How to search files on Android by name, date or size
To search files on Android, use a file manager's search bar for names, and filters or sorting for date and size. This guide covers Files by Google, Android's storage settings and Applore.
Short answer
Before you start
- Know roughly what you are looking for: part of the name, the type (photo, document, video), when you saved it, or how big it is.
- Applore needs All files access to see files in every folder. Android asks the first time you open a file screen.
- Menus in Android’s settings vary by phone maker and Android version.
Without Applore
Files by Google
- By name: open the app and type in the search bar at the top.1
- By date or size: tap a category, such as Documents or Videos, then tap More and sort by date or size.2
- Recent files: the Recents section shows files you added, downloaded or changed recently.2
Android’s storage settings
Open Settings › Storage. Android shows how much space apps, images, videos, audio and documents use. Tap a category to see its files. On some phones this opens the phone maker’s own file app.
Steps with Applore
Search by name (free)
- Open Applore, go to the Files tab and tap File Explorer.
- Tap the search icon and type part of the file name.
- Tap a result to open the folder it is in.
Search by name, type, size and date with File Finder (Pro)
- On the Files tab, tap the search field at the top. File Finder opens.
- Type a keyword, or leave it empty.
- Choose a file type, such as Images, Videos or Documents.
- Set a size filter, for example more than 50 MB.
- Set a date range if you remember roughly when the file was saved.
- Tap Search. Results show the newest first, with the number of files found. Select files to share or delete them.
See what was added recently (free)
On the Files tab, scroll to Recent Files. Files are grouped by time, from the last 12 hours to earlier this year. Tap Show all, then more on a group to see every file in that range.
Find the biggest folders with Large File Analyzer (Pro)
On the Files tab, tap Large File Analyzer. It lists folders and files by size, largest first. Tap a folder to see what is inside.
Common problems
A file I just saved does not show in File Finder
File Finder uses Android’s list of media and documents, which can take a moment to include new files. Browse to the folder in File Explorer, or try again a little later.
Files in hidden folders are missing
Folders whose names start with a dot are hidden. In File Explorer, open the menu and turn on Show Hidden Files.
Files on my SD card
In File Explorer, tap the SD card on the Files tab to browse and search it.
Files inside another app cannot be found
Since Android 11, apps cannot open other apps’ private folders, even with All files access.3 Files that an app keeps only for itself, such as some offline downloads, have to be managed inside that app.
What stays private
Searches run on your phone. Your file names, search terms and results are not sent to Applore’s servers. In Applore Free, an ad may show before you delete or share search results. To learn more about the file tools, see the file manager in Applore.
Questions
Is Applore's file search free?
Partly. Searching by name inside File Explorer is free, and so is browsing Recent Files by time. File Finder, which combines keyword, file type, size and date filters, opens for everyone, but its Search button needs Applore Pro. Large File Analyzer is also Pro. See pricing in the app on Google Play.
Can I search by file size?
Yes. In Applore's File Finder (Pro), set a size filter such as more than 100 MB, optionally with a file type and dates, and search. Large File Analyzer (Pro) shows which folders take the most space. Without Pro, sort a folder by size in File Explorer, or use the size sort in Files by Google.
Sources
- Search for a file, Files by Google Help. Checked 2026-09-15.
- View your files, Files by Google Help. Checked 2026-09-15.
- Storage updates in Android 11, Android Developers. Checked 2026-09-15.