Where are downloads on androids

When you put webpages and media files onto a web server, it is known as Uploading. For example, posting a selfie on Instagram story. When you save webpages and media files from a web server to your phone or PC or any other device, it is called Downloading.

For example, downloading music from Spotify. The operating system, and even most apps, are programmed to use this folder as the default download location. Once a download is done, Android will notify you — usually at the top part of your screen — that it has indeed finished downloading the file. Tapping on this notification will either open the file directly with an associated app, or open the folder where it is saved.

The icon will also be recognizable — a file folder or an envelope-shaped icon. This should be easy to do, as file manager apps tend to display folders alphabetically. You will need an associated app to open or access the file you downloaded. Allow me to make two recommendations. One the more popular file manager apps is ES File Explorer. You can download this and then use it as your file manager app.

You can now locate your Downloads folder using this app, as it also has a text search function. That said, the app is free-to-download, so it will show you ads from time to time. ES File Explorer also has added features which you may or may not want. It is a solid file manager app, and we can recommend it for the task at hand. The app is free to use, but it has virtually zero ads, which is always a good thing.

It provides a more feature-rich file manager, something that the more technically savvy will appreciate. For the task at hand, it is more than capable to show you where your downloads are. Say that you downloaded an image a few days back, and you may have accidentally deleted it.

You can still easily get that image back — or any other download you did on the Chrome browser — for that matter, because the Chrome app remembers your downloads. Open up the Chrome browser app, which most people use as their default smartphone internet browser. Tap on the menu button to the left of the address bar the three dots button , and then tap on Downloads. The following menu will show you all your recent downloads, and you can just tap on one to re-download it.

If connecting your Android device to your Windows computer is easier for you, then you can also use this to find the Downloads folder in Android. Plug in to a USB port on your computer and wait for your computer to accept the connection. You can even save the said file on your computer if you want to use it at some other time.

Personally, I believe this is the easiest method to find and open downloaded files on Android. Not only the downloads, even the files from Google apps like Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc.. To open downloads from Google Drive , open the Google Drive app. That's fantastic! Check out our comment policy here. Let's have a personal and meaningful conversation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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Comments 1. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed , times. To view downloads on your Android using Chrome, start by opening Chrome and tapping the three verticle dots in the top-right corner.

To view only certain types of downloads, tap the three verticle dashes, then select the type of file you want to view. Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article.

We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Related Articles. Article Summary. If you find it hard navigating through a small screen, you can always view your Android downloads from your Windows PC.

This is one of several ways you can transfer files from your Android phone to your PC. If you're using Google Chrome as your browser you can access your downloads directly though the menu. All other browsers have a similar option. This comprehensive Android troubleshooting guide will help you solve the most common Android phone problems.

Denis is a tech writer at MakeUseOf. He especially enjoys writing about Android and has an obvious passion for Windows.