Sound files disappear

[pseudoware]

Several sound files in the notifications and ringtones folders are configured for phone calls, text msgs, email, etc. After a few days or weeks, all files disappear, and all notification sounds settings revert to some default sounds. Anyone experience the same and know a sol'n? (other than putting the files in a different folder. I'm hoping for a fix instead of a band-aid)

Maybe not a Pixel 6-only issue, this has happened on other devices - other Pixels for sure, can't remember if it happened on any Samsung I've owned. But pretty annoying. Thanks.

 

[PowrDroid]

Several sound files in the notifications and ringtones folders are configured for phone calls, text msgs, email, etc. After a few days or weeks, all files disappear, and all notification sounds settings revert to some default sounds. Anyone experience the same and know a sol'n? (other than putting the files in a different folder. I'm hoping for a fix instead of a band-aid)

Maybe not a Pixel 6-only issue, this has happened on other devices - other Pixels for sure, can't remember if it happened on any Samsung I've owned. But pretty annoying. Thanks.

Please verify the folder's names and locations in your file hierarchy tree where these sound files are stored.

For example, I have a folder called "Notifications" and a folder called "Ringtones" in my Pixel 5a main storage area. This is where I store my customized sound files I use for text messages and phone calls. These folders are in the same hierarchy level as the "DCIM", "Pictures" and "Music" folders.

 

[bkdodger2]

I have not seen any of mine disappear. They're all in both those folders I use. Zedge and there's a Zedge folder inside each of those with more ringtones and notifications..

 

[bkdodger2]

Files

 

[pseudoware]

Please verify the folder's names and locations in your file hierarchy tree where these sound files are stored.

For example, I have a folder called "Notifications" and a folder called "Ringtones" in my Pixel 5a main storage area. This is where I store my customized sound files I use for text messages and phone calls. These folders are in the same hierarchy level as the "DCIM", "Pictures" and "Music" folders.

Yes, I have the exact set up. It's the folder hierarchy that the phone came with.

And I do recall this same issue on my S20 FE when storing the files in the same folders in internal storage. I created the same folders on the external SD card, which "fixed" the issue.

 

[PowrDroid]

Yes, I have the exact set up. It's the folder hierarchy that the phone came with.

And I do recall this same issue on my S20 FE when storing the files in the same folders in internal storage. I created the same folders on the external SD card, which "fixed" the issue.

That is an odd problem. I've been using this same technique for my last four phones with no issues, including my 5a and 2XL, as well as a couple of Moto phones.

I presume the files are .mp3 format and lower bit rate, i.e. 128 or 192 kbps?

 

[pseudoware]

Yup, I got most of them from Zedge. The only common thing on all devices is that I downloaded all files from OneDrive directly to the Notifications or Ringtones folder. Not sure how that could be related, though.

 

[PowrDroid]

Yup, I got most of them from Zedge. The only common thing on all devices is that I downloaded all files from OneDrive directly to the Notifications or Ringtones folder. Not sure how that could be related, though.

Yeah, I don't see where the files came from as being a factor.

Do you know where the files went? What happens if you do a search for the filename(s) on your phone?

I'd hate to think Android OS is unilaterally deleting files.

 

[pseudoware]

It's as if the files never existed. I'm not alone w/this issue, and lack of any sol'n. This is just one example:

https://support.google.com/android/thread/118005634/my-custom-ringtones-keep-getting-deleted?hl=en

 

[pseudoware]

https://us.community.samsung.com/t5...cations-Sound-Files-Disappearing/td-p/1935779

Some people suggest putting the sound files in a different location, but that doesn't solve what is a real problem.

 

[PowrDroid]

It's as if the files never existed. I'm not alone w/this issue, and lack of any sol'n. This is just one example:

https://support.google.com/android/thread/118005634/my-custom-ringtones-keep-getting-deleted?hl=en

Weirder and weirder. One guy in that thread also downloaded files from One Drive to his device and they were subsequently deleted.

I've always got my audio files for notifications and ringtones onto my phone using a USB wired hookup and transferring from my PC to phone. I created these files from CD's I own or else from sound files downloaded from Zedge onto my PC. I edited the sound files in the freeware program Audacity. But the common denominator has been PC to phone transfer via USB cable.

The problem can't be related to how the files are brought onto the phone, can it?

 

[B. Diddy]

Do you have any 3rd party file manager apps or "phone cleaner" apps that might be set to automatically clear out certain directories?

 

[pseudoware]

Do you have any 3rd party file manager apps or "phone cleaner" apps that might be set to automatically clear out certain directories?

No, nothing like that. I just disabled account sync for OneDrive in settings, for whatever that's worth.

 

[pseudoware]

The problem can't be related to how the files are brought onto the phone, can it?

Anything is possible. The next time they disappear, I'll copy them from somewhere other than OneDrive.

 

[pseudoware]

I really thought that turning off OneDrive media storage sync solved this issue, but my sounds files disappeared again today. ??????

 

[StormnNJ]

I have been using drive on Google to transfer ringtones from PC to phone. Open drive on phone and download. I leave it in D/L folder. When it asks for file location I choose it from D/L folder. Haven't had to import directly to ringtone/notification folder on this phone.

 

[pseudoware]

I have been using drive on Google to transfer ringtones from PC to phone. Open drive on phone and download. I leave it in D/L folder. When it asks for file location I choose it from D/L folder. Haven't had to import directly to ringtone/notification folder on this phone.

Thanks. Yes, other users have reported "fixing" the issue as you've described. I'm too stubborn and anal to let Google or whoever off the hook that easily.

 

[PowrDroid]

This problem would drive me crazy. Long shot--What are you guys using for a file manager app? Pseudoware, you said you had this issue on other devices. Is the same file manager app being used on these devices?

 

[pseudoware]

Is the same file manager app being used on these devices?

No, it's happened on a Samsung, OnePlus and other Pixels, each using the pre-installed file mgr app. The only thing in common that I can think of is that I downloaded the files from OneDrive on each device. I'll try to copy them from my computer.

 

[pseudoware]

So last time I copied the sound file from my computer. Today, they disappeared again