely 'stock' Android.

But for the 'My Files' app, the 'App info' page says:

"App details in store

App downloaded from Galaxy Store"

So you know from which 'store' it came and can look there for
details/info.

Likewise for apps which have been downloaded/installed from the Play
Store, the 'App info' page will say:

"App details in store

App downloaded from Google Play Store"

BUT, this 'rule' isn't cast in stone. For example for (Google) Chrome,
(on my Samsung Galaxy A56 Android 16) it doesn't say where it came from,
but for (Google) Drive, it does say "App downloaded from Galaxy Store".
So for these two apps, which both came pre-installed, one doesn't list
its origin, but the other doesn't. Go figure.

But at least for apps which I have downloaded/installed, the
information is either correct or absent, but never wrong.

Bottom line: *If* it says where it came from, that info is probably
correct.

And for kicks, if you've not changed/updated it, have a look at your 'Messages' app. If you open it, you'll probably think it's Google
Messages, but if you look at its 'App info' page. you will probably see
that it's a Samsung-specific version. Isn't this fun! :-(
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

[Thread drift:]

It took me awhile to write that response because this new W11 laptop
kept blacking out and had to be rebooted (re-hybernated?) twice. I
recently had installed a dimmer app cause the LT was too bright for me
at its lowest setting in a dark room. I just uninstalled the app and so
far so good. If that's not it maybe the latest MS bug I've been reading about? Ah well I've always got my Chromebooks. Never a problem with
them, they just work...

I don't know if my solution can accomodate a low enough brightness for
you, but I use Nirsoft's 'nircmd' command in two shortcuts for different brightness settings.

For my currently active 'Brightness Night' shortcut, the 'Target:'
field contains (without quotes):

"C:\packages\nircmd\nircmd.exe setbrightness 40"

where 40 is the brightness percentage.

I have two shortcuts for Day and Night on the Desktop, because I was
getting tired of playing with the brightness keys (too coarse) or
Settings (too awkward).
--
I am####My laptop is not too bright!
--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2/2/2026 12:31 PM, Frank Slootweg wrote:

AJL <noemail@none.com> wrote:

[Thread drift:]

Yea. Probably should migrate to the W11 group...

It took me awhile to write that response because this new W11
laptop kept blacking out and had to be rebooted (re-hybernated?)
twice. I recently had installed a dimmer app cause the LT was too
bright for me at its lowest setting in a dark room. I just
uninstalled the app and so far so good. If that's not it maybe the
latest MS bug I've been reading about? Ah well I've always got my
Chromebooks. Never a problem with them, they just work...

I don't know if my solution can accomodate a low enough brightness
for you, but I use Nirsoft's 'nircmd' command in two shortcuts for
different brightness settings.

For my currently active 'Brightness Night' shortcut, the 'Target:'
field contains (without quotes):

"C:\packages\nircmd\nircmd.exe setbrightness 40"

where 40 is the brightness percentage.

I have two shortcuts for Day and Night on the Desktop, because I was
getting tired of playing with the brightness keys (too coarse) or
Settings (too awkward).

Thanks. I prefer the slider capability. I'm not giving up on this
Windows app (WinDimmer) yet. There's apparently several different ways
to use it. Before I was using the app slider and leaving the app open.
Now I'm trying setting the screen low using the app, then closing the
app and using the laptop's slider/keys. Seems to work as well. And with
the app closed perhaps no longer the black screen problem? And of course
I have no proof that WinDimmer's the screen problem in the first place.
Time will tell.

And of course there's several more dimmer apps to try in the MS store. I
might even invest the astronomical sum of 99 cents US that some of them
want... :-O


--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2