Android Question Access the internal Download folder

[Mike1970]

Hi everyone,
I'm trying to download a file from a server, and I want to save it in the "Download" folder of the phone (not on an external SD or USB)
what is the right way to do it?

(I already know how to download... i need to specify only the path)

I tried with RuntimePermission.GetSafeDirDefaultExternal("") but it returns:
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/<app-package-name>/files

thanks to a File Manager app, i know that the path for the "Download" folder in the Internal Memory of the phone is:
/storage/emulated/0/Download

--->

Thanks in advance

 

[Brian Dean]

You are not the first person to ask this question on the forum, although you might be the first to ask it this week.

If you need to use the current Android version (eg you are writing for the PlayStore) then you can only save files directly to internal storage. To save them anywhere else you must involve the User and let them choose where to save the file - you cannot force them to choose "Download" for instance. This link explains all.

If the app is for your own use, or will not go in the Playstore, then you can use a downlevel Android version (29 or earlier I think) and then it will be just like old times.

If you are wondering how your "File Manager" app manages to access the "Download" folder, that is because the developers negotiated with Google to convince them that they were producing a fully functioning storage management utility that would be an asset to the Playstore.

 

[Mike1970]

This link explains all.

I was ended exactly here for the Plan B

If you are wondering how your "File Manager" app manages to access the "Download" folder, that is because the developers negotiated with Google to convince them that they were producing a fully functioning storage management utility that would be an asset to the Playstore.

Ouhhh ok, that's exactly what I was thinking before... "if the File Manager can do that.. well i can too.." - Nope
thanks for this explanation

 

[agraham]

"if the File Manager can do that.. well i can too.."

You can but Google only allows certain type of Play Store app to access the entire file store.

Manage External Storage - access internal external storage >= SDK 30

Google seems intent on dumbing down Android to the point of uselessnes to me. I think of my devices as little computers and I want a proper file system on them, not the limited tortuous things that Google offers and that I don't understand, ContentChooser, FileProvider, ... o_O I'm getting old...

www.b4x.com

If it is for your own use then there is no problem/