Purpose and management of the folder “.thumbnails” in Android

On all modern Android devices, there are many folders and files, many of which are created automatically while using the operating system. One of these directories is “.Thumbnails”, intended for the temporary storage of documents. In this post we will tell you the main purpose of this folder and all the files that are stored inside.

Folder “.thumbnails” in Android

The main and sole purpose of the portfolio “.Thumbnails”, located in one of the standard operating system directories, used to save the thumbnails of each image to the smartphone. This directory is the one that makes it possible to significantly increase the loading speed of the photos when browsing and finding.

Situated in “.Thumbnails” in the internal folder of the device “Storage” about. “DCIM”.. At the same time from the specified directory, there are other installed application directories and the standard folder “Camera”where the phone camera images are stored. At the same time from the internal memory of your smartphone, the directory “DCIM” and the folder “.Thumbnails” are contained on the memory card and appear automatically when connected.

Unlike most folders on your phone, the directory “.Thumbnails” it is hidden from the user's eyes by default and cannot be opened without a file manager that supports the respective function. The folder can be accessed through one of the file managers that, at the same time showing all the documents it contains, including hidden ones, will allow its removal.

File characteristics.

Among the contents of the folder, there are usually copies of all graphic files that have been opened on the device in various formats. If required, can be used to recover deleted originals or delete them completely, freeing up memory.

There is also a file in an unusable format that acts as an image cache on the Android platform.. Its size is significantly larger than other files and, in reality, it is yours that you must delete it to clear the free space. To that end, the procedure does not differ from other image files.

How to delete a folder

To delete a folder “.Thumbnails” or individual attachments, you will need the previously mentioned file manager. In our case, we will use ES Explorer, since this program is the most popular and provides the most friendly interface.

Note: You can use your computer to uninstall by connecting your smartphone via USB cable.

1. In the ES Explorer app, pull down the main menu in the upper left corner and find “Show hidden files.”. Change the position of the slider to activate the function.
2. Open the root directory of the device, select the folder “Storage” and go to the section “DCIM”. In the same directory on the flash drive you will find “SD card”.
3. Inside the directory, click on the line “.Thumbnails” and hold it there for a few seconds until a check mark icon appears. After, on the bottom panel, Click the button “Remove”to delete the folder and all attachments.
4. To selectively remove it, abra “.Thumbnails” and select unnecessary documents similar to the previous step. Pay special attention to the file “.Thumbdata3”since it contains the thumbnails and takes up space on the smartphone.

The actions described should only be carried out in extreme cases, since the speed of the smartphone and some applications may reduce. At the same time, image thumbnails are likely to disappear from gallery.

Read also: Thumbnails don't appear in gallery on Android

Prohibit the creation of a folder

As an additional measure, you can prevent a thumbnail file from being created, thus avoiding the need to permanently delete the directory in question. Again, this will require a file manager showing hidden files and any text editor.

1. After deleting the folder. “.Thumbnails”In the address book. “DCIM”, click on the three dots icon in the upper right corner of the screen and select “To create”.. From the list of alternatives, select “Proceedings”..
2. In the text box that appears, scribe .nomedia and press “AGREE”.. If you have done everything correctly, inside the directory “DCIM” a new file will appear in an unknown format and by default it has the type “Hidden”..
3. Open the triplet menu again, go to the window “To create”. and select an option. “Proceedings”.. The following must be entered in the name field: .thumbnails

Due, two new files will appear in the folder at the same time, whose presence will prevent the thumbnail directory from being created. This completes the procedure.

Conclution:

We have tried to talk about all the features of the folder. “.Thumbnails” and the files contained in that directory. When working with these types of documents, pay attention to all the features mentioned above.

Has this post helped you?