Termux Navigation Guide

This guide explains why ls may appear empty in Termux and shows how to navigate Android directories, view hidden files, and return to the default Termux home directory.

1. Why `ls` May Show Nothing

When you open Termux, it starts in its sandboxed home directory:

/data/data/com.termux/files/home

This directory is empty until you create files or folders. Your Android storage is separate and not automatically accessible.

2. Viewing Hidden Files

Files that start with a dot (.) are hidden. To see them:

ls -a

Example: to see .bashrc or other hidden config files.

3. Accessing Android Storage

Termux requires permission to access Android storage. Run:

termux-setup-storage

Allow permission when prompted. This creates a folder structure inside Termux:

/storage/emulated/0 → your main internal storage
→ root-level directories inside Termux (sandbox)



4. Navigating to Important Directories

Internal storage (main):
cd /storage/emulated/0
ls

Downloads folder:
cd /storage/emulated/0/Download
ls

Pictures / DCIM:
cd /storage/emulated/0/DCIM
ls

Create shortcut to storage:
ln -s /storage/emulated/0 ~/storage
cd ~/storage
ls
Now ~/storage acts as a quick shortcut to internal storage.



5. Returning to Termux Home Directory

cd ~ or cd → takes you back to /data/data/com.termux/files/home
Check your current location at any time:
pwd


6. Tips

Use ls -a regularly to view hidden files.
Create shortcuts or aliases in .bashrc for directories you use often.
You can combine commands: cd ~/storage && ls to go to storage and list files in one step.
Always be careful when using commands like rm in Android storage; deleted files may not go to a trash folder.

Termux Navigation Guide

1. Why ls May Show Nothing

2. Viewing Hidden Files

3. Accessing Android Storage

4. Navigating to Important Directories

5. Returning to Termux Home Directory

6. Tips

1. Why `ls` May Show Nothing