Did you download something on your iPhone and couldn’t find it? Well, this is so frustrating to find the downloaded files on iPhones, especially for new iPhone users because they are not used to iOS features.
It is very annoying to find some important document that you downloaded but couldn’t find it. But don’t worry! In this article, I will solve all your issues regarding downloads.
Apple has given a feature in iPhones, iPods, and iPads named Files. Here, you can locate your downloaded files easily but many users do not know about this feature.
It is not as hard as it looks to find the downloaded files on iPhone, it is actually very simple. You simply have to go to File > On My iPhone > Downloads and there you have all your downloads.
Let’s learn in detail how to find the downloaded files on iPhone.
How To Find Downloaded Files on iPhone? | Here are 4 Methods To Find Files
iOS has a well-designed operating system with the best and unique features, however, it does not have a systemic file structure and folders. That’s why it becomes very hard to find the downloaded files on iPhone. On the other hand, Mac has apps that also interconnect with other files saved in a folder and you can also change their locations easily.
iPhones do not have such features and it is not possible to move files from one location to other.
But trust me, It s very simple. You just need to follow a few simple steps.
Method 1: Find Downloaded Files
When you download some images from the web, or some important document and cannot find it is because it is hiding in the Files app.
See the steps for a better understanding:
Step 1: Find the File (blue and white colored) app in the menu using the search bar. You can also find it in the Productivity & Finance section of the App Library.
When you download something, a prompt appears on the screen saying Save to Files. Now depending on the settings, you can save files to On My iPhone, iCloud Drive, and other cloud drives.
If you download photos or videos from the web, most probably you will find them in the photos app and not in Files app because while downloading you might have selected Add to Photos option. You can only find them in the Files app if you chose Save to Files.
Step 2: Now click on the On My iPhone option from the Locations section.
Also, find the downloaded files on iPhone in the iCloud Drive also present in the Locations section. You will see the downloaded files in either of these two options.
Step 3: Tap on the Downloads option.
You will find all the downloaded documents, PDFs, and images that you don’t save to the Photos app in this folder.
Isn’t it easy to find the downloaded files on iPhone? Follow these simple steps and you have all your important downloads.
Also, see: How To See Unsent Messages On Messenger With Notisave App
Method 2. Find the Downloaded Music
Step 1: Apple has its own Music App. Find it on the home screen or in the Entertainment section of the App Library.
Step 2: Now tap on the Library option present at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: You’ll see an option named Downloaded Music. Click on it.
Step 4: You will see another list of categories. Tap on the category to see your downloaded music, like click on the Artists category if you want to see downloaded music by artists.
Also, see: 10 Ways to Fix an iPhone That Keeps Turning off and on | Fix Now!
Method 3. Find Downloaded Apps
Step 1: Open the App Library.
Step 2: There is a search bar on the top of the screen which gives you a list of installed apps.
Step 3: Type the name of the desired app in the search bar and there you have the downloaded app.
What to do if you cannot Find Downloaded Files on iPhone?
Now you know where to find downloaded files on your iPhone but what if you do not find them there? So, where did they go?
This happens because there might be a possibility that the default file-saving location is changed for Safari on your iPhone. Therefore, to find the downloaded files on iPhone, simply use the search bar.
But to change the file-saving location, follow the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Go to your iPhone’s Settings.
Step 2: Tap on the Safari.
Step 3: Now click on the Downloads.
Step 4: You can select On My iPhone or Other. Now pick the right folder or create a new folder.
Also, see: How to Add Messages App Back to iPhone Home Screen Now!
Wrap up!
Did you know that there was no place to store files that did not belong to any specific app on iPhone for a very long time? But, with iOS 11 Apple launched a new feature named Files. You can easily find the downloaded files on iPhone with this feature. You can also change the locations of files and create new folders.
There is no doubt that Apple is growing and becoming advanced so fast. The only drawback it has is poorly systemic file structure and folders and I am sure that Apple will work on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 How to see what is being downloaded on my iPhone?
Ans. For iOS 13 go to Settings > Safari > Downloads and see if the download location is On My iPhone then go to Files > Tap browser at the bottom of the screen > Downloads folder.
Q.2 How to see the hidden files on my iPhone?
Ans. To see the hidden files, long-press the background of the home screen. Now the apps will start jiggling. Click on the dots seen at the bottom of the screen. See all the hidden home screen pages. You can unhide the home screens by clicking the empty circle present next to it and then tap on Done.
