[mdlug] Just having a bad day - Keepass database file corrupt

[Gib]

Just as I was getting organized after my wife passed away last month, I'm
having a bad day.

The Keepass database on my Samsung Android cell phone became corrupt.  I
tired copying it to another device (Windows 11), but that indicated it is
corrupt too.

I asked ChatGPT how to solve this problem.  It provided this list of
solutions, none of which  helped:

keepass android app can not open file
Thought for 10s
I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble opening your KeePass database file
in the Android app. This is a common issue that can stem from file
permissions, sync problems with cloud services, app version glitches, or
even database corruption. Below, I'll walk you through a step-by-step
troubleshooting guide based on frequent user reports and solutions. If you
can share more details (e.g., the exact error message, app name like
Keepass2Android or KeepassDroid, file storage location, or Android
version), I can refine this further.Quick Checks First

   1. Verify the file exists and is accessible:
      - Open your device's file manager (e.g., Files by Google) and
      navigate to where your .kdbx file is stored (common spots: Downloads,
      Documents, or cloud folders like Google Drive/Dropbox).
      - If it's in a cloud service, ensure it's fully synced—try
      downloading a local copy to your device's internal storage.
   2. Restart the app and device:
      - Force-close the KeePass app (via Settings > Apps > KeePass > Force
      Stop), clear its cache (same menu > Storage > Clear Cache), then
reopen. If
      that fails, restart your phone.

Common SolutionsHere's a prioritized list of fixes, starting with the
simplest:
Issue
Possible Cause
Solution Steps
Access denied or file not found
Permissions issue after app update or Android storage changes.
- Update the app to the latest version via Google Play. - If using
Keepass2Android (v1.09e-r7 or similar), move the file from
/storage/emulated/0/Documents/ to another folder like Downloads. - Grant
storage permissions: Settings > Apps > KeePass > Permissions > Files and
Media > Allow.
github.com
Can't open from cloud (e.g., Google Drive/Dropbox)
Sync conflicts or third-party app interference.
- Open the cloud app directly, locate the .kdbx file, and tap "Open with" >
KeePass (don't open via the KeePass app's file picker). - For Google Drive:
Uninstall/reinstall Drive, or use the local phone version instead of the
cloud-synced one.
groups.google.com +2
Password/key file combo fails
App limitation with combined auth (password + key file).
- Try opening with just the password (or just the key file) first. - If
that works, edit the database on a desktop KeePass app to simplify the
master key.
sourceforge.net
Database won't unlock or seems deleted
File corruption or accidental deletion.
- In the app, go to "Change Database" > Enable "Show local backups" >
Select a backup file. - If no backups, transfer the file to a PC and use
KeePass desktop (free from keepass.info): File > Import > Select your .kdbx
> Save as new file.
github.com +2
App-specific crashes (e.g., on custom ROMs like GrapheneOS)
Compatibility with hardened Android setups.
- Switch to KeepassDX (free on F-Droid or Play Store)—it's more reliable on
privacy-focused ROMs and handles file access better.
discuss.grapheneos.org
If Nothing Works

   - Test on another device: Copy the file to a PC or another phone and try
   opening it there to rule out corruption.
   - Reinstall the app: Back up your file first, then uninstall/reinstall
   KeePass. Avoid restoring app data during setup to prevent carrying over
   glitches.
   - Community help: Post on the official GitHub issues for your app (e.g.,
   Keepass2Android) with logs (enable debug mode in app settings and reproduce
   the error).

Most users resolve this with the cloud sync or permissions fixes. Let me
know how it goes!
9 web pages