How Do I Permanently Delete the “au_uu_szh34yr2” Music File From Android?

Why Does the “au_uu_szh34yr2” Audio File Keep Appearing on My Phone?

Understanding the “au_uu_szh34yr2” File Anomaly

Android users, particularly those with Samsung devices, have increasingly reported the sudden appearance of a mysterious audio file named au_uu_szh34yr2. This file often persists despite deletion attempts, regenerating automatically after removal. In some instances, the operating system flags it as a system file, preventing standard deletion entirely.

While the file name appears random and malicious, technical analysis suggests it is usually a cached notification sound or a temporary asset generated by specific third-party applications. It is rarely a virus, but its persistence consumes storage and clutters music libraries.

The following sections detail the primary causes and verified technical solutions to permanently remove this file.

Solution 1: Clear Cache and Data for Pinterest

Technical investigation identifies the Pinterest application as the most frequent source of this file. The au_uu_szh34yr2 file likely functions as a notification sound or a UI interaction effect within the Pinterest environment.

Procedure:

1. Navigate to your device Settings.
2. Select Apps or Application Manager.
3. Locate and tap on Pinterest.
4. Select Storage.
5. Tap Clear Cache first. If the file persists, tap Clear Data.
   • Note: Clearing data resets the app to its default state and logs you out.
6. Delete the au_uu_szh34yr2 file from your file manager.
7. Restart your device to verify removal.

If the file returns, consider uninstalling Pinterest temporarily to confirm it as the source.

Solution 2: Troubleshoot the Zomato Application

For users who do not use Pinterest, the Zomato food delivery application is a confirmed secondary source. The file often downloads automatically when a user refreshes the app’s feed to trigger the specific “refresh” sound effect.

Diagnostic Step:

1. Delete the au_uu_szh34yr2 file.
2. Open Zomato.
3. Pull down on the home screen to refresh the page.
4. Check your file manager immediately.

If the file reappears instantly, Zomato is the cause. You must restrict the app’s permissions or uninstall it if the file creates significant usability issues.

Solution 3: Adjust YouTube Music Settings

Google’s YouTube Music app occasionally indexes this file erroneously if “Device Files” permissions are active. This setting allows the app to scan local storage for audio, sometimes creating or surfacing temporary cache files like au_uu_szh34yr2 in your main library.

Procedure:

1. Open YouTube Music.
2. Tap your profile icon and select Settings.
3. Select Library & Downloads.
4. Toggle off the option labeled Show device files.
5. Delete the mysterious file from your file manager again.

Summary of Findings

The appearance of au_uu_szh34yr2 is almost exclusively a caching error related to app-specific sound assets. It is not a system-critical file, despite some error messages claiming otherwise.

• Primary Suspect: Pinterest (Notification cache)
• Secondary Suspect: Zomato (Refresh sound asset)
• Tertiary Suspect: YouTube Music (Indexing error)

By isolating these applications, you can permanently remove the file without affecting your device’s operating system.