How to Unlock a File (File is locked error) in Nextcloud?

Nextcloud is a popular and secure cloud platform that lets you store, sync, and share your files, contacts, calendars, and more. However, sometimes you may encounter a problem when you try to edit or delete a file in Nextcloud. You may see an error message like this:

File is locked

This error means that the file is being used by another process or user, and you cannot modify it until it is released. This can be frustrating and prevent you from working on your files. Fortunately, there are some ways to fix this error and unlock your files. In this article, we will show you three methods to do so, using either SSH or cPanel. We will also explain how you can avoid this problem altogether by using a reliable hosting service like Cloudamo, which offers free support and automatic configuration for Nextcloud.

Method 1: Disable File Locking in Nextcloud Config File

One way to fix the file is locked error is to disable the file locking feature in Nextcloud. This feature is meant to prevent concurrent access and conflicts on files, but it can also cause problems if the locks are not released properly. To disable file locking, you need to edit the Nextcloud config file, which is located in the config folder of your Nextcloud installation. You can use the SSH or cPanel to find and edit this file. Here are the steps to follow:

• Log into your server using SSH or cPanel and navigate to the config folder of your Nextcloud installation.
• Find the file named config.php and open it with a text editor.
• In the editor, look for the line that says 'filelocking.enabled' => true, and change it to 'filelocking.enabled' => false,
• Save and close the file.

This will disable the file locking feature in Nextcloud and you should be able to edit or delete your files without any error.

Method 2: Empty the File Locks Table in Nextcloud Database

Another way to fix the file is locked error is to empty the file locks table in Nextcloud database. This table stores the information about the locked files and the processes or users that are using them. Sometimes, the locks are not cleared after the files are closed, and they remain in the table. To empty the file locks table, you need to access your Nextcloud database using the phpMyAdmin tool in cPanel. Here are the steps to follow:

• Log into your cPanel account and navigate to the phpMyAdmin tool.
• Select your Nextcloud database from the left sidebar.
• Find the table named oc_file_locks and click on it.
• Click on the Operations tab at the top.
• Under the Table maintenance section, click on the Empty the table (TRUNCATE) link.
• Confirm the action by clicking on OK.

This will delete all the records from the file locks table and you should be able to edit or delete your files without any error.

Method 3: Use the occ Command to Scan and Repair the File System

The third way to fix the file is locked error is to use the occ command to scan and repair the file system. The occ command is a command-line tool that allows you to perform various operations on your Nextcloud instance. One of the operations is to scan and repair the file system, which can detect and fix any issues with the file locking mechanism. To use the occ command, you need to have SSH access to your server. Here are the steps to follow:

• Log into your server using SSH and navigate to the folder of your Nextcloud installation.
• Run the command sudo -u www-data php occ files:scan --all to scan and repair the file system for all users. You may need to replace www-data with the web server user of your system.
• Wait for the command to finish and check the output for any errors or warnings.

This will scan and repair the file system and you should be able to edit or delete your files without any error.

How to Avoid File Locking Issues with Cloudamo

As you can see, fixing the file is locked error in Nextcloud is not very difficult, but it can be tedious and error-prone if you have to do it frequently or for multiple files. Moreover, if you use a dynamic IP address, you may have to update the config file every time your IP changes.

Fortunately, there is a better way to avoid these issues: using a reliable hosting service like Cloudamo. Cloudamo is a specialized hosting provider for Nextcloud, offering fast, secure, and affordable plans for personal and business use. With Cloudamo, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Free support: Cloudamo offers free and friendly support for any issues or questions you may have regarding Nextcloud. You can contact them via email, chat, or phone, and they will respond quickly and professionally.
• Automatic configuration: Cloudamo takes care of all the technical aspects of setting up and maintaining your Nextcloud instance. You do not have to worry about installing, updating, or configuring Nextcloud, as Cloudamo does it for you automatically. You also do not have to deal with file locking, as Cloudamo handles it for you as well.
• Custom domain name: Cloudamo allows you to use your own domain name for your Nextcloud instance, without any extra cost or hassle. You can choose any domain name you want, and Cloudamo will set it up for you in minutes. You can also use a subdomain, such as cloud.yourdomain.com, if you prefer.
• SSL certificate: Cloudamo provides a free SSL certificate for your Nextcloud instance, ensuring that your data is encrypted and secure. You do not have to purchase or install a certificate yourself, as Cloudamo does it for you automatically.
• Backup and restore: Cloudamo offers a backup and restore feature for your Nextcloud instance, allowing you to recover your data in case of any disaster. You can choose the frequency and retention of your backups, and restore them with a few clicks if needed.

If you are looking for a hassle-free and cost-effective way to host your Nextcloud instance, Cloudamo is the best choice for you. You can sign up for a free trial and see for yourself how easy and convenient it is to use Cloudamo. You can also check out their plans and pricing, and choose the one that suits your needs and budget.