How to simply open directory/folder?

Question

DONT mark this as duplicate, before reading what I need.

I have seen many similar topics, but in none of them I've found solution. I need the simplest thing: In my application I have button "View Media Files". After clicking that button, i need to be opened (with built-in File Explorer) this directory - SD_CARD/my_folder where are media files (and I want to click any of them and they should be opened in default Media player)..

I have used all suggested answers on SO , like this:

    Intent intent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW);
    Uri mydir = Uri.parse("/sdcard/Recorder_Videos");
    intent.setDataAndType(mydir, "*/*");
    startActivity(intent);

but all they do: after clicking button, it opens "Choose File" menu: (Where I cant still play media files when clicking)

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/17165972/android-how-to-open-a-specific-folder-via-intent-and-show-its-content-in-a-file did you check this ? — OBX, Jan 12 '17 at 11:17
to remove the chooser remove the `Intent.createChooser` from the code — Budius, Jan 12 '17 at 11:24
there is no must for a default file explorer on the device. It is totally optional. — Vladyslav Matviienko, Jan 12 '17 at 11:31
`Uri.parse(location);` ??? What is the value of `location` ? How can you complain that it chooses root if we cannot even see which path you want!? `(with built-in File Explorer) ` ??? What would that be? — greenapps, Jan 12 '17 at 12:08
You show the file selection intent opening, so what's the problem? — OneCricketeer, Jan 12 '17 at 12:39
@cricket_007 , guys, before answering, please understand the question. I have clearly described what is problem. — T.Todua, Jan 12 '17 at 12:56
I didn't answer. I commented to clarify where the problem existed — OneCricketeer, Jan 12 '17 at 14:46

T.Todua · Accepted Answer · 2020-11-09T12:08:14.753

The solution (not complete) I have found, was that I was missing file:// prefix. Here is my solution (however, it shows all kinds of applications on first view):

public void openFolder(String location)
{
    // location = "/sdcard/my_folder";
    Intent intent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW);
    Uri mydir = Uri.parse("file://"+location);
    intent.setDataAndType(mydir,"application/*");    // or use */*
    startActivity(intent);
}

p.s. Strange and surprising, but there doesnt exist the standard definition of "File Browser" in stock Android systems (unless you install 3rd party "File Explorer").. That's why "resource/folder" mime-type doesnt work by default..

However, let's say a simple truth. File-Browser is a SIMPLE and ESSENTIAL part of any OS system. And it's quite disrespectful from Android, saying that it's not their job, and throwing the responsiblity to 3rd party apps.

Sagar · Answer 2 · 2018-05-01T13:11:54.733

1

You can use type DocumentsContract.Document.MIME_TYPE_DIR which works on several devices and launches File Explorer. You can refer this SO for more details.

edited May 01 '18 at 13:11

answered May 01 '18 at 11:54

Sagar

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How to simply open directory/folder?

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