On each modern Android device there are many folders and files, many of which are created automatically during the use of the operating system. One of these directories is ".thumbnails", intended for temporary storage of documents. During the article, we will tell about the main purpose of this folder and all stored inside the files.
Folder ".thumbnails" on Android
The main and sole purpose of the ".thumbnails" folder, located in one of the standard operating system directory, is to keep the sketches of each image on the smartphone. It is this directory that allows you to significantly increase the speed of downloading photos when viewing and navigating.
Located ".thumbnails" in the internal folder "Storage" device in the DCIM section. In addition to the specified directory, there are other directories from the installed applications and the standard "Camera" folder in which snapshots from the camera on the phone are saved. Except in the internal memory of the smartphone, the "DCIM" directory and folder ".thumbnails" are contained on the memory card, automatically appearing when connected.
Unlike most folders on the phone, the default ".thumbnails" directory is hidden from the user's eye and cannot be opened without a file manager with the support of the corresponding function. You can access a folder using one of the file managers, which, in addition to the display of all documents contained within, including hidden, will delete.
Features Files
Among the contents in the folder, as a rule, there are copies of all ever open graphic files on the device in different formats. If necessary, they can be used to restore remote originals or completely delete, freeing the memory.
Immediately there is a file in an unsuitable format, acting as a cache of images on the Android platform. Its dimensions significantly exceed other files, and, in fact, it is its removal that needs to be made to clean free space. In this regard, the procedure does not differ from other graphic files.
The way to delete the folder
To remove the ".thumbnails" folder or individual attached files, you will need a previously mentioned file manager. In our case, we will use the ES conductor, since it is this program that uses the most popular and provides the most understandable interface.
Note: You can use the computer to be deleted by connecting the smartphone via a USB cable.
- In the ES Explorer, expand the main menu in the upper left corner and find the "Show hidden files" item. Change the slider position to enable the function.
- Open the root directory of the device, select the "Storage" folder and go to the "DCIM" section. By analogy with these can find the same directory on the SDCard flash drive.
- Inside the directory, click on the ".thumbnails" line and hold in this state for a few seconds before the appearance of the checkbox icon appears. After that, on the bottom panel, click the Delete button to get rid of the folder and all attached files.
- For sample deletion, open ".thumbnails" and select Unnecessary Documents by analogy with the previous step. Special attention is paid to the ".thumbdata3" file, since it is it that contains the sketches and takes place on the smartphone.
The actions described must be performed only in extreme cases, since the speed of the smartphone and some applications may decrease. In addition, most likely, sketches of pictures will disappear from the gallery.
As a result, two new files will appear in the folder, the presence of which will prevent the creation of a catalog with sketches. This procedure can be considered completed.
Conclusion
We tried to tell about all the features of the ".thumbnails" folder and files contained within this directory. While working with such documents it is worth paying attention to all named features.