LT;DR: This is a workaround solution: change AnkiDroid app’s data path to its private directory, then also copy the existing data to it.
Issues
On Android 11, AnkiDroid app imports apkg files or deletes Decks extremely slowly.
I could not wait patiently for hours to import a large apkg file (~200 MB). I had to stop it in the middle.
There were some changes in Android 11’s security policy which caused this issue. Thus, many other Android apps also have the same fate when writing or deleting data.
Below is a temporary solution while we are waiting for an official solution from AnkiDroid.
A workaround solution
Step 1
Use the pre-installed or native File manager app on your device to create a directory named files in this path:
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.ichi2.anki
Again, open the files directory you have just created and create another directory named AnkiDroid under it. So we will have this full path:
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.ichi2.anki/files/AnkiDroid
Step 2 (optional)
If you already have data in AnkiDroid app, you may want to copy all data from AnkiDroid default (or your customised) data path:
from
/storage/emulated/0/AnkiDroid
to
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.ichi2.anki/files/AnkiDroid
Step 3
Launch AnkiDroid app and click on the sandwich menu (three lines) located in the top-left corner, then go to:
Settings > Advanced > AnkiDroid Directory
Now set its path to:
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.ichi2.anki/files/AnkiDroid
Note: if you have just installed AnkiDroid, by doing this, AnkiDroid app will also automatically create the above directory path for you if it is not exist.
Step 4
Now you should be able to import large apkg files quickly and smoothly.
To import an apkg file: open AnkiDroid app and click on the three dots menu at the top right corner -> Import then select your apkg file.
Important notes
-
If you uninstall AnkiDroid app, this app private directory will also be deleted and you will LOOSE ALL of your data in AnkiDroid app too.
-
You may want to use the cloud sync service to backup your data or manually copy them back to the default path
/storage/emulated/0/AnkiDroid(and restore the setting in AnkiDroid app). -
Remember to use the pre-installed File manager on your device to do the moving steps. Third party apps mostly run very slowly.
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My AnkiDroid app version is 2.15.6 as of 26 April 2022.