Android TV does not come with a file explorer. The built-in settings show you how full your storage is, but they do not let you browse folders, open files, or see what is actually taking up space. For that you need a third-party app.
This guide explains what a file explorer does on Android TV, when you need one, and which one to install.
What is a file explorer on Android TV?
A file explorer - sometimes called a file manager - is an app that lets you navigate the files and folders on your device the same way you would on a computer. On Android TV, a good file explorer lets you:
- Browse internal storage and USB drives using the TV remote
- See folder contents and individual files
- Delete, move, or copy files
- Find which files are taking up the most space
- Access files on an SD card or USB drive plugged into the TV or box
Without a file explorer, the only way to manage files on Android TV is to go through individual apps - the Downloads folder in a browser, the media library in a video player - which gives you no overall view of what is on your device.
When do you actually need one?
A few situations come up regularly:
Freeing up storage. Android TV boxes and smart TVs often ship with 8-16 GB of internal storage. Downloads, cached app data, and sideloaded APKs pile up. An Android TV file explorer with a large-file view tells you exactly what to delete.
Managing USB drives. If you plug a USB drive into your TV or box to watch videos or copy files, you need a file explorer to browse its contents. Android TV does not have a native USB file browser.
Sideloading apps. If you download an APK file to install an app that is not on Google Play, you need a file explorer to find and open it.
Moving files between storage. Copying files from a USB drive to internal storage, or the other way around, requires a file manager.
The best Android TV file explorer
Trunk is the only file explorer built specifically for Android TV. Most alternatives are phone apps that add partial D-pad support as an afterthought. Trunk is designed from the start for a TV remote.
What makes it stand out as an Android TV file explorer:
- TV-native navigation - every screen works with the D-pad, no touch input needed
- Internal storage and USB drive browsing - switch between locations from the home screen
- Large files view - shows every file over 10 MB sorted by size, useful for clearing storage fast
- Recycle Bin - files you delete go to a recoverable bin, not straight to permanent deletion
- No account or internet required - works completely offline
What about other file explorers?
Several file explorer apps work on Android TV with varying levels of remote support:
- FX File Explorer - good for network share access (SMB, FTP), phone-first UI
- X-plore - dual-pane layout useful for copying between drives, dense interface
- CX File Explorer - lightweight and free, basic D-pad support
- ES File Explorer - a security liability, avoid it
For a full comparison of all options see Best File Manager for Android TV in 2026 .
Does a file explorer work on Google TV?
Yes. Google TV is built on Android TV, so any file explorer that works on Android TV also works on Google TV devices - Chromecast with Google TV, Sony, TCL, Hisense, and others. The apps install from the same Google Play store and behave the same way.
Can I use a file explorer on Fire TV?
No. Amazon Fire TV uses its own app store and does not have Google Play. Trunk and the other file explorers listed here are not available on Fire TV.
Trunk is a free Android TV file explorer with no ads and no account required. Get it on Google Play .