Android Tips

How to Find/Open Downloaded Files on Android?

by Jenefey Aaron   Updated on 2022-09-01 / Update for  Android Tips

Have you ever had a need to find and open downloaded files on Android device? And sometimes you end up exploring the entire phone with no luck. That can be a tricky and difficult task for anyone not familiar with their devices. Therefore, if you are eager to find out where to find downloaded files on Android, you have come to the right place. This post will expose you to virtually everything you need to know.

Part 1: Where to Find Downloaded Files on Android?

Way 1: Find Downloaded Files on Notification Panel

A convenient way to access a file you downloaded on Android is through the notification panel. Every time you download a file onto your device, the download status is displayed on the notification panel. So, the moment you notice the download has finished, click on it to access the downloaded file. The following steps explain how to open downloaded files on Android through the notification panel.

  • Swipe down to open the notifications panel when the download is completed.
  • Click the download the notification to access the file.

Way 2: Find Downloaded Files through Integrated Search Function

Google has an Integrated Search function designed to solve the problem of where are my downloads on Android. The beautiful thing about this feature is it enables the user to locate just about anything on their Android devices. Phone calls, text, data inside apps, and apps are some of the items you can conveniently search for using this functionality. However, the drawbacks with this feature are that it is unavailable on some Android versions, and requires that you know some part of the filename. Here is how you can use this feature:

  • Swipe down to access the notification panel, look for the search button, and click on it.

    find downloaded files through integrated search
  • If you’ve never used the service before, you have to click on Start to grant the necessary permissions. You can proceed to input whatever you are looking for on the search bar.

Way 3: Find Downloaded Files on File App

Your device most likely came with a built-in app known as Files. Perhaps, you might not need a third-party app. With Files, you won’t get too confused about how to use the app because the interface is similar to that of many Google apps. To use Files to locate where your downloaded files are, follow the steps below:

  • Open Files.
  • Click on Downloads to see the files you downloaded.

Way 4: Find Downloaded Files on Chrome/Edge/Firefox

If you are also concerned about where can I find downloaded files on Samsung or other Android devices, you can do so through Downloads on your web browser.

For Chrome Users:

  • Open Chrome on your device.
  • Tap the menu icon with 3 dots.
  • Click on Downloads, and you can access all the files you’ve downloaded.

    find downloaded files on chrome

For Edge Users:

  • Open your Edge browser.
  • Click the 3 horizontal dots beneath.
  • Click Downloads, and you should have access to your download list.

For Firefox Users:

  • Open the Firefox browser
  • Click the 3 vertical dots
  • Click Downloads to manage all downloaded files.

Way 5: Find Downloaded Files on Android through Computer

Searching for downloaded files directly in an Android device can be tedious for some people. Alternatively, you can manage downloaded files through your PC. Here is how to go about it;

  • Connect Android device to PC with USB. A notification might appear on your device, requesting you to choose one of the options. Choose File Transfer.
  • Open Windows Explorer, and click the Android device name. From there you can easily access downloaded files.

Way 6: Find Downloaded Files on Android with A Third-Party File Explorer

Developers are also doing what they can to assist by creating third-party file explorer apps. As we explained earlier, a built-in file explorer app may be on your device. But, they may not be as effective. Using a third-party file explorer is just as straightforward as when you apply any of the options above.

Part 2: How to Move Downloaded Files to Another location?

You may want to save a file in a different location instead of Downloads folder. Sometimes, it is easier to store your files that way for easy access. To move downloaded files between locations, follow the steps below:

  • Click the 3-dot menu beside the chosen file, and tap on Move to. If you want to move more than one file, long-press the first file before selecting the others.
  • move downloaded files to another location
  • Choose internal storage underneath.
  • Navigate to Internal storage folder to choose where to move the folder to. There’s an option to create a new folder. Open the folder when you are done.
  • Click Move here to move the file to that particular location. Another way to do this is by using Copy to. Both will help you achieve the same goal.
  • You just successfully moved a file from Download folder to a different folder.

Part 3: Warm Tip: How to Recover Deleted Android Data/Files?

As you focus on how can I find downloaded files on my Android, it’s also good you learn how to recover files deleted on Android or how to access files on iPhone from PC. Anything is possible when you start playing with downloaded files. Therefore, to avoid the inconceivable, you need a data/file recovery tool. That’s where Tenorshare Ultdata for Android comes in handy. Highlighted below are its features:

  • Recover deleted pictures from Android device without using root.
  • Restore all deleted WhatsApp messages on your Android without root or backup.
  • Download WhatsApp backup, and view it from Google drive.
  • Recover almost all media on WhatsApp Business, such as documents, videos, and photos.
  • Restore old WeChat messages, photos, contacts, and others from Huawei and Xiaomi.
  • Works on over 6000 Android devices, which includes Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Moto Z and OPPO. (Compatible with Android 12)

Steps to Recover Lost Data

  • Open UltData for Android Data Recovery and connect your device via a USB. An interface like the one below will appear. Click Recover lost data.

    recover downloaded files with tenorshare ultdata android
  • You need to enable USB debugging on your device. To do that, follow the steps below:

    usb debugging settings
  • Upon a successful connection of your device, the window below will appear. Choose the type of file you intend to recover. Click Start for the process to commence.

    choose types of data
  • When the scan is done, you can view all the files and choose the ones you wish to recover.

    preview recovered files android

    Choose the files first, and click the recover box beside them. Document, video, and photo files will be stored in their usual format, while call records, SMS, and contacts will be stored in XSL, XML, and TXT formats.

    preview recovered files android

Part 4: People Also Ask about Downloaded Files on Android

1. Why can’t I Open Downloaded Files on Notification Panel?

When you click on a downloaded file on your notification panel on Android, you expect it to open immediately. However, it does not always happen that way. Sometimes the app might fail to open. The file will refuse to open if your device does not already have an app installed in it that can open it. Another reason that could be responsible for this is software glitch.

2. What is the Default Path for Downloaded Files on Android Devices?

The Default Path for Downloaded Files on Android Devices: /storage/emulated/0/Download

Wrap It Up

Knowing where to find downloaded files on Android and being able to manage such files by yourself is great. But, what happens when you mistakenly delete one of such files? That is why it is best and safe to have a tool like the Tenorshare Ultdata for Android to help guard against such occurrences.