How do I delete files programmatically on Android?

Question

I'm on 4.4.2, trying to delete a file (image) via uri. Here's my code: ``` File file = new File(uri.getPath()); boolean deleted = file.delete(); if(!deleted){ boolean deleted2 = file.getCanonicalFile().delete(); if(!deleted2){ boolean deleted3 = getApplicationContext().deleteFile(file.getName()); } } ``` Right now, none of these delete functions is actually deleting the file. I also have this in my AndroidManifest.xml: ```

```

Accepted Answer

Why don't you test this with this code:

```
File fdelete = new File(uri.getPath());
if (fdelete.exists()) {
    if (fdelete.delete()) {
        System.out.println("file Deleted :" + uri.getPath());
    } else {
        System.out.println("file not Deleted :" + uri.getPath());
    }
}
```

I think part of the problem is you never try to delete the file, you just keep creating a variable that has a method call.

So in your case you could try:

```
File file = new File(uri.getPath());
file.delete();
if(file.exists()){
      file.getCanonicalFile().delete();
      if(file.exists()){
           getApplicationContext().deleteFile(file.getName());
      }
}
```

However I think that's a little overkill.

You added a comment that you are using an external directory rather than a uri. So instead you should add something like:

```
String root = Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory().toString();
File file = new File(root + "/images/media/2918"); 
```

Then try to delete the file.

How do I delete files programmatically on Android?

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