Restore a lost RetroArch folder permission on Android
If a previously working library becomes unreadable, reselect the same folder through Android's system document picker and let RetroArch store a fresh URI grant. Do not type or copy a guessed filesystem path. If the folder is absent from the picker, first restore its storage provider or reconnect the volume; if only one core fails, test direct loading before changing the grant.
Do this in order
- 01
Record the RetroArch package, Android version, displayed library URI, storage provider, volume state, and one authorized file checksum.
- 02
Open the Android document picker from RetroArch and check whether the original provider and folder still appear without deleting the old playlist.
- 03
If the provider is missing, reconnect or enable it; if the folder moved, select its actual new location instead of recreating an old path string.
- 04
Grant access to the narrowest useful folder, then directly load the unchanged test file with its documented core.
- 05
If direct loading works, repair or rescan only the affected playlist; if it fails, capture the first verbose-log path error before changing cores.
- 06
Cold-start RetroArch, repeat the load, and record the new URI receipt while redacting private folder and account names.
Decision and diagnostic table
| Observation | Boundary | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Folder absent in picker | Provider or volume | Reconnect or enable the provider |
| Folder visible but access denied | Persisted URI grant | Reselect the exact folder |
| Direct load works | Playlist path | Repair only affected entries |
| One core fails | Core path contract | Read the first verbose-log error |
A grant is more than a path
Android gives an app a provider-backed URI and permission. The same-looking text path cannot recreate that capability after a provider, volume, or app state changes.
Keep the test file constant
A lawful file with a recorded checksum separates access repair from a content or core change.
Repair the narrowest layer
Prove provider visibility, grant, direct load, and playlist identity in that order so a rescan does not hide the original failure.
Use only game, firmware, artwork, and configuration files you created, dumped lawfully, or received under permission covering your use. Compatibility does not grant content rights; never use unauthorized ROM, BIOS, CHD, artwork, or music mirrors.