Material You Now Available on Google Drive Web Chrome

If you are searching for a Material you file manager android, you likely care about design, privacy, and control. You want something clean, modern, and open source. Not a bloated app filled with ads. Not a tool that scans your data in the background.

I have tested many open source file manager android apk options on stock Android and custom ROMs. Some looked beautiful but lacked power. Others were powerful but ugly. A few struck the right balance.

This guide shares real experience, honest pros and cons, and practical advice so you avoid installing the wrong app.

What Is Google Material You?

Material You is Google’s dynamic design language introduced with Android 12. It adapts colors based on your wallpaper. It uses larger buttons, soft shapes, and smooth animations. It feels personal and modern.

Read Also: Google Drive vs Google Storage: Which One Should You Use?

Many file managers still use old design patterns. They look dated next to system apps like Google Drive. If you want visual consistency across your device, choosing a Material You–based file manager matters more than you think.

Best Open Source File Manager Android APK (Tested)

Below are open source options I’ve personally tested. Each has strengths. Each has limitations.

1. Material Files

This is the closest thing to a pure Material You file manager. Why It Works?

• Fully open source

• Clean Material You interface

• No ads

• Simple layout

• Lightweight and fast

The first thing I noticed was how well it matched system colors. On Android 13 and 14, it feels native. The animations are smooth. Navigation is intuitive.

For daily file browsing, copying, renaming, and moving files, it works perfectly. Where It Falls Short?

• Limited advanced tools

• Basic network storage support

• Not ideal for power users

If you manage servers, FTP, or cloud sync heavily, you may feel restricted.

Best For:-

• Minimalists

• Privacy-focused users

• Stock Android lovers

• Users who want a clean Material you file manager

Not Ideal For:-

• Developers managing remote servers

• Users who need deep archive tools

2. Amaze File Manager

Amaze has been around for years. It remains one of the most popular open source file manager android apk choices. What I Like?

• Root access support

• FTP support

• App manager built in

• Lightweight

It feels more powerful than Material Files. If you use custom ROMs, this app gives more control.

Downsides

• UI is not fully Material You

• Some design elements feel older

• Updates are slower than before

The app still works well. But visually, it does not fully match modern Android styling. Best For:-

• Power users

• Root users

• Users managing internal system files

Not Ideal For

• Users who care strongly about modern design

3. Simple File Manager (by Simple Mobile Tools)

This one focuses on privacy and simplicity. Strengths:-

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• Fully offline

• No trackers

• Clean interface

• Easy navigation

It is reliable for everyday file management. It works smoothly even on older devices.

Weak Points:-

• Limited advanced features

• UI is simple but not fully Material You dynamic

It feels stable. But not exciting. Best For:-

• Users who want no internet permission

• Older Android devices

• People who want a distraction-free experience

How to Choose the Right File Manager

Here is what I learned after switching between these apps for weeks.

1. Decide Between Simplicity and Power

If you only move photos, videos, and documents, go simple. If you manage ZIP files, external drives, and FTP servers, choose something more advanced. Do not install a heavy tool if you will not use its features.

2. Check Update Frequency

Open source apps live or die by maintenance. Visit the GitHub page. Check the latest release date. An outdated file manager may not support newer Android storage policies.

3. Avoid Apps With Excessive Permissions

A file manager needs storage access. It does not need:

• Contacts access

• SMS permission

• Location tracking

If you see strange permissions, uninstall immediately.

Can Google Drive Detect Copyrighted Material?

Many users worry about this. Google Drive can detect copyrighted material in some cases. It uses automated systems. These systems scan files shared publicly.

Private files are generally not manually reviewed. However, if you share copyrighted content publicly, it may be flagged. If privacy is your priority, use encrypted storage or keep sensitive files offline.

This is one reason many privacy-focused users prefer open source file manager android apk tools combined with local storage.

Why Material You Matters for Daily Use?

Design affects consistency. When your file manager matches system UI:

• You navigate faster

• Buttons are easier to tap

• Visual fatigue reduces

After switching to a Material You–styled manager, I noticed smoother interaction. It felt less cluttered. Small details matter. Rounded corners. Dynamic color accents. Clear spacing.

They make daily file browsing less stressful.

Common Mistakes People Make

Installing Random APKs From Unknown Sites. Open source does not mean safe everywhere. Always download from:

• Official GitHub repository

• Trusted app stores

Avoid modified APKs. They may contain malware.

Ignoring Scoped Storage Changes

Since Android 11, file access changed. Some older apps struggle with scoped storage rules. This causes missing folders or limited access. Before installing, check reviews that mention Android 13 or 14 compatibility.

Choosing Based Only on Ratings

High ratings do not always mean good privacy. Many proprietary file managers look polished. But they include ads, analytics, and background tracking.

If privacy matters to you, verify open source status.

Real-World Usage Scenarios

Here’s how different users should decide:

Student

You download PDFs and manage notes.

Choose: Material Files

Reason: Clean UI, easy sorting, no distractions.

Developer

You transfer builds, access system folders, use FTP.

Choose: Amaze File Manager

Reason: Advanced tools and root support.

Privacy Advocate

You want zero tracking and offline control.

Choose: Simple File Manager

Reason: Minimal permissions and offline focus.

Performance and Battery Impact

In my testing:

• Material Files used the least RAM

• Amaze used slightly more during FTP transfers

• Simple File Manager stayed stable

None caused battery drain in normal use.

The real battery killers are file managers with ads and background services.

Security Tips for Open Source File Managers

1. Keep the app updated

2. Avoid granting unnecessary permissions

3. Use device encryption

4. Back up important files

A file manager gives you power. Power needs responsibility.

Final Thoughts

If you want a modern Material you file manager android experience, start with Material Files. If you need control over system directories, try Amaze.

If privacy is your top concern, go with Simple File Manager. Test one at a time for a week. Notice:

• Speed

• Ease of navigation

• Missing features

• Bugs

Delete what you do not use.

A file manager should feel invisible. It should help, not interrupt. When chosen carefully, an open source file manager android apk becomes one of the most trusted tools on your device.

And that matters more than flashy features.