What can cached or thumbnail images show?¶

They can preserve visual content processed by an application even when the original is gone, but may have been generated automatically without deliberate saving or viewing.

Establish why the derivative exists¶

Messages, gallery indexing, webpages, cloud sync and notifications can create previews or caches. Identify the application and source path and any media ID, URL, conversation or account linking the derivative to an original. A thumbnail's dimensions, compression, metadata and time describe the generated copy, not necessarily the source file.

Use the remaining trace cautiously¶

Compare an original, provider copy or participant device where available. A database reference can place the preview in a conversation; a browser record can identify its remote source. Creation or modification may reflect later indexing or an update. The artefact can support association and content without proving original creation, possession or knowledge.