How to Keep Date Created When Copying Files Android

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When it comes to copying or moving files on an Android device, one common issue that users often encounter is the loss of the original creation date of the files. This can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to organize your files or when the date is important for reference purposes. In this blog post, we will explore different methods and techniques that can help you keep the original creation date when copying files on Android.

Our aim is to provide you with useful insights and practical solutions to overcome this challenge. By following the methods described in this article, you will be able to preserve the original creation date of your files and maintain a more organized and accurate file system on your Android device.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

In order to keep the original creation date when copying files on Android, you will need:

  1. An Android device
  2. A file management app (we will be using the ES File Explorer for demonstration purposes)
  3. The files that you want to copy

With these basic requirements in place, you will be ready to start preserving the creation date of your files when copying them on your Android device.

What Requires Your Focus?

Preserving the original creation date of files when copying them on Android requires your attention to the following key factors:

  1. The file management app you use – not all file management apps support preserving the creation date of files during copying. It is important to choose a reliable app that provides this functionality.
  2. The file transfer method – different methods of copying files on Android may have different impacts on the preservation of the creation date. It is essential to select the most suitable method for your needs.
  3. The file format – some file formats inherently retain the creation date, while others do not. Depending on the file format of your files, you may need to employ different techniques to preserve the creation date.

By considering these factors and following the methods described below, you will be able to effectively preserve the creation date of your files when copying them on Android.

Method 1. Using the ES File Explorer

The ES File Explorer is a popular file management app for Android that offers a wide range of features and options. One of its key capabilities is the ability to preserve the original creation date of files when copying them.

Here are the steps to use the ES File Explorer to keep the date created when copying files on Android:

  1. Open the ES File Explorer app on your Android device.
  2. Navigate to the folder containing the files that you want to copy.
  3. Long-press on the file you want to copy to select it.
  4. Tap on the "Copy" button in the lower-right corner of the screen.
  5. Navigate to the destination folder where you want to paste the copied file.
  6. Tap on the "Paste" button in the lower-right corner of the screen.
Pros Cons
1. Quick and easy to use. 1. Limited customization options.
2. Preserves the original creation date of files. 2. Requires installation of the ES File Explorer app.
3. Provides other useful file management features. 3. May not be compatible with all Android devices.

Method 2. Via Google Drive

Google Drive is a popular cloud storage solution that offers seamless file synchronization and sharing across multiple devices. By utilizing Google Drive, you can ensure that the original creation date of your files is preserved when copying them on Android.

Here are the steps to copy files while preserving the date created using Google Drive:

  1. Install the Google Drive app on your Android device and sign in to your Google account.
  2. Open the Google Drive app and tap on the "+" icon in the lower-right corner of the screen to create a new folder.
  3. Name the folder and tap on the checkmark icon to create it.
  4. Go back to the main screen of the Google Drive app and tap on the "Files" tab.
  5. Navigate to the folder containing the files that you want to copy.
  6. Long-press on the file you want to copy to select it.
  7. Tap on the vertical ellipsis icon (three vertical dots) in the upper-right corner of the screen.
  8. Select "Move to" or "Copy to" from the options menu.
  9. Navigate to the newly created folder in Google Drive and tap on the "Move here" or "Copy here" button.
Pros Cons
1. Allows seamless synchronization and access to files across devices. 1. Requires installation of the Google Drive app.
2. Preserves the original creation date of files. 2. Requires an internet connection for file transfer.
3. Provides a reliable cloud storage solution. 3. Limited free storage capacity (additional storage may require a subscription).

Method 3. Using a File Compression App

File compression apps, such as WinZip or RAR, offer the ability to create compressed archives that preserve the original attributes of the files, including the creation date. By compressing the files you want to copy and then extracting them at the destination, you can maintain the original creation date on Android.

Follow these steps to copy files while preserving the date created using a file compression app:

  1. Install a file compression app from the Google Play Store, such as WinZip or RAR.
  2. Open the file compression app and navigate to the folder containing the files that you want to copy.
  3. Select all the files you want to copy by tapping on them.
  4. Tap on the "Archive" or "Compress" option in the app menu.
  5. Choose the desired archive format (e.g., ZIP or RAR) and configure any additional settings.
  6. Tap on the "Create" or "OK" button to create the archive.
  7. Navigate to the destination folder where you want to copy the files.
  8. Open the file compression app again and locate the archived file.
  9. Tap on the "Extract" or "Uncompress" option in the app menu.
  10. Choose the destination folder for the extracted files and tap on the "Extract" or "OK" button.
Pros Cons
1. Preserves the original creation date of files. 1. Requires installation of a file compression app.
2. Offers compression and encryption options for file management. 2. Additional steps required for file extraction.
3. Supports various archive formats for compatibility. 3. May require manual extraction of files after copying.

Method 4. Via USB Transfer

Copying files through a direct USB transfer between your Android device and a computer is a reliable and convenient method. By using this method, you can ensure that the original creation date of the files is preserved during the transfer process.

Here are the steps to copy files while preserving the date created via USB transfer:

  1. Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Enable USB file transfer on your Android device by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping on the USB connection notification.
  3. Select the "File Transfer" or "MTP" option from the USB connection settings.
  4. On your computer, open the file explorer (e.g., Windows Explorer or Finder) and navigate to the folder containing the files you want to copy.
  5. Drag and drop the files from the computer folder to the desired location on your Android device.
  6. Wait for the file transfer to complete, and then safely remove your Android device from the computer.
Pros Cons
1. Preserves the original creation date of files. 1. Requires a computer and a USB cable.
2. Allows fast and direct file transfer between devices. 2. Requires manual connection and disconnection of the devices.
3. No additional apps or internet connection required. 3. Limited to the storage capacity of the Android device.

Why Can’t I Keep Date Created When Copying Files Android

There are several reasons why you may not be able to keep the date created when copying files on Android. Some of the common reasons include:

  1. The file management app you are using does not support preserving the creation date during the copying process.
  2. The file transfer method you are using does not retain the original creation date information.
  3. The file format you are working with does not allow the preservation of the creation date.

Here are some suggested fixes for these issues:

  1. Try using the ES File Explorer or another file management app that specifically supports preserving the creation date when copying files.
  2. Consider using methods like Google Drive or USB transfer, which have been proven to retain the original creation date.
  3. If the file format is a constraint, you may need to convert the files to a format that allows the preservation of the creation date.

Implications and Recommendations

Based on our exploration of different methods to keep the date created when copying files on Android, here are three recommendations to help you achieve the desired results:

  1. Choose a reliable file management app with built-in support for preserving the creation date during file operations.
  2. Utilize cloud storage solutions like Google Drive to ensure seamless synchronization and access to your files while maintaining the original creation date.
  3. Consider using file compression apps to preserve the creation date when copying multiple files at once.

5 FAQs about Keeping Date Created When Copying Files on Android

Q1: Can I keep the date created when copying files on Android without using any additional apps?

A: Yes, you can keep the date created when copying files on Android by using the USB transfer method, which does not require any additional apps.

Q2: Will the preservation of the creation date impact the file size or quality?

A: No, preserving the creation date does not impact the file size or quality. It simply retains the original metadata information of the file.

Q3: Are there any limitations on the types of files that can have their creation date preserved?

A: The ability to preserve the creation date depends on the file format and the file management app or method used. Some file formats may not support the preservation of the creation date.

Q4: Is it possible to copy files while preserving the creation date across different Android devices?

A: Yes, the methods described in this article can be applied to different Android devices. However, it is important to ensure that the file management app or method used is compatible with the specific Android device.

Q5: Can I restore the original creation date if it gets lost during the copying process?

A: Unfortunately, once the original creation date is lost during the copying process, it cannot be restored. It is therefore important to use the appropriate methods and file management apps to prevent the loss of this information.

Final Words

Preserving the original creation date when copying files on Android is essential for maintaining accurate and organized file systems. By selecting the right file management app and utilizing suitable file transfer methods, you can ensure that the creation date is preserved throughout the copying process. Remember to choose apps and methods that support the retention of creation date information, and consider using cloud storage or file compression solutions for more efficient file management. With these recommendations in mind, you can effectively preserve the creation date and manage your files in a more efficient and organized manner on Android.

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