About this app
FX File Explorer features a Material Design UI and new ways to transfer your files between devices and computers:
* SMBv2 support.
* New "FX Connect" transfers files from phone-to-phone with Wi-Fi Direct. Supports NFC to connect two phones by physically touching their backs together. (requires FX+)
* New "Web Access" enables transfer and management of files and media from your computer's web browser. You can drag-and-drop entire folders to your phone from your computer, or stream your phone's music playlists to your computer over Wi-Fi. (requires FX+)
FX is a file explorer built to make working with files and media on your phone or tablet as easy as it is on your computer:
* Productivity-oriented "Home Screen": Directly access your important folders, media, and cloud storage
* Multiple window support, with dual-view mode to see two windows at once
* "Usage View" mode shows the total size and content makeup of every folder, as you browse and manage files
* Support for most file archive formats
FX protects your privacy:
* No advertisements
* No tracking of user activity: FX does not ever "phone home"
* Built by NextApp, Inc., a US corporation founded in 2002; all proprietary code was developed in-house
The optional FX+ Add-On module enables more functionality:
* Access networked computers, including FTP, SSH FTP, WebDAV, and Windows Networking (SMB1 and SMB2)
* Connect to cloud storage including Google Drive, Dropbox, SugarSync, Box, SkyDrive, and OwnCloud
* Manage installed applications, with support for browsing applications based on their required permissions
* Create and explore inside AES-256/AES-128 encrypted zip files
* Browse audio content by artist/album/playlist; manage and organize playlists
* Directly browse photo and video folders
* Encrypted password keyring (use one password to access network and cloud locations)
FX includes a number of built-in editing/viewing applets:
* Text Editor (with undo/redo history, cut/paste, search, and pinch-to-zoom)
* Binary (Hex) Viewer
* Image Viewer
* Media Player and pop-up Audio Player
* Zip, Tar, GZip, Bzip2, 7zip archive creators and extractors
* RAR file extractor
* Shell Script Executor
Android 8 / 9 Location Permission Notice
* NOTE: Android 8.0+ unfortunately required us to add the "approximate location" permission, as it's now required for apps that support Wi-Fi direct (because Wi-Fi direct leaks this information). FX does not ever actually query your location, and this permission will only ever be asked for on Android 8.0 and later when using FX Connect. This requirement previously applied only to Android 9.0, but because FX now specifies full support for the latest Android API, Android 8.0 also requires this permission.
Editor's Take
FX File Explorer sits at 3.8 stars across 77.7 thousand ratings on Google Play, and is still building an audience.
Ratings in this band typically hide a split audience — plenty of satisfied regulars, and a meaningful minority bumping into the same one or two issues. Worth a quick read of the recent Google Play reviews before you commit serious time.
NextApp, Inc. is the publisher behind this release; we'd suggest taking a quick look at their other titles on Google Play if the style clicks with you. The last visible update lands 2023-04-09, which is a small but useful signal that the team is still shipping fixes rather than treating the app as abandoned.
Who This App Is For
A quick read on the audiences this app tends to click with, based on its category, content rating and track record on Google Play.
- Family-friendly playersContent is rated Everyone, so it's a safe pick for shared devices.
- Free-tier explorersFree on Google Play, so you can trial the loop before deciding if it earns space on your home screen.
At a Glance
thumb_up What stands out
- Free to try on Google PlayNo upfront cost, so you can confirm the loop clicks before committing time or in-app purchases.
- Actively maintainedLast visible update 2023-04-09, suggesting the team is still shipping fixes.
- Known publisherPublished by NextApp, Inc. — worth checking their catalogue for similar titles.
info Things to know
- Recent reviews worth a readThe average score is mixed enough that a two-minute scan of recent Google Play reviews will save you time later.
- Smaller user baseNiche community means fewer community guides — great for discovery, slower for help with edge cases.
- In-app purchases may applyFree-to-play economics are common in this category — open the Google Play listing to confirm the monetization model before committing.
- Check device compatibilityOlder devices or restricted regions sometimes filter out specific Google Play listings. Confirm on the official page before setting aside time.