Why is a strange new folder named "ndownloads" in Gallery?

[AC Question]

Notice the "n" at the beginning of the name. This folder appeared in the last few days, and has one image in it -- Japanese style cartoon, worried looking floating kitty head over navy/yellow sun rays. Do not recall downloading such an image, and the regular "downloads" folder still exists and seems unaltered. Lots of different evidence points to my ex monitoring me via phone and computer over last 9 months, but this phone has been wiped twice and I can't currently see any clearly suspicious apps installed. Did receive an unsolicited text from Snapchat recently, announcing the code for my new account (I haven't set one up), after a text argument with the ex where he threatened to expose my "unreasonable demands" to friends. Another presumably spam SMS in recent weeks: "VMFree Msg: Fraud Alert! Be aware of scams. If you're contacted..." Any of these related? Another app / malware I should be looking for? Thanks for any thoughts...

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Lots of apps can create their own folder to cache images temporarily. Browsers do this, and so do other apps like Facebook. I doubt it has anything to do with your ex, although it could be related to unwanted adware that might have been installed with another app.

It might be a good idea to backup your data, then go to Settings>Backup & Reset, and uncheck Restore Data Automatically. Now do a Factory Reset, and after finishing the Setup Wizard, go immediately to Google Play Store and stop any automatic app installations that might be occurring. Now you have a clean slate. Start installing apps one by one, and be careful with the ones that aren't from well-established developers. Check Google Play reviews for each app to see if anyone complains of adware.

 

[bexann]

I have just had EXACTLY the same.. any clues where it came from?

 

[eagors93]

Any chance you are using the QuickPic app? I have the same issue, but when I tried looking for the folder in the normal browser it was not there. It's only visible in QuickPic. You can exclude the folder from appearing in the application. I have a 360 Antivirus so I don't think it's malware related. Still, a little spooky.

 

[Rukbat]

If it's a folder that an app is keeping its files in, there should be a file named .nomedia in the folder, so it doesn't get scanned for pictures. (Not everyone who releases an app actually knows how to write one.)

 

[eagors93]

Hey again,
I've finally found out which apps creates the folder with this emoji. You must have TouchPal installed, which is a keyboard app. When you set the keyboard to TouchPal and click on an emoji button during typing, you will see the same icon being displayed on the bottom of the screen. Finally solved that out

If you're ever worried about your smartphone getting infected, download an anti-virus software from the Play Market. Personally I use 360.

 

[Queenie Lam]

Thanks for the info. Would you happen to know if it's thought sms or whatsapp messenger? And if the icon will appear in ndownloads file only if the text we're sent or if I'd's receieved from text ?
Really appreciate your help