How to add games.

Choose where your library reads from

Single file

Import ROM creates a copy in GBA Play’s private storage. Later playback of that entry uses the copy rather than the original picker location.

Games folder

Add Games Folder scans for .gba files and stores references to them. Those entries continue to depend on the folder and Android’s access permission.

Use files you are legally entitled to play. Only .gba games are recognized by the current importer; see the format reference for saves, patches, and unsupported archives.

Import one .gba file

1. Open Home → Import ROM

   Alternatively, choose Add Game from Library and select the single-file import option.

2. Choose the actual game file

   Select a readable .gba through Android’s file picker. A renamed archive is still an archive and will not become a valid game.

3. Open the new library entry

   The importer checks readability, non-empty content, duplicates, and the GBA file header. After success, tap the game and choose Start Game.

An identical single-file import is detected by its contents. If it is already present, use the existing entry rather than renaming the same file and trying again.

Add a folder and keep access available

1. Choose Add Games Folder

   Select the intended folder in Android’s folder picker and grant read access when prompted. The app searches that folder and nested folders for .gba files.

2. Keep those source files accessible

   Moving a file, disconnecting its storage, or revoking access can stop the corresponding library entry from opening.

3. Refresh after adding files

   Open Settings → Language & App → Rescan All Folders. If access has been revoked, use Add Games Folder to select the folder again and grant access.

The folder scan has a depth limit. If a deeply nested file is not found, select a folder closer to the game or import that file individually.

If an entry does not appear or open

Confirm the extension, check that the file is not empty, and make sure Android can read the selected location. For a folder entry, confirm the source is still present. Follow the loading checks before removing games or changing app storage.