How I Delete a Folder on My Android

This is the ULTIMATE blog post about deleting a folder on Android. It includes steps from basic to advanced, from using the file manager to deleting a folder without even turning on your device or opening any file manager app. Deleting a folder on Android is like getting rid of an old, unused container that’s taking up space. It’s simple to do, and if you no longer need the folder, clearing it out helps keep your device clutter-free.

How I Do It Instantly

• Find the folder you want to delete.
• Use the file manager app or long-press on the folder.
• Select “delete” and confirm your choice.
• Empty the trash if necessary.

Deleting the Folder on Android with the easiest Way

Using the File Manager App

1. I start by opening my phone’s built-in file manager.
2. I navigate to where the folder is stored (usually in Downloads or Documents).
3. I tap and hold the folder until options pop up.
4. I select “Delete” or “Move to trash.”
5. Then I confirm by hitting “Delete” again to complete the action.

Long-Pressing and Deleting

1. Sometimes, I just head straight to the folder’s location.
2. I long-press on the folder until the menu shows up.
3. I select “Delete” or “Move to trash” from the options.
4. After confirming, the folder is removed.

Using a Third-Party App

1. If I want more control over my files, I use a third-party file manager app.
2. These apps often have extra features and customizations, but the process is still straightforward—similar to the built-in file manager.

Confirming the Deletion

Before I delete a folder, I always get a confirmation prompt. This is super handy because it stops me from accidentally deleting the wrong folder. I make sure to double-check the folder’s contents and name before proceeding.

5 Other Ways to Delete A Folder On Android

Deleting a folder on your Android device without relying on the file manager or third-party apps can feel like a challenge, but with a little extra know-how, there are several advanced methods you can use that go beyond the usual approaches. Here’s how I’ve personally navigated these alternative solutions:

Way 1. Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

ADB is a powerful tool that lets me connect my Android device to my computer and execute commands directly. Here’s how I handle folder deletion using ADB:

• Step 1: First, I enable Developer Options on my device by going to Settings > About Phone and tapping the Build Number seven times.
• Step 2: Then, I enable USB Debugging in Developer Options.
• Step 3: I install ADB on my computer to establish communication with my Android device.

Step 4: After connecting my device via USB, I open the terminal or command prompt on my computer and type:

adb shell

Step 5: Next, I navigate to the directory where the folder is stored using ADB’s file structure and run the command

rm -r /path/to/folder

• This command removes the folder and its contents completely.

Way 2. Deleting Through Android Recovery Mode

Sometimes, using Recovery Mode is the best solution when I need to bypass the Android system entirely:

• Step 1: I power off my phone.
• Step 2: I press and hold both the Power and Volume Up buttons to enter Recovery Mode.
• Step 3: Using the volume buttons, I navigate to Mount /system or Mount /data (depending on my Android version).
• Step 4: After mounting the system, I connect my device to my computer, access the internal storage as a USB drive, and delete the folder using my computer’s file explorer.

Way 3. Deleting via Cloud Backup Sync

If the folder is synced with a cloud service like Google Drive or OneDrive, deleting it from the cloud automatically removes it from my device:

• Step 1: I open the cloud app where my folder is synced.
• Step 2: I delete the folder directly from the cloud’s interface.
• Step 3: The deletion syncs across devices, removing the folder from my phone as well.

Way 4. Accessing File System via Browser

Sometimes I use a browser, like Samsung Internet, to access my file system in a limited way:

• Step 1: I open the browser (such as Samsung Internet or Chrome).

Step 2: In the URL bar, I type:

file:///sdcard/

• This allows me to browse local storage. I navigate to the folder, long-press on it, and delete it if the browser allows.

Way 5. Automated Scripting (Tasker or Automate App)

I love using automation apps like Tasker for deeper control. Here’s how I automate folder deletion:

• Step 1: I create a new task in Tasker or Automate that executes a shell command.

Step 2: I input a command like:

rm -r /storage/emulated/0/foldername

• Step 3: Once I run the task, the folder is deleted automatically without any manual effort.

These advanced methods offer a deeper level of control over your Android device, allowing you to manage your files in ways that go beyond using a traditional file manager or third-party apps.

Emptying the Trash

Sometimes, deleted folders go into a trash or recycle bin instead of disappearing completely. To get rid of them permanently, I need to empty the trash. The trash location varies depending on the file manager app, so I search for “empty trash” in the app’s settings or menu if I’m unsure where to find it.

Additional Tips

• If I’m hesitant about deleting a folder, I might move it to another location until I’m sure.
• I’m always careful when deleting folders that contain important files.
• If I accidentally delete something important, I know that data recovery software could help, but it’s not always a guarantee.

And that’s it! Deleting folders on Android is a simple process, but it’s always good to double-check before making it permanent.

Conclusion

That’s it for today’s blog post. I hope you found it helpful! Today, I showed you all the ways to delete a folder, whether by using the file manager, a third-party app, Google Chrome, or recovery mode. If you have any doubts or questions related to this, feel free to let me know in the comments below or contact us. Have a nice day!