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Moving files on Android can be a convenient way to organize your data and free up space on your device. However, one common issue that many Android users face when moving files is that the date modified of the files changes after the move. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on the date modified to keep track of important files.
In this blog post, we will explore various methods that you can use to move files on Android without changing the date modified. We will discuss the pros and cons of each method, as well as provide detailed steps to help you easily execute them. By the end of this post, you will have a clear understanding of how to move files on Android while preserving the original date modified.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the methods, let’s take a look at what you will need to get started.
1. An Android device: This could be a smartphone or a tablet running on the Android operating system.
2. File Manager app: You will need a file manager app installed on your Android device to perform the file-moving operations. There are several file manager apps available on the Google Play Store, such as ES File Explorer, Solid Explorer, and Astro File Manager.
3. Files to be moved: Identify the files or folders that you want to move without changing the date modified. These could be documents, photos, videos, or any other file types stored on your Android device.
Make sure that you have these prerequisites fulfilled before proceeding with the methods described in this blog post.
What Requires Your Focus?
Moving files on Android without changing the date modified requires your attention to a few key details. Here’s what you need to focus on:
1. File manager app permissions: Ensure that the file manager app you are using has the necessary permissions to access and manipulate files on your Android device. If required permissions are not granted, the app may not function properly and could result in changes to the date modified.
2. Target storage destination: Choose the location where you want to move your files carefully. If the destination storage does not support preserving the date modified attribute, the files may still undergo changes in their modified dates.
Now that we have covered the background and necessary focus areas, let’s explore the methods to move files without changing the date modified on Android.
Method 1: Using File Commander
File Commander is a popular file manager app that offers a simple and straightforward method to move files on Android without altering the date modified attribute. Below, we outline the steps you need to follow:
1. Open the File Commander app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to the source location where your files are currently stored.
3. Long-press on the file or folder you want to move.
4. Tap on the "Cut" or "Move" option from the context menu.
5. Go to the desired destination folder.
6. Tap on the "Paste" or "Move Here" option to complete the file move.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. User-friendly interface for easy file management. | 1. May require a premium subscription for certain advanced features. |
| 2. Preserves the original date modified attribute of the files. | 2. Does not offer advanced file sorting and filtering options. |
| 3. Allows you to organize files into different folders easily. | 3. Limited cloud storage integrations compared to other file manager apps. |
Method 2: Using X-plore File Manager
X-plore File Manager is another popular choice among Android users for file management. Here’s how you can use it to move files while preserving the date modified:
1. Launch the X-plore File Manager app on your Android device.
2. Locate the source folder containing the files you want to move.
3. Long-press on the file or folder you wish to move.
4. Select the "Copy" option from the context menu.
5. Navigate to the destination folder where you want to place the files.
6. Tap on the "Paste" option to complete the file move.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Dual-pane interface for convenient file management. | 1. Ad-supported, which may disrupt the user experience. |
| 2. Allows you to move files between different storage locations. | 2. Some advanced features may require a paid upgrade. |
| 3. Offers various customization options for a personalized experience. | 3. Limited cloud storage integrations compared to other file manager apps. |
Method 3: Using Amaze File Manager
Amaze File Manager is an open-source file manager app that provides a simple and intuitive approach to moving files while preserving the original modified date. Follow the steps below to utilize this method:
1. Open the Amaze File Manager app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to the source location where your files are currently stored.
3. Long-press on the file or folder you want to move.
4. Tap on the "Cut" option from the context menu.
5. Go to the desired destination folder.
6. Tap on the "Paste" option to complete the file move.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Lightweight and fast file manager app. | 1. May lack certain advanced features compared to other file managers. |
| 2. Preserves the original date modified of the files. | 2. Occasional bugs or stability issues reported by users. |
| 3. Supports root access for enhanced file management capabilities. | 3. Limited cloud storage integrations compared to other file manager apps. |
Method 4: Using Total Commander
Total Commander is a feature-rich file manager that offers extensive customization options and advanced file management capabilities. Here’s how you can use it to move files on Android without changing the date modified:
1. Launch the Total Commander app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to the source location where your files are currently stored.
3. Long-press on the file or folder you want to move.
4. Tap on the "Mark" option from the context menu.
5. Go to the desired destination folder.
6. Tap on the "Paste" option to complete the file move.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Multithreaded file transfer for improved performance. | 1. User interface may seem overwhelming for beginners. |
| 2. Supports access to network shares and cloud storage. | 2. Advanced features may require a paid add-on. |
| 3. Allows you to synchronize files between different devices. | 3. Limited cloud storage integrations compared to other file manager apps. |
Why Can’t I Move Files without Changing the Date Modified?
There are several reasons why moving files on Android may alter the date modified attribute. Here are a few common reasons and their respective fixes:
1. File manager limitations: Some file manager apps may not have the capability to handle file moves without changing the date modified. In such cases, consider using a different file manager app that offers the desired functionality.
2. File system restrictions: Certain file systems, such as FAT32, do not support preserving the date modified attribute during file moves. If you are encountering this issue, consider formatting your storage device to a file system that supports it, such as exFAT or NTFS.
3. Third-party apps: Some third-party apps automatically modify the date modified attribute of files they access. In these cases, try disabling or uninstalling the problematic app to prevent unwanted changes to the date modified.
Implications and Recommendations
Moving files without changing the date modified on Android can have several implications for users. Here are a few recommendations to consider:
1. Backup important files: Before executing any file-moving operations, ensure that you have backups of your important files to prevent accidental loss or modification.
2. Verify date modified after move: After moving files using any of the methods mentioned in this blog post, double-check the date modified attribute of the files in the destination location to confirm that they have been preserved.
3. Use cloud storage platforms: Consider utilizing cloud storage platforms, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, to store your files. These platforms often preserve the date modified during file moves and provide an additional layer of backup for your data.
5 FAQs about Moving Files without Changing the Date Modified on Android
Q1: Can I move files without changing their date modified using the default Android file manager?
A: The default Android file manager may not offer the functionality to preserve the date modified attribute during file moves. It is recommended to use a third-party file manager app for this purpose.
Q2: Will moving files without changing the date modified affect their accessibility or compatibility?
A: No, moving files without altering the date modified should not affect their accessibility or compatibility. The files should remain intact and function as expected.
Q3: How can I confirm that the date modified of a file has been preserved after moving it?
A: After moving a file using any of the methods mentioned in this blog post, navigate to the destination location, long-press on the file, and select "Properties" or "Details." Check the modified date field to verify if it has been preserved.
Q4: Does moving files between different storage locations affect the date modified?
A: Moving files between different storage locations, such as internal storage and an SD card, should not affect the date modified if the file manager app and file systems support preserving this attribute.
Q5: Why is the date modified important for files?
A: The date modified attribute provides valuable information about when a file was last modified or updated. It can be crucial for organizing files, determining their relevance, or identifying the latest version of a document.
Final Words
Moving files without changing the date modified on Android is a common requirement for many users. Fortunately, there are several reliable methods available that allow you to achieve this without hassle. In this blog post, we discussed four methods using popular file manager apps, namely File Commander, X-plore File Manager, Amaze File Manager, and Total Commander.
Remember to pay attention to the requirements and focus areas mentioned in this post to ensure a smooth file-moving experience. Additionally, consider the implications and recommendations outlined to make the most out of these methods and preserve the date modified of your files effectively.