ES File Explorer has been a popular Android file‑management app. It offered features like local file handling, cloud integration, and network access. However, many users now face problems — especially since the app was removed from the Google Play Store due to policy violations and security concerns. This guide looks at common issues and gives you actionable solutions.
Security and Download Issues with ES File Explorer
ES File Explorer was removed from the Play Store mainly because it was found to be involved in click‑fraud and running ads in the background without clear consent. Past versions also had serious security holes. A key one is CVE‑2019‑6447: an internal HTTP server that remained open and allowed attackers on the same network to access users’ file systems and run commands remotely.
There are also privacy concerns: the app used hidden folders and tracked user data without full transparency. Many security experts and users now recommend switching to alternatives such as FX File Explorer, Solid Explorer, or Files by Google for better maintenance and fewer risks.
Common Troubleshooting Scenarios and Solutions
1. Cannot Connect to PC/Windows Share (SMB/LAN)
If you try to use the account‑sharing or network share feature in ES File Explorer and you see errors like “Communication error” or “Server not found”, especially after a system or router update, here are some steps:
- On your Windows PC, make sure Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing are enabled for the active network profile.
- Temporarily disable “Password Protected Sharing” in Windows if you want to simplify access (note this lowers your security).
- In ES File Explorer: edit the existing server share or do a fresh scan. Make sure you enter the correct computer name or IP address. If accessing a public share, you may set login as “Anonymous”. If it is secured, ensure you have the correct username & password.
- Check your router settings. Features like “Wireless Isolation” or “Multi‑AP Isolation” can stop devices on the same WiFi from talking to each other—disable those if necessary.
2. Not Showing Root or System Folders
If your Android device is rooted, and you expect ES File Explorer to show system folders but it doesn’t, then:
- In ES File Explorer go to Tools → Root Explorer and enable it.
- When your root manager app (for example Magisk or SuperSU) asks, grant ES File Explorer super‑user access.
- Check that your root setup is stable. If your root binaries are missing or your root method is unreliable, the app may still be blocked from system folders.
3. General Performance and Crashing Issues
If ES File Explorer runs slowly, freezes or crashes, try the following:
- Clear the app cache via Settings → Apps → ES File Explorer → Storage → Clear Cache. This removes temporary files without affecting your configuration.
- Avoid clearing all app data unless you must, because that resets all settings and maybe your saved shares.
- Force stop the app and reopen it — this can reset its state.
- If the problem started after an Android OS update or after updating the app, it could be an incompatibility. Consider reverting to a stable version or switching apps altogether.
Additional Important Notes
The critical vulnerability CVE‑2019‑6447 was patched by ES File Explorer in early 2019. But many users still run outdated and vulnerable versions, thus risking data exposure on networks.
The exploit allows remote attackers to use DNS‑rebinding or malicious websites/ads to gain access — possibly without being on the same local network.
Given the app’s removal from the Play Store and its additional security and privacy concerns, users are strongly advised to switch to safer alternatives. For example:
- Files by Google — lightweight, simple, secure.
- Solid Explorer — feature rich, stable.
- FX File Explorer — does not use ads, focuses on privacy.
Other options: MiXplorer Silver, X‑plore File Manager, ASTRO File Manager — each offers strong features, better updates, and better compatibility with modern Android versions.
Final Words
It’s true that people liked ES File Explorer for its many features, but they now face risks and issues. The app has known security problems, and because it’s no longer in the Play Store, updates and support are uncertain. So it’s good to either fix your current setup using the steps above or move to a safer file manager app.