External storage in xamarin forms

Question

Im trying to create an excel file in xamarin forms, populate the file with some user generated data and save that excel file on the user's device so that they can share it with other applications(in my case google drive).

But when I use DirectoryDocuments PRIVATE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE/Documents in exteranl storage, it breaks and says access to path denied.. Ive searched the error multiple times but could not find a solution that worked for me. and yes i have enabled read and write to external storage premissions. Please help me.

Answer 1

Hello,​

Welcome to our Microsoft Q&A platform!

DirectoryDocuments PRIVATE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE/Documents in exteranl storage,

Due to the android 11 limitation. you cannot store file to external storage,

You can try to use string testPath = Android.App.Application.Context.GetExternalFilesDir("").AbsolutePath + $"filename.txt"; path. It will store your file to the package folder

Here is my demo code to store file.

   string testPath = Android.App.Application.Context.GetExternalFilesDir("").AbsolutePath + $"filename.txt";  
               using (System.IO.FileStream os = new System.IO.FileStream(testPath, System.IO.FileMode.Create))  
               {  
                  var charData = "this is a test text".ToCharArray();  
                 var  byData = new byte[charData.Length];  
                   os.Write(byData,0, byData.Length);  
                   os.Close();  
               }  

Best Regards,

Leon Lu

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