# Access shared folders from Android On this page, you can find instructions for accessing shared folders over Meshnet from an Android device using some of the more popular file managers. ## Before you begin Make sure that: * You have configured a shared folder on a desktop device. Refer to the following guides for detailed instructions: * [Configure shared folders on Windows](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/configure-and-access-shared-folders-on-windows#configure-a-shared-folder) * [Configure shared folders on macOS](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/configure-and-access-shared-folders-on-macos#create-a-sharing-user) * [Configure shared folders on Linux](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/configure-and-access-shared-folders-on-linux#prerequisites) * You have a file manager that allows access to SMB network storage. If the file manager that is installed on your device does not have this capability, you will need to use a third-party app. ## Access shared folders
Samsung My Files To connect to a shared folder using Samsung's built-in **My Files** app: 1. Copy the sharer's Nord name directly from the NordVPN app. 2. Open **My Files**. 3. Under **Storage**, tap **Network storage**.
"Network storage" option highlighted in the Samsung My Files app.
4. Select **Add network storage** and choose **Network drive (SMBv2/SMBv3)**.
Selecting "Add new storage" and "Network drive (SMBv2/SMBv3)" buttons.
5. Tap **Add manually**. 6. Fill in the following details: * In the **Address** field, paste the copied Nord name, followed by a slash (/) and the name of the network share.\ \ **Example**\ `secret.meerkat-pyrenees.nord/MeshnetFolder`\ * In the **Port** field, enter `445`. * In the **Username** and **Password** fields, enter the credentials required for accessing the shared folder. * In the **Display name** field, type in a custom name of how the shared folder will be named in the file manager. 7. Tap **Add**.
"Add" button highlighted on the "Add network drive" screen.
The folder should now display its contents inside the file manager
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Mi File Manager Start by downloading and installing the [Mi File Manager](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer\&hl=en\&gl=US) from the Play Store. Once it is installed: 1. Copy the sharer's Nord name directly from the NordVPN app. 2. Launch **File Manager**. 3. In the upper-left corner, tap the three-line menu icon and select **Remote**.
"Remote" option highlighted.
4. Tap **Add remote device** > **LAN** > **Edit**. 5. In the **LAN** dialog, fill in the following details: * In the **Host** field, paste the copied Nord name. * In the **Username** and **Password** fields, type in the authentication details required for accessing the folder. 6. Tap **OK**.\ \ "OK" button highlighted in the filled in LAN dialog. The added folder should now be displayed in your file manager. Tap it to display its content. Meshnet remote folder displayed in the file manager.
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MiXplorer You can download and install [MiXplorer ](https://xdaforums.com/t/app-2-2-mixplorer-v6-x-released-fully-featured-file-manager.1523691/post-23109280)from either the Play Store or using the `.apk` file. After installing the app: 1. Copy the sharer's Nord name directly from the NordVPN app. 2. Launch **MiXplorer**. 3. At the bottom, tap the plus (+) button and select **Storage**.
List of options after tapping the plus button.
4. From the list of options, choose **LAN (Samba)**. 5. Fill in the following details: * In the **URI address** field, paste the copied Nord name, followed by a slash (/) and the name of the network share.\ \ **Example**\ `secret.meerkat-pyrenees.nord/MeshnetFolder`\ * In the **Username** and **Password** fields, enter the credentials required for accessing the shared folder. * In the **Display name** field, type in a custom name of how the shared folder should be displayed in the file manager. 6. Tap **Save**.
"Save" button highlighted in the filled in SMB dialog.
7. If prompted, tap **Agree** to grant the file manager access to the files on your device.
"Agree" button highlighted on the permission dialog.
You can now find the added folder by tapping the three-line menu from the upper-left corner. Newly added shared folder highlighted.
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Cx File Explorer Begin by downloading [Cx File Explorer](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cxinventor.file.explorer\&hl=en\&gl=US) from the Play Store. Upon installing it: 1. Copy the sharer's Nord name directly from the NordVPN app. 2. Launch **Cx File Explorer**. 3. Switch to the **Network** tab and select **New location**.
"New location" button highlighted.
4. Under the **Remote** tab, choose **SMB**.
"SMB" option highlighted.
5. Fill in the following details: * In the **Host** field, paste the copied Nord name, followed by a slash (/) and the name of the network share.\ \ **Example**\ `secret.meerkat-pyrenees.nord/MeshnetFolder`\ * In the **Username** and **Password** fields, enter the credentials required for accessing the shared folder. 6. Tap **OK**.
"OK" button highlighted in the SMB dialog with filled in details.
The shared folder should now open in the file manager. You can locate the folder later under the **Network** tab on the main app screen. ![The added shared location highlighted](https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2Fq5h3ZoPmyDypjFrSMQ1a%2Fandroid_cx_added.png?alt=media\&token=2d1f693d-8710-4c1f-bbb2-d7573a87a7f9)
## See also * [Access shared folders from iPhone/iPad](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/set-up-folder-sharing/access-shared-folders-on-ios) * [Access shared folders from Android TV](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/access-shared-folders-from-android-tv#before-you-begin)