In November 2021, Google launched a 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:

• the app has a full read/write access only to its PRIVATE FOLDER in /Android/data/ system directory (either in the internal storage or in the external storage - removable SD card)

• The app shows a better performance in stability and responsiveness
• Its data is secured against access from other apps (possible attacks from malware etc.)
• After the uninstallation, it leaves no garbage in the device storage.

• 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 Pro and Locus Map 4.
• No custom sub-directories - the app can read/write vector maps and SRTM data only in its private directory (only backup files can be stored elsewhere). Also, custom directories with geotagged photos are not supported - Locus can read from the default system media directory only.
• Disabled linking to maps from external folders - all raster maps can be stored only in /Locus/Maps/ directory, all vector maps in /Locus/mapsVector/ directory.

The original default setting of the Locus Map main directory was in the root of the internal storage of the device. Plus, custom sub-directories could be set elsewhere in the internal or external storage (removable SD card), and external maps could be linked to the app from anywhere in the device storage.

As this setup is no longer possible on Android 11+, we've prepared a few scenarios for smooth and secure transfer of your data after the app update:

• Update when a single Locus Map is installed >>

Older Android versions enabled sharing of the main app directory between Locus Map 4 and Locus Map Pro. This is no longer possible, each app can use only its own private folder. After the update, you have to decide whether to use only one of the apps or both with the data size doubled.

How to do it >>

The main app directory used to remain at the root of the internal storage of the device when the app was uninstalled. You can transfer such data after a new Locus installation.

How to do it >>

The newly installed app can detect the other app on the device and offers to transfer its data.

How to do it >>

Previously, Locus Map could work with data (maps, SRTM data, geotagged photos…) placed in subdirectories all over the device storage. As this is no longer possible, the data should be transferred to the private folder too.

How to do it >>