Android 10 FileProvider

Introduction

In Android, the FileProvider is a special content provider that allows you to securely share files with other apps. It provides a convenient way to grant access to files outside your app's private directories. Starting from Android 10, there are some changes and restrictions on how you use the FileProvider. In this article, we will explore the new features and demonstrate how to use the FileProvider in Android 10.

Changes in Android 10

Android 10 introduces scoped storage, a new approach to manage and access files on external storage. With scoped storage, apps can access their own private directories and a shared collection of media files. However, direct access to arbitrary files on external storage is restricted unless you have special permissions.

To ensure the privacy and security of user data, Android 10 imposes restrictions on how you use the FileProvider. Previously, you could use the <external-path> tag in the FileProvider's XML configuration file to grant access to any file on external storage. But in Android 10, you can only grant access to files within your app's private directories.

Using FileProvider in Android 10

To use the FileProvider in Android 10, you need to make some changes to your code and configuration.

Configuration

Manifest

First, you need to declare the FileProvider in your app's manifest file. Add the following code inside the <application> tag:

<provider
    android:name="androidx.core.content.FileProvider"
    android:authorities="com.yourapp.fileprovider"
    android:exported="false"
    android:grantUriPermissions="true">
    <meta-data
        android:name="android.support.FILE_PROVIDER_PATHS"
        android:resource="@xml/file_paths" />
</provider>

Replace com.yourapp.fileprovider with your app's package name.

XML Configuration

Next, create a new XML file named file_paths.xml in the res/xml directory. This file defines the directories and files that your app can provide access to. Here's an example configuration:

<paths xmlns:android="
    <files-path name="my_files" path="files/" />
    <external-path name="external_files" path="." />
</paths>

In this example, we provide access to the app's private files directory (files/) and the entire external storage (.).

Granting Access to Files

To share a file with other apps, you need to create a content URI using the FileProvider. Here's an example code snippet:

// Get the file object
File file = new File(getFilesDir(), "my_file.txt");

// Generate a content URI
Uri contentUri = FileProvider.getUriForFile(this, "com.yourapp.fileprovider", file);

// Grant read permission to other apps
Intent intent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_SEND);
intent.putExtra(Intent.EXTRA_STREAM, contentUri);
intent.setType("text/plain");
intent.addFlags(Intent.FLAG_GRANT_READ_URI_PERMISSION);
startActivity(intent);

In this example, we create a content URI using the getUriForFile() method of the FileProvider. We pass the context, authority, and the file object as parameters. The addFlags() method is used to grant read permission to other apps.

Handling File Access

When another app receives the content URI, it needs to obtain permission to access the file. Here's an example code snippet:

Uri contentUri = getIntent().getParcelableExtra(Intent.EXTRA_STREAM);
if (contentUri != null) {
    try {
        InputStream inputStream = getContentResolver().openInputStream(contentUri);
        // Process the file stream
    } catch (IOException e) {
        e.printStackTrace();
    }
}

In this example, we obtain the content URI from the intent and use the openInputStream() method of the content resolver to get the file stream. You can then process the file stream as needed.

Conclusion

The FileProvider is a powerful tool for sharing files with other apps in Android. In Android 10, the FileProvider has undergone some changes and restrictions to enhance privacy and security. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your app uses the FileProvider correctly in Android 10.

To summarize:

  1. Update your app's manifest file to declare the FileProvider.
  2. Create an XML configuration file to specify the directories and files that can be accessed.
  3. Use the FileProvider to generate a content URI for a file.
  4. Grant read permission to other apps when sharing the content URI.
  5. Handle the file access in the receiving app using the content URI.

By following these steps, you can securely share files and comply with the new restrictions in Android 10.