Can't delete "ghost file" from downloads in files app

sugseg52

Maybe you want to try the following: Go to Settings -> Apps -> See all Apps -> The three-dot-menu on the top right -> Show System. Then you scroll until you reach Download Manager and Downloads. Force stop both and under Storage & cache clear their Storage and Cache. Make backups first for all the things you downloaded, just in case.

Did that remove the ghost file?

Goseur7

sugseg52 Thank you..Just did all that and restart..but nothing changed...

unwat

Goseur7

Have you tried another file management app like Material Files?

Goseur7

unwat Just installed Material files...the ghost file isn't anywhere there...not even in downloads section...it remains only in downloads section in Files app(which is always the app's "home page").. Thank you my friend..

unwat

Goseur7

Two other things. First, I've had issues deleting stuff from the "home page" downloads folder too, but I could delete the files by going there directly. It might not work, but it's worth attempting if you haven't already.

If you don't know what I mean, you can hit the three lines in the upper left hand corner > tap your phone's name > Downloads. Try to delete from there?

Also, I found a thread on Google's support forum. A few people had luck using Google's proprietary Files app to delete their "ghost" files.

Goseur7

unwat The ghost file does not exist anywhere in device's storage. In Files app and in Material files like you suggested to me, download folder is empty. Material files also has downloads section like Files but it's empty as it should be. Same when i access the storage with commands in Termux app. The 0byte apk file appears only in Downloads section in stock Files app. I think this is my case: https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/eb7sgq/residual_files_that_wont_delete/

JoelySmokes

Hey, I had this same problem. I just wanted to say that I noticed as of a few days ago I don't know if it was due to the update or because of some auto-delete behind the scenes but on my end the issue seems to be solved.

Anonymous

Here's one for you! I just experienced the issue with interrupted download. I open the Files app, there are two apks that were previously downloaded, one at noon and one at 5 pm. When I tap the three lines at top, left, and select "recent", 2 more files show up... one is a .csv and the other is a mystery because it's title is too long, but the icon on both are the same. When I select either of the two apks, the search icon in the upper, right, becomes a trash icon, but when I select either of the two mystery files, the search icon becomes a share icon. Therefore, I have no way to delete those two sketchy files. I have tried the options recommended to address the non-deleted, deleted ghost files and nothing works, the files persist with no delete option. Do I need to download an altogether different File Manager app and delete this one? Or do I have to reinstall GOS, again? Or? I would ask if anyone else has encountered this, but I've already scoured the relevant threads and haven't seen this particular flavor of the issue.

[deleted]

Anonymous Do I need to download an altogether different File Manager app and delete this one?

You can use an different file manager, however the default File Manager ("DocumentsUI") cannot be uninstalled via GUI.

Anonymous It is possible to delete files via ADB using the rm command. You can search on your preffered search engine for appopriate instructions.

Anonymous

I don't know if I can delete them with ADB because they appear to be files, not packages... unless it is possible and someone knows the commands for that?

Anonymous

[deleted] The Files app cannot be uninstalled via adb, after being replaced with an equally or more functional Files app? I've done it on a device before without any negative impact on the system or functionality. It had to be installed and made default, though, before deleting the stock app.

I will pursue researching the files via adb first, as I didn't realize it was an option.

Thank you!

matchboxbananasynergy

This is an upstream AOSP issue, and based on reports I've heard, the files go away by themselves after a few days, so the issue should take care of itself without any manual intervention being required.

Anonymous The Files app cannot be uninstalled via adb, after being replaced with an equally or more functional Files app? I've done it on a device before without any negative impact on the system or functionality. It had to be installed and made default, though, before deleting the stock app.

I would absolutely not recommend deleting any system app with ADB. You will also notice that the files app cannot be disabled via the regular user UI. There's a reason for that. documentsui (the AOSP files app) is used by apps and the system in general for when the file manager needs to be called to select files for apps as part of the storage access framework. You are extremely likely to break the OS by removing that app. If you want another files app because you prefer its UI or features, you're fine to install another one, but please leave the installed one alongside it.

[deleted]

Anonymous Many apps, like KeepassDX, force opening files via the default file manager ("DocumentsUI"), so They'll be broken if you remove the default File manager. The default File Manager is also needed for granting access to External USB drives, Cloud storage via SAF, etc.

Anonymous

matchboxbananasynergy

matchboxbananasynergy This is an upstream AOSP issue, and based on reports I've heard, the files go away by themselves after a few days, so the issue should take care of itself without any manual intervention being required.

So, even if I haven't tried to delete them, due to the fact that the option to do so doesn't even exist, they will still just, spontaneously disappear? That doesn't seem right. But, I hope it is. I also hope the delete option spontaneously manifests as it's a pretty important feature.

I tried to locate and remove the files with adb, but it kept saying they couldn't be found, so maybe they really are ghosts in spite of never having been deleted <shrug>

[deleted]

[deleted] Edit: Actually I opened a keepass vault once with the default file manager and ticked "Don't ask again" option, so KeepassDX was only opening files from the default file manager, and that's why I thought KeepassDX forces opening an kepass vault via the default file manager when using the "Open existing vault" feature in KeepassDX itself. KeepassDX supports opening an kepass vault from any file manager. KeepassDX only forces the creation of an keepass vault via the default file manager, If you create an database via the 'Create new vault' feature in KeepassDX itself, which you don't have to use anyway. Just creating an file named <file_title_here>.kdbx via your preffered file manager and then opening it in KeepassDX will suffice.

Anonymous

Ok, thanks!

Anonymous

Problem solved via an alternative Files app <thumbs up>