How to View Downloads on Android

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Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Tested

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Using a File Manager

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Using Chrome

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Video

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Q&A

This wikiHow teaches you how to find files, photos, and videos you’ve downloaded to your Android phone or tablet.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a File Manager

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This is the list of apps on your Android. You can usually open it by tapping the icon with 6 to 9 dots at the bottom of the home screen.
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Tap Downloads, My Files, or File Manager. The name of this app varies by device.
- If you don’t see any of these options, your device may not have a file manager. See this wikiHow to learn how to install one.
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If you only see one folder, tap its name. If you have an SD card, you’ll see two separate folders—one for your SD card, another for internal storage. Depending on your settings, your Downloads folder may be in either of these two locations.
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Tap Download. You may have to scroll down to find it. This folder contains everything you’ve downloaded to your Android.
- If you don’t see a Download folder, you may have to poke around in different folders to find it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Chrome

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1
Open Chrome. It’s the round red, blue, yellow, and green icon labeled “Chrome” on your home screen. If you don’t see it there, check the app drawer.
- This method will help you quickly find files you’ve downloaded while using the Chrome web browser.
It’s at the top-right corner of Chrome.
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Tap Downloads. You will now see a list of files you’ve downloaded from the web.
- To view only certain types of downloads, tap ☰ , then select the type of file (e.g. Audio, Images) you want to view.
- To search for a certain downloads, tap the magnifying glass at the top of the screen.

Community Q&A

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Question

What do I do if I can't find my downloaded Play Store apps under Downloads?

Community Answer

On Android, the Downloads application is for downloaded files only. To find downloaded apps, go to Settings and find Applications. All of the apps you've downloaded will be here.

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Question

I downloaded my info from Facebook, and it says it's ready to view, but when I click in the file it says no app is downloaded. What should I do?

Community Answer

Try uninstalling and reinstalling the Facebook app. The Facebook icon on your screen may not actually be the app. Sometimes these icons linger for a little while after an app is uninstalled.

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Question

What if I don't have an app drawer?

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Community Answer

You can download one from the net. There are various types to sort through and select your best from the net. "Playstore'' can be of use to download one or you can get some from websites as well.

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