File picker for other apps
Offers itself when an app asks to open a file, save a file or choose a folder.
Android TV · Google TV · File manager · FTPS · Google Play
S2X File Manager
The file picker your TV is missing, plus an FTPS server.
S2X File Manager lets apps on Android TV and Google TV open files again, shows all your storage once you allow it, and turns the TV into an encrypted FTPS server so you can send files from your PC without a USB drive.
- Platform
- Android TV, Google TV, phone, tablet, Wear OS (Android 8+)
- Languages
- 7
- Get it on
- Google Play
Step 0: get S2X File Manager on Google Play
S2X File Manager is on Google Play. Get it from the store first, then follow any guide. Here is how to reach the store on your TV.
1
Android TV
The Google Play Store has its own banner (tile) on the home screen. Open it.
2
Google TV
There is no store tile. Press and hold the voice input button on the remote and say “open Google Play Store”.
3
Search the full name
In the store type “S2X File Manager”, open the app by Cloud Curry Studio (its store title ends with “SCAN TO SEND”), then get it from Google Play.
Why people install it
Three jobs the stock TV does not do.
Your TV has no file picker
Many Android TV and Google TV devices cannot show a system file picker, so apps that need to open a file just say they cannot. S2X steps in as the picker.
See the whole storage
With All files access switched on you can browse the full storage, not only the few folders apps are normally allowed to see.
Send files from your PC
An FTPS server runs on the TV. Connect from FileZilla and move movies, ROMs and photos over Wi-Fi, encrypted.
Scan to connect
Show a code on the TV and scan it with another device to fill in the address and login.
A file picker for apps that need one
Emulators, players, image tools and sync apps ask Android for a file. On many TVs nobody answers. S2X answers.
1
Open the file in your app
For example choose Load game in an emulator.
2
Choose S2X File Manager
The TV asks which app to use. Pick Always to keep it as your picker.
3
Pick the file with the remote
Browse, press OK on the file, and confirm. It goes back to the app.
Handles requests to open a file, save a file and choose a folder. Some apps insist on the system picker and may still refuse.
All files access
The first time you start S2X it asks to manage all files. Say yes, then switch it on for S2X in system settings.
Send files from your PC with FTPS
Start the server on the red panel, then connect from FileZilla or any client that supports explicit FTP over TLS.
1
Start the server
Open the Server panel, check the login and root folder, then press Start.
2
Connect from your PC
Protocol FTP, encryption Require explicit FTP over TLS, the TV address and the port shown on screen.
3
Drag and drop
Files land in the root folder you chose. Stop the server when you are done.
Plain FTP is not supported, only FTP over TLS. Keep the server on your home network and use a VPN rather than opening ports to the internet.
Features
Everything it does, in plain language.
All files access
Browse and manage every folder the system allows, after one switch in settings.
FTPS server
Explicit FTP over TLS with your own username and password and a root folder you choose.
Scan to send
A code on the TV carries the connection details to another device.
FTP over TLS client
Connect from the TV to another FTPS server and download or upload.
SMB client
Browse shares on a NAS or a Windows PC.
PDF viewer
Open PDF files in the built-in viewer.
Local file manager
Folders, sizes, dates and picture thumbnails, controlled with the remote.
Transfer counters
See downloads, uploads and connections at a glance.
Seven languages
English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French and Spanish.
Screenshots
Captured on Android TV. Login details are hidden.
Home screen: Server on the left, Client and File Manager on the right The TV lists S2X when an app asks for a file Picker mode: browse with the remote and pick First start: allow Manage all files The whole storage, not just a few folders FTPS server settings (credentials hidden) 
Local file manager with thumbnails FTP (TLS) client form
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get S2X File Manager and how do I find the Google Play Store on Google TV?
Get it from Google Play. On Android TV, open the Google Play Store banner on the home screen. On Google TV there is no store tile: press and hold the voice input button on the remote, say "open Google Play Store", then search "S2X File Manager" and open the app by Cloud Curry Studio.
Why does my Google TV say "You don't have an app that can do this" when I open a file?
The app asked Android for a file picker and the TV has none. Install a picker app. S2X File Manager registers to answer these requests, so the TV offers it when an app wants to open a file.
How do I load a game in PPSSPP on Android TV?
Install S2X, switch on All files access, open PPSSPP and choose to load a game. When the TV asks which app to complete the action with, choose S2X File Manager, then pick the game file with the remote.
Should I choose Just once or Always?
Choose Always if you want S2X to be the picker every time. Choose Just once to be asked again next time.
What is All files access?
It is a special Android permission that lets a file manager see the whole storage. You turn it on in system settings for the app. Some folders, such as Android, stay protected by the system even then.
What is the difference between FTP and FTPS?
FTP sends names, passwords and files without encryption. FTPS wraps the connection in TLS. S2X speaks explicit FTPS only, so use a client such as FileZilla and choose explicit FTP over TLS.
How do I connect FileZilla to my TV?
Start the server in S2X. In FileZilla enter the TV address, the port shown on the screen, protocol FTP, encryption "Require explicit FTP over TLS", logon type Normal, and the username and password from the screen. Accept the certificate the first time.
Can I reach my TV over the internet?
It is better not to. Open ports expose your files. Use a VPN into your home network instead, and stop the server when you are not using it.
Is it safe to give an app All files access?
Only give it to apps you trust. S2X works on your own device, asks you first, and the server needs a username and password. Change the random login to your own and pick a smaller root folder, such as Movies, if you only share videos.
Can it connect to a NAS?
Yes, it has an SMB client for shares on a NAS or a Windows PC.
Which Android versions does it support?
Android 8.0 or newer on Android TV, Google TV, phones, tablets and Wear OS.
Can it connect to a plain FTP server?
No. The client only supports FTP over TLS. For a plain FTP source, download on a PC first, then send the file to the TV.
Give your TV a file picker
S2X File Manager for Android TV and Google TV.