# Root Explorer

> The ultimate file manager for rooted devices. The original and still the best.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.speedsoftware.rootexplorer](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.speedsoftware.rootexplorer)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.speedsoftware.rootexplorer`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Speed Software
- **Category:** PRODUCTIVITY
- **Downloads:** 1,041,167
- **Rating:** 3.96 / 5 (32,407 ratings)
- **Version:** 4.12.9
- **Last updated:** 2026-02-10
- **First published:** 2026-02-10
- **Publisher country:** GB
- **Size:** 6.72 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-07
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.speedsoftware.rootexplorer)
- **Privacy policy:** [http://www.speedsoftware.eclipse.co.uk/privacy/root\_explorer\_privacy.html](http://www.speedsoftware.eclipse.co.uk/privacy/root_explorer_privacy.html)

## Description

Root Explorer is the original and leading file manager designed specifically for rooted Android devices. It allows full access to Android’s entire file system, including protected areas like the data folder. Key features include multiple tabs, cloud storage integration (Google Drive, Dropbox, Box), SMB network support, SQLite database viewing, and a variety of robust file management tools such as multi-select, script execution, permissions management, and archive handling (ZIP, TAR, RAR).

Additional functionalities include text editing, APK XML viewing, symbolic link creation, file sending via email or Bluetooth, and customizable shortcuts. Root Explorer also ensures reliable performance with support for remounting, MD5 checksum generation, and an intuitive "Open With" interface. Supported by over 22,000 five-star ratings and backed by responsive support with a 24-hour refund guarantee, this extension remains the premier choice for power users seeking comprehensive root file management capabilities.

## Rankings

- #66,546 — Overall
- #18 — block explorer

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_SUPERUSER`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC`
- `android.permission.GET_ACCOUNTS`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_ACCOUNTS`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES`
- `android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `com.android.launcher.permission.INSTALL_SHORTCUT`
- `com.android.vending.CHECK_LICENSE`
- `com.speedsoftware.rootexplorer.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`

## Review summary

Root Explorer is praised for long-term reliability and a clean, lightweight UI, especially among rooted-device users. The dominant gripe is the removal of Google Drive support, triggering migration to alternatives. Other recurring concerns involve SMB/FTP connectivity and slow transfers, plus broader compatibility issues with various Android versions and USB devices. A few users also report permission-related crashes. Overall, its strengths are stability and simplicity, but cloud/network features and cross-device compatibility are the main drawbacks.

### Pros

- Longstanding, reliable file manager for rooted Android devices; used for many years and considered essential by long-time users.
- Intuitive, simple and clean UI with smooth operation and helpful persistent transfer notifications.
- Lightweight with a low memory footprint.
- Responsive and supportive developer with good user support.

### Cons

- Google Drive support removal is the most common and vocal complaint, with many reviewers noting data transfer expectations and calling for its return.
- SMB/FTP connectivity and transfer performance issues: reports of impossible SMB connections and slow transfers, indicating unreliable network sharing.
- Compatibility problems across Android versions and peripherals (e.g., not working on latest/older Android versions and USB drives).
- Permission-grant related crashes or glitches (e.g., app crashes during the permission instruction dialogs).

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.speedsoftware.rootexplorer)