Cannot read file using ContentResolver.openInputStream(Uri)

Question

For an existent file in the internal storage of the phone, path of which is /system/data/recf/pic.jpg, constructing inputStream using openInputStream() method throws FileNotFoundException.

This is what I am doing-

ContentResolver cr = context.getContentResolver();
InputStream inputStream = null;
Uri filename = Uri.parse("file:///system/data/recf/pic.jpg");
inputStream = cr.openInputStream(filename);

But it is throwing a FileNotFoundException. I have checked that the file exists. Stuck for a long time, please help. Thanks.

Answer 1

Device's Internal Storage (Phone Storage) is still considered External Storage in terms of Android. "External Storage" may refer to removable storage such as SD card or non-removable internal storage of phone.

"Internal Storage" refers to a private space of your app which is not shared with anyone, including the user.

Hence, permission to read from and write to External Storage was required. On Android M+, real-time permission was required.