Why am I suddenly getting Instabug txt files in my File Manager Documents folder?

[marz-K]

I am getting a lot of text files in my File Manager's Documents folder. I used the Properties option on the file to see that it is an Instabug file. The path shows VCast.

After searching for various terms online I discovered that VCast is from Verizon, which is my carrier. But, I cannot find an App on phone for VCast or any information online about it or why I am getting these text files.

I am getting a lot of them. I just deleted 10 this morning. 

I don't use VCast. I didn't change anything on my phone. 

[marz-K]

After using the online chat option, I found out this information:

VChat is used in streaming videos and music. I use the Hoopla app to play TV shows. It seems like these text files are generated when I play a TV show.  

The rep I chatted with suggested an antivirus app.

Nothing seems to be wrong with my phone's functions. These text files are just annoying to delete because I use that Documents folder for other documents.

[marz-K]

The help chat rep's advice was not helpful. I started up my phone this morning and I had another text file. The time and date for the file were today's date with the time I started up my phone. I had not played any videos. So, some app on my phone is generating these text files. I guess the chat is just for elementary phone usage. 

I am very disappointed.

[jav6]

I have a Droid Turbo 2 and looking in my File Manage Documents folder, I see ZERO such files that I can identify as such.  

[jav6]

Appears there isn't a Verizon VCAST Mobile TV app for my Droid model.

[vzw_customer_support]

We appreciate your efforts marz-K. Please let us know if we can assist with anything else. RosanneM_VZW

[marz-K]

Thanks for the reply, RosanneM_VZW.

RogerZ_VZW asked about my messaging. (See answer above.)

If you have any ideas, I would appreciate it.

I was ready to send Instabug a message. But, I think someone/some developer is just using their software.

[vzw_customer_support]

Is there an option to delete the file? EstevanC_VZW

[marz-K]

 EstevanC_VZW:

Deleting them is not the problem. A new one appears every time I start up my phone. I charge my phone two or three times a day. So, if I don't delete them, they build up. That makes the Documents folder useless. I had four other PDF files in there for reference. But, the text files clutter up that folder. 

[marz-K · Accepted solution]

Well, it appears like I have found the app that is causing these problems. It is the Verizon Cloud app.

I went to the Instabug website. I was thinking of actually sending them a message because the path shows their software name. But, I found this article. It appears that Verizon uses Instabug, and the person interviewed for the article is Mohammad Hariri, DMTS for Verizon’s Communications and Cloud division. So, I thought I would try disabling the Verizon Cloud and and IT WORKED!!! I have turned my phone on and off three times. I don't get the text files! 

https://instabug.com/customers/verizon

So, now the question is: How can someone in charge of that Verizon Cloud app look at this issue? 

I have one of the text files saved on my flash drive. 

[marz-K]

More: I reinstalled the Verizon Cloud and instantly got a text file in that Documents folder. I disabled it again, restarted my phone and didn't get a text file. 

[vzw_customer_support]

Thank you for the details provided. Can you please clarify, are any other issues occurring while having this app installed? Also, what is the make and model of your device? AlbertP_VZW

[marz-K]

AlbertP_VZW:

I have a Verizon Motorola Moto E 4.

This is the only issue I have with my phone. 

[vzw_customer_support]

Thanks for sharing those details, marz-K. Would you like to use the Verizon Cloud app? The reason why I ask is that if you wish to use this app, we would need to factory reset your phone so everything gets erased. This will allow us to install a new Cloud app and see how it works. Is your phone backed up?

CarmenT_VZW

[marz-K]

I can't get my phone to backup to my Google account.

Settings -> Backup & reset -> Back up my data is on.

Backup account -> Choose backup account: Tapping on my user name/gmail account doesn't do anything. 

I am logged in to a reliable library WiFi.

I don't know how else to trigger/force a backup. I don't know how often the auto backup triggers. 

[jav6]

@marz-K  What version of Verizon Cloud do you have?  My Droid Turbo 2 has v19.12.8.  What if you 'uninstall updates' and re-install the updates to the base program?

@vzw_customer_support @carment_vzw  Would uninstalling updates (since we cannot uninstall the app) to the Verizon Cloud app, do the same as the factory reset and re-installing a 'new' Cloud app?  Would that be the base app only or include all updates as well?   What should be the current version?

[marz-K]

jav6:

When I disable the Verizon Cloud app it reverts back to the base version.  (And, I do not get the text files.)

When I reinstall the app I immediately get the text files when I start up my phone. 

[marz-K]

CarmenT_VZW

Well, my contacts are backed up. in my Google account. 

I made a list of apps that I have installed. I can just reinstall them. No problem.

I don't have any images/photos or music or videos on my phone to backup.  I use the wallpapers that came with my phone.

The other documents I had in my File Manager -> Documents file are backed up.

I can't see anything else I need to backup before doing the phone reset. 

What's next?

[marz-K]

CarmenT_VZW

I reset my phone to factory settings. 

When I started up my phone (with Verizon Cloud active) I got a text file in the File Manager -> Documents folder again. 

Very disappointed. 

I disabled this app. 

[marz-K]

CarmenT_VZW:

It's been a week since your last post. Just wondering if there is any solution to this bug in the app.  I did the factory reset and checked the File Manager before I installed any other apps. I got the text files when I started the phone. Once I disabled the Verizon Cloud app I stopped getting the text files. Any solution to this? Thanks.

[Budcad]

This app caused my phone to be somewhat useless. Gigs and gigs of txt files (some as large as 400 MB). This clogged up my phone storage, made it impossible to use the camera or to sync email until I found and deleted the txt files (which came right back the next day). No excuse for this. App disabled.