In the changing realm of smartphones, Android has emerged as a major player, providing a wide range of applications that meet all our requirements. Whether it’s productivity tools or entertainment apps, the Google Play Store is a treasure trove of possibilities. However, have you ever wondered where are apps stored on Android?
All installed Android apps are kept in internal memory, sometimes called the ROM. Understanding the storage location of apps is crucial for several reasons. It allows you to efficiently manage your device’s storage, troubleshoot issues, and even transfer apps to external storage if needed.
In this extensive guide, we shall examine the complex operations of Android’s app storage mechanism.
Where are Apps Stored on Android?
Let’s find out all the possible places where the apps are stored:
Playstore-Downloaded Apps
The Play Store is the primary marketplace for downloading various Android applications. You might be curious about where the ideal app for your needs is kept once you’ve located it on your Android device. Downloaded apps are often kept on your device’s internal storage by default. They are explicitly preserved in the “data” sector, distinct from the “system” partition, which houses the Android operating system.
You can check where are apps stored on Android devices. First, open the “Settings” menu and choose “Storage.” You may then view a breakdown of your device’s storage usage, including how much space each program uses. If you select the “Apps” or “Applications” option, a list of all the installed apps on your device will appear.
The “data/app” directory of your device’s internal storage is often where an app you download from the Play Store is saved. Each program’s folder is explicitly identified by its package name. The files and information needed for the application to operate properly are in these folders.
Directory
Address: /Android/ Data/ App/ Or /System/ Data/ App/
Apps Downloaded from Other Sources
The Google Play Store is typically thought of as the best option when it comes to downloading apps for Android because it is well-known and reliable. However, there are situations where users might choose to download apps from sources like third-party app stores or directly from websites.
These apps are often referred to as “sideloaded” apps. Unlike apps obtained from the Play Store, sideloaded apps don’t automatically install in a specific location on Android devices. Instead, they usually get saved in the device’s storage or on an external SD card, depending on the user’s preference. During installation, users can manually select where they want to save the app.
The fact that sideloaded apps can be downloaded from sites can pose security problems because they might contain malware or other malicious software. It is therefore strongly advised only to download software from reliable sources.
Directory
- System apps: /system/app/
- Apps generated by external memory storage: /data/asec/
- Third-party apps: /data/app-private
Transfer of Apps from Internal Storage to External Storage
On Android, certain apps might give you the option to transfer it from your phone’s internal storage to external storage. Though, this option is not available for the system apps.
Are Apps Kept in ROM or RAM?
Where are Android apps stored? Apps on Android devices are typically stored in the storage, a type of flash memory known as NAND flash. Unlike memory, this storage retains data when the device turns off. Although often referred to as ROM (Read Memory), it’s technically different from ROM.
When you install an app from the Google Play Store or any other source, it gets saved in your storage as an APK (Android Package) file. However, launching the app loads into the device’s RAM (Random Access Memory) for execution. RAM is a type of memory that provides access to data and instructions required by the CPU (Central Processing Unit).
The reason apps are loaded into RAM is to ensure execution and performance. RAM allows access to an app’s code and data, enabling processing by the CPU. When you close an app or restart your device, its data gets cleared from RAM. The APK file remains in storage unless you uninstall it.
Simply put, apps are stored in the device’s storage (known as NAND flash) when it comes to Android devices. They are then loaded into the device’s RAM for execution.
Internal Storage and External Storage
Internal and external storage are the two physical storage options available on Android handsets. Apps preserve critical data in internal storage, which restricts read-write access to all other apps and users by default. It is storage that the user cannot access directly without installing programs or hacking their device.
External storage is a feature of the built-in storage that the user and other apps can access, though frequently with restrictions. Internal storage is typically smaller than external storage on most devices. Removable SD cards serve as secondary external storage for mobile devices.
How Can I Recover Deleted Apps on Android?
You have a couple of options to retrieve deleted apps on an Android device. Firstly, you can access your phone’s library or the Google Play Store. Just tap the three-line icon to open the menu and select “My apps and games.” From there, navigate to the “Library” tab, where you can find a list of downloaded apps you cannot access. Simply reinstall them from there.
Alternatively, you can utilize a third-party app called App Recovery. This handy tool allows you to keep track of all the apps that have been deleted from your phone and allows you to reinstall them one at a time.
Both methods provide ways for recovering deleted apps on your Android device.
FAQs
Where are the apps stored on my Android phone?
Android devices often include internal storage made of NAND flash memory, where apps are kept. Moreover, if you want to learn about app data storage, you can search 'where is app data stored android' on the internet.
Where are my apps saved on my phone?
The device's internal storage, often NAND flash memory, is where apps are typically kept. This device's internal storage is non-volatile. Therefore, data is kept there even after the power is turned off. Few apps might permit you to transfer it from the phone's internal to external storage. Moreover, you can search 'app data location on Android' online to learn about app data.
How do I find my stored apps?
You can access the phone's library or the Google Play Store to locate your installed applications on an Android device. Select the three-line icon to open a menu, then choose the 'My apps and games' option. Next, navigate to the 'Library' tab. On this page, you will find a list of apps you downloaded but are no longer accessible. From there, you can reinstall any deleted applications you desire.
Where is the apps folder located?
Depending on the program type, different Android app folder locations exist. Here are a few typical places: most apps: /data/app/your_package_name standard apps: /data/data/ some encrypted apps: /data/app-private apps stored in the external memory: /mnt/sdcard/Android/data system apps: /system/app/ shows .asec files, not .apks: /sdcard/.android_secure
Conclusion
In conclusion, users who want to manage their storage efficiently must understand where programs are kept on Android smartphones. Internal storage and external storage are the two types of storage that Android devices commonly feature. The operating system and pre-installed applications are stored on internal storage.
However, extra applications and media files can be kept on external storage, such as an SD card. Android users may improve their devices’ efficiency and ensure they have enough space for their favorite apps and content by being aware of these storage options and using them wisely.
Read also:How to Lock Apps on Home Screen Android ?
Chandraveer is a mechanical design engineer with a passion for all things Android including devices, launchers, theming, apps, and photography.
