After a while, smartphones can become electronic briefcases. Not only do they have the tools we need, but they also have piles of photos, files, videos, and other media stuck in them every day. While media is stealthily downloaded onto our mobile devices, it takes a conscious effort to actually find out where the downloads are on our phones.
This guide explains exactly how to find downloaded files on iPhones and Android phones including Samsung and Google Pixel phones. Here's where to look and what to do to access your downloaded media.
How to Find Downloads on iPhone
If you have an iPhone, go to the Files app to find your downloads. Files can be used to store anything from photos to saved GarageBand songs. If you've downloaded anything in the past, you will almost certainly find it there. Here's how:
Step 1: On the home screen, tap Files.
Step 2: If you don't go to the Search Tap the screen Search Folder icon at the bottom right of the screen.
Within Search You will see a number of options below Locations::
- cloud: Tap iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon Driveor some other cloud-based method to access files stored in these accounts.
- Local: Tap On my phone to view all files downloaded to your device.
- Recently deleted: Open this folder to look for files that you may have accidentally deleted.
Step 4: Tap Downloads on the following screen.
If you still can't find what you're looking for, you can tap the search bar and enter the name of your downloaded file. And if you can't remember the exact name, you can type in the first few letters, which will prompt the app to suggest possible candidates.
How to Find Downloads on Samsung Phones
Almost the same principle applies to Samsung smartphones, but with slightly different names.
Step 1: Open the app drawer and tap either My files Icon or open the Samsung Folder and access it from there (depending on the phone).
Step 2: Under Categories, Tap Downloads.
Note: The My files The app also offers other categories that break files down into types: photos, Videos, Audio, documents, and Installation files. Check these categories if you can't find your file (s) with the Downloads Category.
You can use that too search Field in the app drawer to find a specific download.
How to Find Downloads on Google Pixel Phones
Technically, these steps apply to Google Files App that can be used on any Android phone, not just the Google Pixel series.
Step 1: Open the app drawer and tap Files App.
Step 2: The Clean The tab opens by default. Scroll down and tap Downloaded files Map. Alternatively, tap Search Tab at the bottom of the app followed by Downloads on the following screen. Both lead to the same place.
On the Downloads You can switch between thumbnail and list view on the screen. Next to this button is a three-dot "More" icon with a drop-down menu Sort by and Choose all Options.
In online forums, a small minority of Google Pixel owners have reported that they cannot find downloaded photos or files in the Files app. This is usually the result of a permissions issue resulting from using the Google app to download images.
To solve it, go to Settings> Apps> Google> Permissions. Next make sure camp Authorization is switched on. If this is not the case, downloaded files will still be sent to a separate system directory.
How to Find Downloads on Android Phones
Finding downloads on other Android phones follows almost the same workflow as finding downloads on Google Pixel or Samsung phones. However, depending on the models and manufacturers involved, the name of the app may be different.
In general, you need to do the following:
Step 1: Open the appDrawer.
Step 2: Open your phone's file manager which has a name like My files, Files, Downloads, or File manager.
Step 3: Tap the Downloads Folder.
Note: In some cases, you may need to tap Internal memory before you get to that point.
When the file you are looking for does not exist Downloads Try a different folder or use the search bar.
Don't forget about third-party apps
Finally, it should be noted that some specific apps store downloads in their own internal folders. For example, you can find Netflix downloads by opening the Netflix app, tapping the menu icon in the top right of the screen, and selecting My downloads.
In certain cases, other apps can do the same. This applies to iPhones and Android phones. So, if you downloaded a file through a specific app, if you can't find the download in the usual locations, open that app.
Editor's recommendations
