It’s not easy to find files you’ve downloaded on your iPhone or Android phone. Even with the best smartphones, it can be tough to locate downloaded media among many other folders. But worry not! In this guide, we’ll help you locate your downloaded files on iPhones and Android phones, including Google Pixel and Samsung devices, and explain how to access them.
How to find downloaded files on an iPhone
If you own an iPhone, use the Files app to find your downloads. Here’s how:
Step 1: On the home screen, tap Files.
Step 2: Tap Browse to view your files and locations.
Step 3: Within Browse, select iCloud Drive, then tap Downloads.
If you’re using a browser other than Safari, your downloads may be located in on my iPhone > Browser name. You can also search for your file by tapping the search bar. If you’re trying to find an image, it’s most likely in your Photos app.
How to find downloaded files on Android phones
On Android phones, follow these general steps to locate your downloads:
Step 1: Open your App drawer.
Step 2: Open the file manager on your phone, which could be named Downloads, File manager, or My files.
Step 3: Select the Downloads file folder. If you can’t find your downloads, navigate to Internal storage, use the search bar, or check other folders.
How to find downloaded files on Samsung phones
For Samsung smartphones, use My Files app to find your downloads:
Step 1: Open the app drawer and tap My Files or open the Samsung folder to access it from there.
Step 2: Under Categories, tap Downloads. You can also search for specific downloads.
How to find downloaded files on Google Pixel phones
To find downloaded files on Google Pixel phones, use the Files app:
Step 1: Open the app drawer and tap the Files app.
Step 2: Select Browse, then choose the Downloads section.
Step 3: Customize your view and settings to find your downloaded files. Check for permissions issues if you can’t locate your files.
Don’t forget to check for downloads in third-party apps
Some apps may save downloads to their own folders. If you’ve used a specific app to download a file, check within that app to access the file.