How to access files in Android 6.0 "Downloads"

[kerstin92]

I have an old Alcatel Pixi 4 with Android 6.0 from which I'd like to back up my files. I've already copied all files from the internal storage except those inside the "Downloads" folder, which actually appears to be an app rather than a folder...and it's an utter mess: One can only open downloaded files, but there are absolutely no options to copy, move, rename or even delete anything, so this toxic app basically acts as a trap accumulating any file that has ever been downloaded while completely shutting the owner out.

How can I extract my downloaded files?

Note: The device is not rooted, but I have it hooked up with ADB.

 

[Droidriven]

I have an old Alcatel Pixi 4 with Android 6.0 from which I'd like to back up my files. I've already copied all files from the internal storage except those inside the "Downloads" folder, which actually appears to be an app rather than a folder...and it's an utter mess: One can only open downloaded files, but there are absolutely no options to copy, move, rename or even delete anything, so this toxic app basically acts as a trap accumulating any file that has ever been downloaded while completely shutting the owner out.

How can I extract my downloaded files?

Note: The device is not rooted, but I have it hooked up with ADB.

Go to Playstore and install the MiXplorer app, it is a file manager, it should be able to open your downloads folder and copy/move/delete.

 

[t0mWiNn31]

Or Try another file manager from the Playstore...

 

[OldNoobOne]

Welcome to the Mass Surveillance Program by Big Daddies, we all are victims

 

[kerstin92]

Go to Playstore and install the MiXplorer app, it is a file manager, it should be able to open your downloads folder and copy/move/delete.

Or Try another file manager from the Playstore...

Actually, I'm using an older version of Root Explorer, but I cannot locate the files.

Welcome to the Mass Surveillance Program by Big Daddies, we all are victims

Uhm - possibly wrong thread? Also, is this a reference to the current situation in the US?

 

[Droidriven]

Actually, I'm using an older version of Root Explorer, but I cannot locate the files.


Uhm - possibly wrong thread? Also, is this a reference to the current situation in the US?

Well, if it shows as a downloads app, do you have a downloads app on your phone? If so, it should be able to open/access your files.

If you don't have a downloads app, see if you can install one.

Have you checked permissions of your explorer app to make sure it has the permissions it needs?

Have you checked your device settings to make sure your explorer app is allowed proper access? I seem to remember some specific settings that needed to be enabled/allow in Marshmallow, it has been a few years so I can't remember the specifics, but I remember having a series of settings that I had to setup every time I flashed a new ROM to make my 3rd party file manager work the way I needed it.

Have you tried the built file system as described below?

How to Use Android 6.0’s Built-in File Manager

Android includes full access to a file system, complete with support for removable SD cards. But Android itself has never come with a built-in file manager, forcing manufacturers to create their own file manager apps and users to install third-party ones. With Android 6.0, Android now contains a...

www.howtogeek.com

 

[OldNoobOne]

Uhm - possibly wrong thread? Also, is this a reference to the current situation in the US?

How can it be wrong thread when the OP talks about a spy app pretending to be a folder? I was just clarifying about whats really going on & its not just happening in US rather the whole world. Yes I didn'tprovide a solution though.

 

[LR7875]

How can it be wrong thread when the OP talks about a spy app pretending to be a folder? I was just clarifying about whats really going on & its not just happening in US rather the whole world. Yes I didn'tprovide a solution though.

well then I assume that the spy app will do more than locking you out of downloads folder as it is malicious, the hacker probably has much ambition, probably will sell my bank and credit card number on the dark web for a few spare kidneys? lol then if I were the OP I will disconnect it from any sort of internet and soak it in 99.95% military breaking bad grade hydrofloric acid, put it into a nuclear waste lead lined box for retired nukes, and hide myself in a suitcase in the cargo of a plane to north pole (just a nonsense joke but you get the idea)

 

[kerstin92]

Well, if it shows as a downloads app, do you have a downloads app on your phone? If so, it should be able to open/access your files.

If you don't have a downloads app, see if you can install one.

Have you checked permissions of your explorer app to make sure it has the permissions it needs?

Have you checked your device settings to make sure your explorer app is allowed proper access? I seem to remember some specific settings that needed to be enabled/allow in Marshmallow, it has been a few years so I can't remember the specifics, but I remember having a series of settings that I had to setup every time I flashed a new ROM to make my 3rd party file manager work the way I needed it.

Have you tried the built file system as described below?

How to Use Android 6.0’s Built-in File Manager

Android includes full access to a file system, complete with support for removable SD cards. But Android itself has never come with a built-in file manager, forcing manufacturers to create their own file manager apps and users to install third-party ones. With Android 6.0, Android now contains a...

www.howtogeek.com

Oh god, why is the file explorer buried like that??? This is the very first time I'm using it since I got this phone years ago. Also, what then is the other "stock" file explorer in the apps list?

 

[aIecxs]

OEMs decision. It's just their favorite app. you can install another

 

[kerstin92]

How can it be wrong thread when the OP talks about a spy app pretending to be a folder? I was just clarifying about whats really going on & its not just happening in US rather the whole world. Yes I didn'tprovide a solution though.

I just briefly checked some screenshots online of stock Alcatel PIXI 4s...and I cannot find this "File Manager" anywhere. So maybe it isn't stock software after all?

However, I found this app at APKMirror:

File Manager -- Take Command of Your Files Easily v7.0.7.1.0656.1_06_0125 APK Download by mie-alcatel.support - APKMirror

File Manager -- Take Command of Your Files Easily v7.0.7.1.0656.1_06_0125 APK Download by mie-alcatel.support - APKMirror Free and safe Android APK downloads

www.apkmirror.com

And it says that it's from "mie-alcatel.support". Do you really think this is spyware?

 

[aIecxs]

[email protected]
haiqigames.com

looks like bloatware to me

 

[kerstin92]

TCL and Alcatel direct links to massive spyware operation - GadgetGuy

TCL

www.gadgetguy.com.au

Oh no...oh no...

What do I do??

 

[kerstin92]

The "File Manager" is listed there as well. And I thought that this phone was behaving strange...random reboots and the connection is always slow and showing "E" despite having an LTE contract (maybe to hide traffic that is constantly eating through my monthly data quota?).

 

[TNSMANI]

MOD ACTION:

I have deleted some posts as they were racial and political contrary to Rule 2. I have moved some other posts to HERE since they were totally not relating to the topic of the thread. Please be on topic.

Thank you.

 

[t0mWiNn31]

ZAchiver is also an option...

 

[t0mWiNn31]

MOD ACTION:

I have deleted some posts as they were racial and political contrary to Rule 2. I have moved some other posts to HERE since they were totally not relating to the topic of the thread. Please be on topic.

Thank you.

That's quick...

 

[kerstin92]

MOD ACTION:

I have deleted some posts as they were racial and political contrary to Rule 2. I have moved some other posts to HERE since they were totally not relating to the topic of the thread. Please be on topic.

Thank you.

Mod Edit: Some content removed.


Anyway...as you see, it's not always possible to completely ignore the political dimension when discussing INFOSEC. But to get back on topic: I think the information from Droidriven and OldNoobOne are complementary and spot-on:

1.) The "stock" Android version on the Alcatel PIXI 4 appears to come with malware disguised as a File Manager (mie-alcatel.support, 50 million installs):

The actual, built-in file manager is buried inside the settings which, in view of the "bundled" malicious File Manager app, points towards Alcatel/Nokia as culprits.

2.) Question: What do I do with this phone? Is there any way to reliably remove all spyware or would you suggest to just ditch this device? Would rooting and doing

adb shell pm uninstall

solve the issue?

 

[kerstin92]

That's quick...

Mod Edit: Some content removed.

Anyway, back to topic!

Question: Considering all the bundled malware on this device, can the files be accessed at all? Do I need to root it? Is it possible to somehow "sanitize" it? And is it even safe to connect it via USB to e.g. my laptop or server?

 

[t0mWiNn31]

Stay on the line.....