Storage Migration FAQ - ankidroid/Anki-Android GitHub Wiki

Due to Google Policies, AnkiDroid 2.16+ may no longer access the /AnkiDroid folder when distributed on the Play Store and (re)installed. AnkiDroid would have been removed from the Play Store if these changes were not made.

⚠️ Due to these policies, your data is at risk in AnkiDroid 2.16, regardless of whether you migrate storage

  • If AnkiDroid 2.16 is using the old location (/storage/emulated/0/AnkiDroid)
    • If uninstalled and reinstalled, the collection will be permanently inaccessible to AnkiDroid 2.16 from the Play Store
      • AnkiDroid 2.15 can access this folder
      • AnkiDroid distributed by GitHub or F-Droid can access this folder
  • If AnkiDroid 2.16 is using the new location (/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.ichi2.anki/files/AnkiDroid)
    • Android will offer to wipe this location on uninstall (including AnkiDroid backups)
    • File operations (media sync, import etc...) are much faster

What is a storage migration

A storage migration copies all AnkiDroid files from /storage/emulated/0/AnkiDroid to /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.ichi2.anki/files/AnkiDroid1

I uninstalled AnkiDroid, how do I recover my data?

If you are using the new storage location and didn't delete data, reinstall AnkiDroid and your data will be displayed. Otherwise:

  1. If you sync with AnkiWeb
    • Log in and download your collection from AnkiWeb
  2. If you have a backup (.apkg or .colpkg).
    • Open AnkiDroid. On the App Intro/Deck Picker, select 'Restore from Backup' and follow the instructions
  3. If you didn't migrate storage
    • Install AnkiDroid from GitHub or F-Droid and your data will be restored.
  4. If you did migrate storage and didn't backup
    • A copy of your collection data (everything except media) is available at /AnkiDroid
  5. If you are a new user and didn't backup
    • If you didn't backup, Android permanently deleted your data on uninstall

Why should I migrate

Migration is only offered to users who sync. After the migration, sync speeds are significantly faster.

Since your data is backed up to AnkiWeb, there is very little chance of data loss

What is needed to use an SD Card

Nothing. The app should work as previously.

How do I manually back up my data

Make a copy of /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.ichi2.anki/files/

Technical information for addon/third-party app developers

  • Data is accessible via USB at /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.ichi2.anki/files/. Multiple folders may reside here, one per collection
  • Third Party Apps must use the AnkiDroid API to access & modify AnkiDroid data/media