Thumbnails. What is this folder and what will happen if you delete it?

All users of mobile devices on the platform "Android" perfectly know how gluttonous this operating system is. At the moment it's not about RAM (although its "Android" well "eats"), but about the memory of the device available to the user. As a rule, it is already catastrophically small. And if the owner of the gadget does not have a MicroSD memory card, this becomes a problem. And over time, the situation is simply catastrophic. And this is even when the poor user does not download anything. And gigabytes still evaporate. What to do? One of the reasons for this behavior of "Android" can be a folder Thumbnails. What is this folder for and what is it used for? We will try to answer this question.

What is this folder?

A folder with an intriguing name "Thumbnails" is a system folder. It is used by the operating system to store a cache of thumbnails of images and video files. This is done in order to speed up the process of displaying them in applications such as "Gallery". This program is known to many. Some other applications can also use this folder. If the images on the device are indecent, the size of the cache is also rather big. And he eats a precious place.

What is useful for those who want to end this disgrace, to demolish the entire cache and everything that can be removed? The Thumbnails folder is a system folder. This means that it is hidden and so easy to reach it. In addition, deleting the cache at first helps. But then the folder will again be filled with thumbnails. I'll have to delete everything again. But on how to make the system not fill the folder, we'll talk just below. In the meantime, we'll figure out how to remove thumbnails.

Deleting content with a PC

This is the first method by which you can delete the Thumbnails folder or its contents. In principle, it makes no sense to delete the directory itself, because the system will immediately create another one. But to demolish its contents is more effective. So, first you need to connect the gadget to your computer in media mode. So you can see not only the contents of the SD-card (if it is), but also the file system of your phone. However, you can not find the desired folder. In the "Windows Explorer" you need to enable the display of hidden files. Then it will become visible.

Now you need to open the folder, select all its contents and delete it in the usual way. If the system swears that it is a "read-only file", then you need to go back one step, right-click on the folder, open the "Properties" item and carefully review the file attributes. Uncheck "Read only" and click "Apply to all files in the directory". Then repeat the deletion procedure.

Uninstall using smartphone

Can I delete the Thumbnails folder from my phone? Can. But for this you need a device that has passed the rutting procedure, that is, you must have superuser rights. This can be done with free applications Framaroot or Kingoroot. After obtaining the superuser rights, you need to install the Root Explorer program. It shows the entire contents of the file system and allows you to change it. Without this guide, nothing will come of it.

In the Explorer of Root Explorer you need to find the folder you need, select all its contents and click on the "Delete" button. The application will prompt for root privileges. We must agree with their provision. After that, you can reboot the device and enjoy a free space on your smartphone. But that is not all. You still need to prevent the system from creating thumbnails. About this just below. In the meantime, consider special programs for removing the cache.

Uninstall using applications

Now there are many applications on "Android" that clean the system, remove the remnants of programs, clear the cache, and including the Thumbnails directory. What is this folder, you already know. Now consider the programs that can help in cleaning it. The most popular utility is CCleaner for Android. It enjoys such a love of users because it has rich functionality, does not load the system and works well. And most importantly - this program is completely free.

The CCleaner application will not cause any difficulties in its use. The interface is intuitive. In addition, there is Russian. All that is required from the user is to run the test. The program itself will find unnecessary files and will offer to delete them. The owner of the device will only agree. You can also schedule automatic maintenance, and the utility will clean the specified catalogs once a week. This is the first way to combat the constant filling of the Thumbnails directory. What kind of folder is it and how to deal with its volumes, you already know.

Maintain a clean and orderly directory

With the removal of the folder or its contents everything is clear. But how not to let it re-fill? The first method was described above: you can use the CCLeaner application with the configured weekly maintenance of the system. However, there are other ways. They are suitable for those who do not have enough RAM to permanently hang some application. They are quite simple and will not require any special knowledge.

Such an infection, like the folder Thumbnails on "Android" (what it is, we dismantled above), is constantly filled due to the use of the gallery. Therefore, the way out is: do not use this application at all. There are third-party utilities that do not use thumbnails. You can also apply to all Root Explorer files. He also does not need miniatures. Yes, the standard "Explorer" does not use images. So the possibilities are full.

Summary

Now it's clear what the name Thumbnails means. What kind of folder is also clear. It is also quite proved that you can delete the directory and its contents. There will be no damage to the system from this. You must also keep the folder clean by using special applications. Then free space in the device will be enough.