How to Find Downloads on Android Phones

Use the Files app or the My Files app to access your downloads

By
Jason Bennett
Jay Bennett
Jason Bennett
Writer
  • George Brown College
Jay Bennett is a former Lifewire writer and digital marketing consultant with 8 years' experience. His writing has appeared on the VisiHow website.
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Updated on September 27, 2023
Reviewed by
Christine Baker
Reviewed by Christine Baker
Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • Open the Files app and tap Download, or tap Internal, choose a category, and select the Download tab.
  • Samsung My Files: Tap Internal storage > Download or choose the app you downloaded from.
  • You can also connect your phone to a computer to manage files and folders.

This article explains the Android download locations where you can find downloaded files from Google Chrome, Google Messages, Samsung Messages, WhatsApp, or Gmail.

Where Are My Downloads on Android?

To navigate Android's internal storage, you need an Android file manager app. Some Androids come with the Google Files app while Samsung devices use the My Files app. You can also connect your phone to a computer to manage files and folders.

In most instances, whatever you download will end up in the Downloads folder. However, depending on the app you downloaded from, the location might be different. If you're an Android user (Android 7 or later), locating your downloads is similar to using Windows Explorer or Mac's Finder.

If you're an iPhone user running iOS 11 or newer, Apple's Files app connects you with all your device's storage locations, both locally and in the cloud.

How to Find Downloads on Android

On newer Androids, you can easily access your downloads from the Files app. Open Files and taps Downloads under Categories.

In the Samsung My Files app, go to Internal storage, then choose Download.

Files app and Download highlighted in Android

On Android older devices, there may be a few extra steps:

  1. Open the Files app and tap Internal.

  2. Tap the category (Videos, Images, Documents & other, or Audio) associated with your download.

    Files app, Internal, and categories highlighted on Android

  3. At the top, scroll left through the options and tap Download to see your downloads.

    Download highlighted in Files app for Android

How to Find Google Messages Downloads on Samsung

To access Google Messages downloads on Samsung devices:

  1. Open your preferred file manager, tap Internal storage, then tap Pictures.

  2. Select Messages.

  3. All your downloaded images, videos, and voice clips will be in the Messages folder.

    A screenshot of Android's Message's gallery location.

How to Find WhatsApp Downloads on Samsung

To access WhatsApp downloads on Samsung devices:

  1. Open your file manager and select Internal storage > WhatsApp.

    Navigating to the WhatsApp directory.

  2. Select Media.

  3. Your files and attachments are stored in their respective folders within WhatsApp's Media directory.

    A screenshot of Whatsapp's media folders.

    Videos and pictures downloaded with apps like Hangouts and Textra are located in their respective folders in your device's Internal storage.

FAQ
  • How do I stop a download on Android?

    To stop a download on Android from the Google Play Store, tap the X on the progress bar during the download. If you're downloading from an app, there's no clear-cut way to stop the download, aside from turning off Wi-Fi.

  • How do I download YouTube videos on Android?

    To download YouTube videos on your Android, you'll need a YouTube Premium subscription. Use the YouTube app to navigate to the video you want to download and tap Download below the video. Choose your download quality option, such as 720p or 360p.

  • How do I download apps on Android?

    To download apps on Android on Google Play, open the Google Play Store app, tap the app you want, and tap Install. You can also manage downloads using the Play Store on your desktop. From the Amazon AppStore app, turn on the Install unknown apps setting, find the app, and tap Get > Download.

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