Files with the .NOMEDIA extension usually do not contain any data, and they do not have any filename prefix. It is a hidden file which informs an app, that the directory in which it is located, does not hold any multimedia files that could be displayed (graphic, video or music). Deletion of a NOMEDIA file willl result in repeating the process of searching through a given directory.
NOMEDIA files are used to hide content of directories, so that it is not visible for an app – for instance – a system gallery. They can be opened within Android with some dedicated applications, or simply on a PC, and then sent to a specified directory using proper connection and software.
The full name of any file can be changed into .NOMEDIA, and thus enabling it to serve the same purpose. In order to retrieve access to content of the file with changed name, its original extension should be restored.
If you want to create such file manually, you must remember, that its filename prefix is supposed to be left empty. The file should include in its filename only the extension – it should be named: .nomedia
The file will not serve its purpose if it will be named like file.nomedia, etc..
Below is a table that list programs that support NOMEDIA files. Files with NOMEDIA suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.
Updated: 10/28/2019
Being unable to open files with NOMEDIA extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with NOMEDIA extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with NOMEDIA files.
Problems with opening and working with NOMEDIA files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with NOMEDIA files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install .nomedia Manager or one to the listed programs: Nomedia, Google Android. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading .nomedia Manager installed is by going to developer’s website (StudioKUMA) and downloading the software using provided links.
You still cannot access NOMEDIA files although .nomedia Manager is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why NOMEDIA files are not compatible with .nomedia Manager. The latest version of .nomedia Manager should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.
If you have the latest version of .nomedia Manager installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage NOMEDIA on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent
The procedure to change the default program in Windows
The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS
Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the NOMEDIA file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.
If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the NOMEDIA file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the NOMEDIA file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the NOMEDIA file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.
If you obtained the problematic NOMEDIA file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with NOMEDIA extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.
There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Android No Media Format file.
The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support NOMEDIA files. Close all running programs and try opening the NOMEDIA file.
Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Android No Media Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle NOMEDIA files.
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