How do I remove a .nomedia file?

Use a file manager with 'show hidden files' enabled, open the folder, and delete the .nomedia file, then rescan or reboot.

Why did my pictures disappear from Gallery?

A .nomedia file in that folder tells Android to skip it. The photos are still there; delete the .nomedia to show them.

How do I hide a folder with .nomedia?

Create an empty file named exactly .nomedia inside the folder.

Why did my photos disappear from Gallery?

A .nomedia file in the folder hides them from the scanner. Delete it and rescan media.

Photos Disappeared From Android Gallery? It Is a .nomedia File

Your photos or music vanished from the Gallery but the files are still there. A .nomedia file is hiding that folder. Here is how it works.

What a .nomedia file is

A .nomedia file is an empty marker file that tells Android's media scanner to skip a folder. Any images, music or videos in a folder containing .nomedia won't appear in Gallery, the music player, or other media apps — the files are still there, just hidden from those apps.

Why a folder went missing from Gallery

An app (or you) placed a .nomedia in it. WhatsApp, cache folders and some downloaders add one automatically.

How to unhide the folder

Use a file manager that shows hidden files, open the folder, and delete the .nomedia. Then rescan (reboot, or clear the media store cache) and the files reappear in Gallery.

How to hide a folder

Create an empty file named exactly .nomedia (with the leading dot, no extension) inside it.

How to handle a .nomedia file by OS

Android: .nomedia is an empty marker that tells the media scanner to skip that folder — photos and music inside won't show in Gallery or the music app. There's nothing to open; use a file manager to create or delete it.

Windows / macOS: if you see it after connecting a phone, it's just that Android marker — ignore it.

Common problems

Photos "disappearing" from Gallery is usually a .nomedia in that folder. Delete it (show hidden files first) and rescan media to make them reappear.

Is it safe to delete?

Yes. Deleting it just lets the media scanner index that folder again. It holds no data.

Photos Disappeared From Gallery? Check for a .nomedia File