So, I was trying to do some editing with an app. I've used the app before, but uninstalled it for storage space. I got it back but haven't used it. When I tried to access my storage there to retrieve pictures, it crashed. I thought it was no biggie, so I tried again. Still crashed. Then I decided to open the Files app itself. (Keep in mind its the files app that comes bundled with android by default.) It still crashes. I tried restarting, force stop ,uninstalling the app I used to edit, resetting app permissions, clearing cache, and even clearing data. Nothing worked. Youtube, Google, and even Bing said the same things I had done. During this time I also noticed my storage went from 50% to 49%. At first I was kind of happy, since I like saving as much space as I can, but I was still concerned, so last night I memorized my gb count (35.20gb) before going to bed. Next morning, my storage was 45%. Now I'm getting seriously concerned. Please help!! Idk what's going on! Am I hacked? Is my Files app giving false readings? Is the Files app corrupted?
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Help Android files app keeps stopping and phone is slowly gaining storage space
puppykickr
Android Expert
First, try turning the device off, then back on.
Wait a few minutes after it boots up, then try your files app again.
If that iscno help, then try another file manager app.
A small, simple one would be the ticket.
https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.simplemobiletools.filemanager.pro/
If this one works, then the issue is with your other files app.
If you want to go back to the old app (Simple File Manager is a very good one, so I don't really see why you would) then delete all data from it and see if it will work then.
If not, then you at least have another working file manager app.
If Simple File Manager does not work, then you have something else going on.
I have attempted to reboot and it still hasn't worked. Motorola already provides a good files app, but the issue is that some apps require the default files app to access storage. They can't choose a different storage app in most cases. The launcher I use at the moment requires the default Files app to pick custom wallpapers. A few of my apps do, too. I can't change that. That's the main issue.
puppykickr
Android Expert
I have never heard of such a thing.
Have you given 'storage' permission to these other apps?
Did you try Simple File Manager?
Perhaps someone with more Motorola knowlege can help...
@MoodyBlues
I also have cleared all data, no cigar. This isn't a problem for my other users that I use for school.
puppykickr
Android Expert
Storage permission lets apps access that specific app, because it's built into android. Here's a screenshot I retrieved from Google Photos.
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puppykickr
Android Expert
They are all using 3 year old devices at the school?
LMAAO NOOOO i mean i made my own user for school, I own the phone. the files app comes with android 8.1
puppykickr
Android Expert
I disagree.
First, that is not how it works on any of my androids.
Second, Android severely restricts what apps can do to and via other apps.
Not saying that you are wrong- but if you are correct then this is something new that I have never heard of.
Android is customizable- that's the whole point.
You should be able to use any app that runs on your version of Android.
Launcher, gallery, file manager, etc.
All devices come with those built in, and without fail I have detested each one.
So I put apps that serve my needs in their place.
My original 'files' app is still there, but I don't use it.
If you install a secondary app as such, the first time another app tries to access that function, you will see a screen asking you which app to use for the function.
You pick the one you want.
The second time around, you will be asked again, and then also given the choice between 'just once' and 'always'.
If you choose 'always', then this app will become the default for that function.
puppykickr
Android Expert
lol
OK, I also have an 8.1.0, and the 'files' app sucks.
I think it may have been the first app I replaced.
Maybe the gallery, because they were both the proverbial turds in the punchbowl.
Actually, I can't think of one stock app of the sort that I use on any of my devices.
In my view, stock apps are there to give an Andoid beginner user function until the user figures out how to find and download better.
puppykickr
Android Expert
So did you try the app to see what would happen?
There is no "set default file manager" for me. Some apps do ask which, like if I'd like to use OneDrive for an app, like discord, or a website where I can upload photos, but for me some don't. I've checked Android settings. Please give me a tutorial on how to do that if there is one. I have Android 8.1
I'm currently in school, which is also why it takes a while to respond, I'll try asap
Ok, trying right now
puppykickr
Android Expert
That screen shot you made-
return to that screen.
See 'open by default'?
Select that, and choose 'open in this app' (or similar).
That may do it, or maybe not.
Like I said, your issue is a new one for me.
I have never heard of some apps being stuck on using other stock apps.
You said something about 'the launcher I am using'...
what launcher might that be?
puppykickr
Android Expert
Cool.
Take your time.
It is extremely simple, but very useful.
I put it on every one of my devices, and any that I set up for others.
Its greyed out. I'm using Microsoft Launcher, but a few apps I use also does this. I do see myself using that File Manager you proposed tho.
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puppykickr
Android Expert
I read your original post again.
So it is pictures that you are trying to get into to view/edit?
I might just have a magic wand around here somewhere....
https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.simplemobiletools.gallery.pro/
pictures, videos, and a picture editor- all in one.
So it is pictures that you are trying to get into to view/edit?
I might just have a magic wand around here somewhere....
https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.simplemobiletools.gallery.pro/
pictures, videos, and a picture editor- all in one.
puppykickr
Android Expert
As they are from the same developer, the Gallery and File Manager work seamlessly together.
Simple Mobile Tools has a whole list of apps that make even the worst device much more capable.
I know, because the worst devices are what I deal with, lol.
Am I hearing voices? 
I've glanced through this thread and want to help, but I'm not sure where to begin. What would you say is your most pressing issue?
I strongly disagree. Its 'Files' app is so lame, I don't even include it in my app drawer's "Files and office" category. I only used it long enough [on my latest phone] to see that it can't connect to my network drives. Done!
ALL of my Android smartphones have been Motorola--and I've never heard of this!
I've glanced through this thread and want to help, but I'm not sure where to begin. What would you say is your most pressing issue?
yeah, but it still poses a problem for other things, as I've mentioned I need that files app to set my wallpapers to whatever I want. The default android launcher does this too.
some apps MUST use it. I don't know how to change the default. It's not like I want to, but I have grown into it since it was 'forced' onto me kindaAm I hearing voices?
I strongly disagree. Its 'Files' app is so lame, I don't even include it in my app drawer's "Files and office" category. I only used it long enough [on my latest phone] to see that it can't connect to my network drives. Done!
ALL of my Android smartphones have been Motorola--and I've never heard of this!
I've glanced through this thread and want to help, but I'm not sure where to begin. What would you say is your most pressing issue?
I think probably what I need help with the most is that I don't know how to make it so that I can change default file applications, since some stuff, like wallpaper changing, requires the default app. I think I vividly recall there being an option where you can choose from gallery or files, but that was when I had 7.0 nougat and it wasn't "set to default"Am I hearing voices?
I strongly disagree. Its 'Files' app is so lame, I don't even include it in my app drawer's "Files and office" category. I only used it long enough [on my latest phone] to see that it can't connect to my network drives. Done!
ALL of my Android smartphones have been Motorola--and I've never heard of this!
I've glanced through this thread and want to help, but I'm not sure where to begin. What would you say is your most pressing issue?