Where Do I Find My Downloads on My iPhone?

Like any web browser, you can use Safari to download files to your iPhone. But where do those downloads go after you save them? In this article, we’ll go over how exactly to find out where your downloaded files are located.

Jump To:

• How to Get to Downloads on iPhone
• How to Find Safari Downloads on iPhone
• How to Get to Downloads Using the Files App

How to Get to Downloads on iPhone

Finding your downloaded files on iPhone can be a bit challenging since the Downloads button in Safari only appears when downloading files. For more ways to master Safari, like how to block or allow pop-ups, be sure to sign up for our Tip of the Day newsletter. Now, here’s how you can see the files that you downloaded in the last day.

1. Open Safari, and download something.
   
   
2. Tap the Downloads icon in the address bar. The icon is a blue circle with a down arrow inside.
   
   
3. Tap Downloads.
   
   
4. You’ll see a list of your recently downloaded files.
   
   
5. The Downloads icon will disappear after the download completes, but you can still access your Downloads by tapping the Reader View icon.
   
   
6. Tap Downloads.
   
   

By default, Safari is set up so that this list will be cleared out after one day. This does not remove the downloaded file from your phone, but it will remove the downloads list from Safari. If you haven’t downloaded anything else in the last day, you likely won’t see it here. To access all of your downloads, you’ll need to head over to the Files app.

Discover your iPhone's hidden features

Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

How to Find Safari Downloads on iPhone

If you haven’t downloaded anything recently or if you use another web browser, you can access your downloads in the Files app. But first, you need to check your Safari settings to find out if your Downloads folder is stored on your iPhone or in iCloud:

1. Open the Settings app, and tap Safari.
   
   
2. Tap Downloads.
   
   
3. Here, you can choose to store your Downloads folder on your iPhone or in iCloud Drive. If you choose your iPhone, the downloads will be stored locally and won't be available on other devices. If you choose iCloud Drive, you'll be able to access the file on any of your Apple devices as long as you're signed in with the same Apple ID.
   
   
4. You can also tap Remove Download List Items to change how long the downloads list stays in Safari. This does not remove the downloaded files from your iPhone; it will only remove them from the list.
   
   

Regardless of where your downloaded files are stored, you will be able to access them from the Files app.

How to Get to Downloads Using the Files App

Now that you know where your Downloads folder is stored, let’s move over to the Files app to see how to get to Downloads on iPhone:

1. Open the Files app.
   
   
2. Tap iCloud Drive or On My iPhone, depending on the option you chose in the previous section.
   
   
3. Tap Downloads to open the folder, where you’ll find your downloaded files.
   
   
4. I recommend tapping and holding the folder, and then select Favorite.
   
   
5. This will add a shortcut to the folder when you open the Files app.
   
   

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.