How to Find Files You Downloaded on iPhone

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By Leanne Hays
April 01, 2025

When you download a file on your iPhone, where does it go? If it's a file like a PDF or .epub, you can find it in the Files app. Here's how to find downloaded files on your iPhone.

Why You'll Love This Tip:

  • When you download files from the internet, they're saved in the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Easily find saved tickets, articles, confirmations, e-books, and more in the Files app.

How to Find Downloads on iPhone in the Files App

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 16 running iOS 18.3.1. Find out how to update to the latest version of iOS.

It's easy to find downloads on iPhone in the Files app; here's how:

  1. Open the Files app. open the files app
  2. Tap iCloud Drive or On My iPhone. tap on my iphone under locations
  3. Tap Downloads to open the folder, where you’ll find your downloaded files. tap downloads folder
  4. You can touch and hold the folder, then tap Favorite. This will add a shortcut to the folder when you open the Files app. tap favorite to save download as favorite

That’s how to find your downloaded files on your iPhone! In the future, the quickest way to access your downloads is by going to the Files app. You can also save items from other apps to your Files app. Next, find out how to send large files on iPhone or iPad.

Top image credit: The-DesignStudio / Shutterstock.com

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Leanne Hays

Leanne Hays has over a dozen years of experience writing for online publications. As a Feature Writer for iPhone Life, she has authored hundreds of how-to, Apple news, and gear review articles, as well as a comprehensive Photos App guide. Leanne holds degrees in education and science and loves troubleshooting and repair. This combination makes her a perfect fit as manager of our Ask an Expert service, which helps iPhone Life Insiders with Apple hardware and software issues.
In off-work hours, Leanne is a mother of two, homesteader, audiobook fanatic, musician, and learning enthusiast.

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