“Where can I find the files I downloaded on my iPhone?” Is this the question that brought you here? you are not alone. Finding downloaded files on iPhone can be confusing, as each app stores downloaded files in different locations. But don’t worry, because we can help you learn how to find downloaded files on your iPhone or iPad.
How to find downloads using the Files app
Like Android phones, iPhones and iPads have a Files app where you’ll find most of your downloaded files, such as PDFs, videos, etc. The Files app is preinstalled on all iPhones and iPads with iOS 11 or later or iPadOS 13 or later. .
Follow these steps to find downloaded files on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Files app on your iPhone. You can also use Spotlight search to find the Files app.
- Tap the “Browse” tab at the bottom and select “On My iPhone.”
- Tap the “Downloads” folder to view your downloaded files.
- Tap any file to open it.
- If you can’t find the downloaded file in this folder, go to “Browse -> iCloud Drive -> Downloads folder.” The file you downloaded should be there.
How to find downloads using the search app
If your file isn’t in the Downloads folder, you can use Spotlight Search or search within the Files app.
- Open the Files app on your phone.
- Tap the search bar at the top and enter the name of the file you want to find.
- The file you downloaded should appear in the search results. Long press the file once you find it and select “View in comprehensive folder” from the menu to view the file in its current folder. You will see the folder name above.
- Alternatively, swipe down from the middle of the screen on your home screen to open Spotlight search. Enter the file name, and you will see the matching results.
How to find downloaded photos
Normally, the photos downloaded from the Internet using any browser, such as Safari or Chrome, or any other application should appear in the Apple Photos application. However, if you downloaded an image by clicking the Save to Files button, look for it in the Downloads folder as described earlier.
For those who are unaware, you will mainly see two options while downloading photos or videos on iPhone: Save Photo/Save Video and Save to Files. The former will download the photos or videos to the Photos app while the latter will download them to the Downloads folder in the Files app.
Professional tip: Learn how to edit photos in the Apple Photos app.
How to find downloaded PDF files
Like other downloaded files, you’ll usually find PDF files in the Downloads folder of the Files app if you’re downloading them from a browser. But if you want to see the PDF downloaded from a chat app like WhatsApp or Telegram, things are a bit different. Basically, you need to save the PDF file manually on your iPhone first as shown below.
- Open the application where the PDF file is currently located. For example, WhatsApp.
- Tap the PDF file in the app to view it in full screen mode.
- Click the “Share” icon and select “Save to Files” from the menu.
- Select the download location where you want to save the PDF.
- Open the Files app and navigate to the folder where you downloaded the PDF file.
Professional tip: Learn how to sign a PDF on iPhone.
How to find files downloaded from Chrome
The files downloaded from the Chrome browser will also appear in the Downloads folder of the Files app. But if you can’t find the Chrome files, follow these steps:
- Open the Chrome browser on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the “three dots” icon and select “Downloads”.
How to find downloaded music
The music you downloaded will appear in the Downloads folder of the Music app. Follow these steps to locate the music downloads on your iPhone:
- Open the Apple Music app on your iPhone.
- Tap the “Library” tab at the bottom and select the “Download” folder.
- You can find different categories for your downloaded music files, such as artists, albums, songs, etc. Scroll down to find the “Recently Downloaded” section.
How to find YouTube video downloads
YouTube offers a native button to download videos for offline viewing. This button is under YouTube videos.
If you used this button to download YouTube videos, you won’t find your downloaded videos in the Files app. They will still be inside the YouTube app.
Follow these steps to locate your YouTube video downloads on iPhone and iPad:
- Open the YouTube app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the “Library” tab at the bottom and then “Downloads”.
- You’ll find all the YouTube videos you’ve downloaded. Tap the video you want to play. The video will play even if you don’t have an active internet connection.
- However, if you downloaded the YouTube video using a video downloader app, look for it in that app or in the Downloads folder of the Files app.
Professional tip: Learn how to transfer YouTube from your phone to your PC.
How to find files downloaded from other apps
Apps other than YouTube also store your downloaded files in the app itself. First check the files you downloaded in the Files app, and if you can’t find it, check in the app you downloaded the file from.
In some apps, you have to save the downloaded files in the Files app manually, just as you would with PDF files. Open the file in the app and tap “Share → Save to Files”, then view the downloaded file in the Files app.
Professional tip: Learn how to download any file to your iPhone.
How to change the location of the downloads folder
With iOS 16, Apple changed the location of downloads from your iPhone to iCloud. If you want to restore it to the “On My iPhone” section or another folder, follow these steps:
- Open “Settings” on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on “Safari” followed by “Downloads” on the next screen.
- Select “On my iPhone.” If you would like to change the location to a custom folder, tap “Other” and select the preferred folder.
Professional tip: To save a file from iCloud Drive to your iPhone, tap the file or press and hold and select “Download Now”.
Bonus: How to delete downloaded files
To delete a downloaded file from your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Open the Files app and navigate to the Downloads folder located within the My iPhone or iCloud folder as shown earlier.
- Long press the file you want to delete and select “Delete” from the menu.
Professional tip: Learn how to empty the trash on your iPhone.
Common questions
How can I find downloaded apps on my iPhone?
Swipe left to the last home screen page to open the app library. Here you’ll find all the apps you’ve downloaded automatically organized into different categories. Alternatively, swipe down on any of the home screen pages to open the search and enter the name of the app you want to find.
How do I sort downloaded files on my iPhone?
Open the Downloads folder in the Files app. Click the three dots icon at the top and select “Date” to see your most recently downloaded files at the top. Read on to learn other tips for managing your files in the Files app.
How do I download a PDF file from a browser on my iPhone?
Launch the browser and open the PDF file in the browser. Tap the “Open in” button at the bottom and select “Save to files”. Alternatively, tap the share icon and select “Save to files”.
All screenshots and images by Mehvish Mushtaq.
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