How To Find Downloads On Android In 4 Easy Steps

If you’re browsing or working on your Android smartphone, it’s easy to download and open a range of file types. However, once you’ve finished using them, do you know where they go on your phone? In this article, we explain how to find downloads on Android in four easy steps.

How to find downloads on Android

Depending on your storage, you can download anything to your Android phone you would on a PC. It’s easy to download email attachments, images, or PDFs routinely. However, the hassle begins when you close the file and want to retrieve it so you can delete or share it. Where on earth do all the downloads on Android go? Follow these four super quick and easy steps to find and take back control of your downloads. 

Step 1: Go to your apps

The Files app is usually nestled with the other apps on your phone. Tap on it and pop the hood on your Android phone’s storage.

Step 2: Scroll down to the Categories section

When you open the Files app, you’ll find Downloads listed first in the Categories section. It is usually right in front of you when you open the app. 

Step 3:  Tap on Downloads  

Your downloads are listed in this section. You can sort the downloads by date or change the view from a grid view to a list view. 

Step 4. Tap on the file to open it

You can open any of your downloaded files by tapping on them. This will open up your PDFs, document files, images, audio, and video files so you can use them.

How to share downloaded files

Now you’ve found your downloads, you can access them to share with friends, family, and colleagues. Follow these steps to share your downloads by email or Bluetooth or upload them to Google Drive. 

1. Tap on the file you want to share

Find the file you want to share and tap on it to bring up the share icon. 

2. Screen tap on the share icon

The share icon brings up options for sharing your download by:

• Bluetooth
• Messages
• Gmail
• Nearby Share
• Upload to Google Drive

You may also be able to transfer a downloaded file via WhatsApp, Messenger, or similar apps, which will appear if you have them. 

3. Tap on email to open a blank email with your download as an attachment

Tap the Gmail app icon to open a new message with the download automatically attached. Simply fill in the recipient details and message to send the download via email. 

How to move downloaded files

You can also move downloaded files to other areas of your phone and external storage if it is present in your phone. Here’s how to do it:

1. Tap on the file you want to move

Find the file you want to share and tap and hold on to it to highlight it. 

2. Tap on the three vertical dots on the right-hand side

In addition to opening the file, you can also:

• Copy the file
• Rename the file
• Add the file to your Favorites
• Backup the file in Google Drive
• Bin the file

3. Select the option Move to from the menu that appears

When you tap the Move to option, alternative storage options and locations for your Android phone will appear.

You can move the download to this location if you have external storage like an SD card. Alternatively, select an internal storage location in your phone. 

How to delete downloaded files

If downloads take up valuable storage space on your phone, you can delete them from the downloads folder individually or in bulk. Follow these quick and simple steps to delete unwanted files.

1. Tap on the file you want to move

Find the file you want to share, tap and hold on to it to highlight it. 

2. Tap on the three vertical dots on the right-hand side

Tapping on these dots opens a menu with options for managing a selected file. Open the menu to find the option for deleting the unwanted file

3. Select Move to bin

This option will move the download(s) to the Bin in your Files app. If it is not restored from this location it will be deleted within 30 days. Alternatively, you can immediately delete the file by emptying the bin.

In conclusion

Knowing where to find your downloads and other files makes it easier to manage them on your Android phone. Visit the Files app frequently to spring clean any unwanted or unnecessary files and free up space on your phone.