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====== Using Locus Map on Android 11+ file system ======

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===== What is this all about? =====

In November 2021, Google launched a **[[https://developer.android.com/about/versions/11/privacy/storage|new file management system]]** in Android 11 and the following versions, bringing a major change to the way Locus Map and other applications handle their data:
  * by default, **the app has a full read/write access to its PRIVATE FOLDER** in ///Android/data/// system directory (either in the internal storage or in the external storage - removable SD card)

==== Advantages of the private directory ====
  * App data is **secured** against access from other apps (possible attacks from malware etc.)
  * After the uninstallation, the app leaves **no garbage** in the device storage.
==== Drawbacks ====
  * **All app data is deleted upon uninstall** - the majority of devices show a warning prompt with the option to retain the app data in the storage. But especially Chinese products erase the data without an option of restoring.
  * **No use of other apps data** - it is no longer allowed to share one common directory between Locus Map Classic and Locus Map 4.
  * **Limited custom sub-directories** - the app can read/write data only in its private directory or in ///Android/media/// directory. Only backup files can be stored elsewhere. Also, custom directories with **geotagged photos** are not supported - Locus Map can only read from the **default system media directory** or **/Android/Media/** sector.
  * **Disabled linking to maps from external folders** - all raster maps can be stored only in ///Locus/Maps/// directory or in ///Android/media/menion.android.locus/Maps/// directory, all vector maps in ///Locus/mapsVector/// directory or in ///Android/media/menion.android.locus/MapsVector/// directory.

<WRAP center round important>
**As a precaution before the update to Locus Map 4.5.x or Locus Map Classic 3.56.x we urgently recommend:**
  * setting up an **[[manual:user_guide:tools:backup|automatic backup of your tracks, routes and points to Dropbox,  Google Drive or OneDrive]]**. Premium Gold users' data are [[manual:user_guide:sync|automatically synced]] with our own cloud server.
  * regular **[[manual:user_guide:maps_offline#cloud_backup_of_maps|backups of your downloaded maps]]** from the commercial publishers. LoMaps can be re-downloaded for free at any time from the Locus Store.
</WRAP>

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===== What to do with it? =====
 
We've prepared a few scenarios for **smooth and secure transfer of your data after the app update**:
  * **[[manual:faq:single_update|Update when a single Locus Map is installed >>]]**
  * **[[manual:faq:single_update_both_apps|Update when both Locus Map Classic and Locus Map 4 are installed >>]]**
  * **[[manual:faq:new_install_old_dir|New installation on a device with old app data >>]]**
  * **[[manual:faq:new_install_second_app|New installation when the other Locus is installed too >>]]**
  * **[[manual:faq:cusom_subdirs|Custom subdirectories and external maps >>]]**
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