view downloads in safari iphone

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How to Access the Download Manager in Safari for iOS

With iOS 13, Apple has brought a similar feature to the mobile version of its Safari browser in the form of the Download Manager. Now, when you choose to download a file, such as an image or document, a little download icon is displayed in the top right corner of the screen.

You can tap the icon to check the status of your downloads, and tapping the magnifying glass next to a file will open its folder location, whether that's on your device or in the cloud.

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How to access downloaded files on iPhone and iPad

If you download files to your device from the internet often, then you’re used to the routine. You may have even changed your download location to a specific spot. But if you’ve never downloaded a file on iOS, then you’re probably wondering where those files went!

Here, we’ll show you how to access downloaded files on iPhone and iPad.

Access your downloads in Safari

If you use Safari as your browser of choice on iOS, then that’s the easiest spot to grab your downloads.

To open the Downloads Manager , tap the Show Downloads button in Safari’s toolbar, which looks just like it does on Mac. You can then select your file to open it or tap the magnifying glass to see it in its folder.

Note: In iOS 15, the Safari address bar is moved to the bottom. You will see the download icon in the bottom left unless you have reverted back to the old design .

If you don’t see the Show Downloads button, Safari may have already removed your downloads. Check the Remove Downloads setting in Settings > Safari > Downloads which can be set to After one day, Upon successful download, or Manually.

Access your downloads in the Files app

Your downloads on iPhone and iPad go to your Files app by default in a folder names Downloads. So if you’re unable to use Safari to see your downloads, just open Files > Browse , and in iCloud Drive , select the Downloads folder.

To pick a different location, see our tutorial for how to change where the downloaded Safari items are saved in iOS . And if you’re interested, take a look at how to change the Safari download spot on Mac too.

Are you going to catch up with all of those files and images you’ve downloaded now? And do you plan to change the location to a more convenient spot for future downloads on iOS? Let us know!

Related Safari tips:

• How to customize and personalize Safari on iPhone and iPad
• How to stop name, address, email, and payment autofill suggestions in Safari
• 4 quick ways to open Safari Private Tab on iPhone

Where Do I Find My Downloads on My iPhone?

What to know.

• When downloading files from Safari, a Downloads button will appear, which shows any files you’ve downloaded in the past day.
• Open the Settings app > Safari > Downloads to choose whether your downloads are stored on your iPhone or in iCloud.
• To find all of your downloaded files, open the Files app > On My iPhone or iCloud Drive > Downloads.

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.

How to Get to Downloads on iPhone

How to find safari downloads on iphone, how to get to downloads using the files app.

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.

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.

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:

Regardless of where your downloaded files are stored, you will be able to access them from 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:

Note : If you use another web browser, you will see a folder for it in the On My iPhone folder (e.g. you will see a Firefox folder or a Chrome folder if you use those browsers). Your downloads from those browsers will be stored there.

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 .

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Rhett Intriago is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life, offering his expertise in all things iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. He enjoys writing on topics related to maintaining privacy in a digital world, as well as iPhone security. He’s been a tech enthusiast all his life, with experiences ranging from jailbreaking his iPhone to building his own gaming PC.

Despite his disdain for the beach, Rhett is based in Florida. In his free time, he enjoys playing the latest games, spoiling his cats, or discovering new places with his wife, Kyla.

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Technical How-tos, Tips, and Tricks

How to easily access and manage safari downloads on iphone.

January 10, 2024 Matt Mills How to 0

Downloading files from Safari on your iPhone can be a useful feature, whether it’s a document, image, or other content. However, locating and managing these downloads may not always be straightforward.

In this guide, we’ll show you two different methods to view Safari downloads on your iPhone: directly from the browser and using the Files app.

Method 1: Viewing Safari Downloads from the Browser

• Access a Webpage: Start by opening the Safari browser on your iPhone and visiting a webpage from which you intend to download content.
• Download Content: Navigate to a page or file that you wish to download. When you tap on a downloadable item, a dialog box will appear, asking if you want to download the content. Confirm the download.
• Contextual Menu: Once the download starts, look for the contextual menu, which appears in the search bar. It’s represented by an icon that resembles two letter ‘A’s.
• Access Downloads: Tap on the contextual menu icon, and a drop-down bar will appear with various options. Among these options, you’ll find “Downloads.” Select it to view all the files you’ve downloaded during the current browsing session.
• Open Downloaded File: From the list of downloads, you can tap on a file to open it directly.

Method 2: Accessing Safari Downloads with the Files App

• Open Files App: Locate the Files app on your iPhone. It’s typically found on your home screen or in the App Library.
• Navigate to Explore: Once in the Files app, tap on “Explore” at the bottom of the screen.
• Access Download Location: The location of your Safari downloads depends on your settings. If you’ve configured Safari to save downloads in iCloud, follow this path: Files > Explore > Locations > iCloud Drive > Downloads. If your downloads are stored locally on your iPhone, follow this route instead: Files > Explore > Locations > On My iPhone > Downloads.

By following these steps, you can easily access and manage your Safari downloads on your iPhone. Whether you prefer to view downloads directly from the browser or through the Files app, you’ll have full control over your downloaded files. Enjoy the convenience of quickly finding and accessing your downloaded content whenever you need it.

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How To Find Downloaded Files On iPhone: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you've ever downloaded a file and immediately began scouring your iPhone's storage for the location where it disappeared, you're not alone. Finding downloaded files on an iPhone can be very confusing, especially for those new to iOS. But don't worry, it's in there somewhere, and we're going to help you find it.

Whether it's a photo, document, or song, downloaded files typically go to your Files app in a folder named "On My iPhone" unless you've designated a different location, such as iCloud Drive. Still, if it's a download, it'll most likely be in Files. The catch is the different formats will not be automatically sorted to their target app. Downloaded images don't immediately show up in the Photos app, and PDFs will not be instantly added to your Library in Books.

Here's a simple guide to find, sort, and access all your downloads on iPhone, regardless of the file type.

How to find downloaded files on iPhone

Before we begin, keep in mind that these instructions are based on recent iOS versions, so if you're running on older software, it's a good idea to update your iPhone first.  

Open the Files app.

If you're looking for a new download, there's a good chance it'll be listed under the Recents tab –- scroll down or use the search bar to find the individual file. If it's an older download, tap the Browse tab at the bottom, then look for the file in any of the three folders: iCloud Drive, On My iPhone, or Downloads. To shorten your search time, check Settings > Safari > Downloads to confirm which of the three locations your downloaded files go to. You could also type the file name in part or in full into the search bar.

When you find what you're looking for, tap on it to view it. Depending on the file, you can choose to open and save it in the app designated for that type of file. For images that were saved as files, tap to open, then tap the Share icon (bottom left) and "Save Image." Now, you'll find the image in your Photos app.

For PDF or other document formats, tap the Share icon, then scroll down to select the Books app so the file can be opened with it.

Music files downloaded from the internet will only be openable in the Files app, but if you've downloaded any tracks on Apple Music, you'll find them in the Downloaded section of the streaming app's home menu.

If you're looking for downloaded files so you can delete them and manage space, here are some other methods that can help free up storage space on your iPhone .

We explain and teach technology, solve tech problems and help you make gadget buying decisions.

How to view and Manage Safari downloads on iPhone and iPad

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer specializing in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Google web apps. Besides Guiding Tech, you can read his work at iPhone Hacks, Online Tech Tips, Help Desk Geek, MakeUseOf, and Switching to Mac.

Arshmeet has been a tech tinkerer since childhood, but she realized her love for technology and writing about 5 years ago. Since then, she has been honing her skills and helping people figure out how things work, troubleshoot problems, choose the right app and products, and dig deep into the new and old concepts of technology. She is a self-professed Apple Enthusiast who loves debating what’s good and what’s not. It is her passion for finding techniques, hacks, apps, and products that make everyday life simpler.

Safari is usually easygoing, whether using Safari Tabs , Private browsing , or even changing the default search engine . However, finding and managing Safari downloads may not be immediately apparent to most users. But why fear, when you have this guide by your side?

Now, effectively managing Safari downloads on iPhone or iPad is crucial for organizing files and optimizing storage space. It’s wiser to understand where the downloads are saved, how to change the download location, how to clear the download history and more. So, just read along.

How to Download Files On iPhone From Safari

While the process might differ slightly depending on the website’s UI, the overall premise is the same. Browse to the file you want to download → tap the download icon → tap Download to confirm the action.

A downloading icon will appear next to the address bar as the download starts. You can click on it to see the download status.

Although if you don’t have to have an actual download link or button to initiate a download in the first place. For instance, you came across a link to a PDF that you can open in the browser. Instead of downloading using the Share Sheet, you can simply hold and press the link or image and then select Download Linked File.

Pause or Resume the download

Downloading a big file can make a severe dent in cellular data. However, the great news is that you can pause the download and resume it once you have a Wi-Fi connection, saving your precious mobile data .

To pause a download, tap the Download button → select Downloads → tap the X icon next to the downloading file. And to resume, simply tap the refresh icon.

Note : Do not close the original Safari window as then you’ll have trouble resuming the download.

Where Do Safari Downloads Go On iPhone

The first order of business after downloading a file from Safari is to check where your files are downloaded. To do so, tap the download icon or AA icon from the status bar → select download → tap the search icon next to the downloaded file.

By default, Safari download manager on iPhone stores the files in the Download folder in the Files app. So, to see your downloaded files, go to Files → Browse → Downloads.

Alternatively, to confirm or to customize the Safari download location , you can go to Settings → Safari → Downloads. Notably, if you prefer saving downloaded files to a different location, simply select a preferred option.

View Safari Download History on iPhone

Whether to find a previously downloaded item or to keep track of your downloaded files, here’s how you can access Safari downloader history on iPhone or iPad.

Open the Safari browser, tap the AA icon or the download icon → select Downloads → here, you’ll see a complete list of files downloaded recently.

Clear Download History

There are multiple ways to remove all or individual files from your Safari download history.

• Delete individual files – Launch Safari → AA icon → Downloads → Slide left the file you want to delete → Delete.
• Clear all your download history – Launch Safari → AA icon → Downloads → Clear.

Note : This is just deleting the download history, not the actual files from your iPhone. So, don’t expect much space saving after the history is cleared.

Auto-Delete Safari Download List

If you don’t want the hassle of manually deleting the Safari Download list, you can automate the process. To do so, go to Settings → Safari → Downloads → select ‘Remove Download list items’ → select a preferred option.

FAQs For Safari Download Manager on iPhone and iPad

Yes, you can download various types of files in Safari on your iPhone, including documents, images, videos, audio files, and more. Safari supports a wide range of file formats for downloading.

In most cases, you can download files from any website using Safari on your iPhone. However, some websites may have restrictions or prevent file downloads for security or copyright reasons.

Safari displays the download progress in the address bar as a circular icon that fills up as the download completes. You can monitor the progress of your download by keeping an eye on this icon.

Yes, Safari supports simultaneous downloads. You can initiate multiple file downloads and monitor their progress individually.

See, Find, and View Downloads on iPhone

Here, now that we have made it easier to manage Safari downloads on iPhone and iPad, we hope it’s a smooth sailing experience ahead. In case you have any other questions regarding Safari and any of its features, feel free to connect with us via the comments section.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 01 July, 2023

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

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While surfing the web or accessing our email, we tend to download files on our iPhone and iPad. Initially, it all looks good. Eventually, with the files piling one after another, you start feeling the need to manage Safari downloads.

But wait… don’t rush to a third-party download manager. Managing your download, that too in a separate file manager app, is a tricky and daunting business. So, here’s good news, with iOS 13 and the changes made to Safari, you can manage your chaos (or should I say Downloads?) easily!

Here are some quick ways to manage your Safari downloads on your iPhone and iPad effortlessly. Let’s begin!

How to download files in Safari on iPhone

• Pause/Resume/Cancel your downloads in Safari 

Change default Safari downloads location on iPhone

Delete downloaded files in safari, auto-delete safari downloads on your iphone.

• Locate the file/item you want to download and tap it.
• Confirm download when prompted through the popup window.

Note : There’s also an alternate way to access your downloads. You can go to the Files application and select Downloads .

How to manage your downloads in Safari on the iPhone

Pause/resume/cancel your downloads in safari.

• Tap the download icon at the top right corner of Safari.
• Tap the ‘X’ symbol to pause or cancel your download.

Note : You can directly reach the downloaded location of a file by tapping the ‘ Search ‘ icon next to the file name.

• In the Settings app, tap Safari and select Downloads .

Note : iCloud Drive will let your downloads be available across all connected devices, whereas the iPhone/iPad option will only save the file to the respective device.

However, if you want to delete the file permanently, there are two ways to do it.

• Tap the arrow icon and swipe left the file you want to delete.

You can also choose to auto-delete files.

• Open the Settings app and tap Safari .

• Here, you have three options : After one day, Upon Successful Download, or Manually.

I hope the steps were quick, easy, and helpful. In case you have any other trouble, feel free to connect with me in the comments below. For further help related to the Safari browser, consider reading Dhvanesh’s guide on How to troubleshoot common Safari problems .

Read more: 

• How to install Safari extensions on Mac in just 4 easy steps
• Safari Not Opening t.co Short Links from Twitter? Quick Fixes
• Restore Deleted Safari Bookmarks on​ Mac
• How to disable Safari tab previews on Mac (Quick guide)

A tech-aficionado whose superpower lies in blabbering interminably about new technologies. After 4+ years and 4500+ content pieces that helped diverse companies grow, I followed my passion and made iGeeks Media my home. When not gushing over technology, you will find me immersed in a fictional world, either reading or creating one.

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How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

By learning how to find your downloads folder on iPhone, you'll make working with your Apple device much easier

Choose a download location on iPhone

Create a shortcut to your downloads folder.

Knowing how to find your downloads folder on iPhone will come in useful constantly. Whenever you download something from a website or email, it’ll go to the downloads folder, but Apple don’t exactly make it obvious where that is.

Your downloads automatically go to the Downloads folder within the Files app. Here, we’ll show you how to find them, as well as how to change the download location and a few other things you can do with files once you’ve found them.

Without further ado, here’s how to find your downloads folder on iPhone.

There are two possible locations for downloaded files: your iPhone itself or Apple's cloud storage service, iCloud. By default, they will end up in iCloud Drive but you can choose where downloaded files go so let's explore that option first.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Now scroll down and tap Safari .

2. As you will see, the Downloads location is set to iCloud Drive. To change this, simply tap Downloads .

3. You can now choose On My iPhone . Once you've done that, you can exit the Settings app .

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When you download files, they will be sent to the location of your choice. If you haven't set a preference, then they will go into iCloud Drive but the method of finding those downloads either way remains the same. Let's explore how to find your downloads folder on iPhone.

1. Downloads are found within the Files app so your first step is to launch it. Tap the Files app icon on your iPhone homescreen. The quickest way to find it is to pull down on the screen to call upon Spotlight and type “files” into the search box. Tap the Files app icon when it appears.

2. There are now two methods of reaching your downloads folder. You can either tap iCloud Drive or tap On My iPhone (but only do the latter if you added it by following Choose a download location on iPhone above).

You can also tap Downloads under Favourites . If you only see one Downloads option, then tapping will take you to iCloud Drive. If you see two Downloads options, then the other will take you to your iPhone's storage.

3. Now simply tap the Downloads folder . You will be told how many items it contains.

4. And there you go: if you have any downloads in the folder, then you will now be able to see them all. You can tap any of the folders to see the downloads .

5. If you long-press on a folder you will be presented with lots of options. Files can be renamed, tagged, copied, moved, shared and deleted for example. If a file is in iCloud Drive, you can also save it to your iPhone – just select Download Now .

If you're feeling like a bit of a power user, you might want to speed up your access to the Downloads folder by adding a home screen shortcut. There's no way to do this natively, but you can create a shortcut using (you guessed it) the Shortcuts app. Here's how.

1.   Launch the Shortcuts app . The quickest way to find it is to  pull down on the screen  to call upon Spotlight and  type “shortcuts”  into the search box.  Tap the Shortcuts app icon  when it appears.

2.   Tap +  in the top right corner of the screen. 

3.  Now  select Add Action .

4.  In the menu which appears,  select the Apps tab  and  tap Files .

5.  Now, in the Files menu, you will need to  tap Folder .

6.  As you will see, Folder is now included as an action but you need to specify exactly which Folder you want to work with. To do this,  tap Folder .

7.  You can now browse the Folders in the Files app — you're looking for Downloads, either in iCloud Drive or on your iPhone.  Tap Downloads  when you find it and  tap Open  in the top-right corner.

8.  You will see that Downloads is included as an action. So far so good. The next step is to  tap X  in the slide-up menu at the bottom of the screen then  tap search for apps and actions .

9. Type Open File . Then  select Open File  from the results.

10.  Now the shortcut is taking shape.  Tap Default App  and  select Files  from the list of options when prompted.

11.  You can now  tap Open File  at the top of the screen,  tap Rename  and  enter Downloads .

12.   Tap Downloads  at the top of the screen to call up the menu once more. This time,  tap Add to Home Screen .

13. All that is now left to do is  tap Add . The icon will appear on your iPhone Homescreen – if you want to move the icon somewhere specific, learn  how to organize your iPhone apps in seconds .

You now know how to find your downloads folder on iPhone. But what if you're running out of space either on your iPhone or in iCloud? You might need to learn how to upgrade iCloud storage on iPhone . If you've just bought a new iPhone with larger storage, make sure you find out how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone , so you can move everything to your new device safely. Don't like your iPhone's notifications? Learn how to change the way iPhone notifications are displayed . Is your iPhone running a little slow? You'll want to discover how to clear RAM on iPhone , as this may help. We can also show you how to clear the cache on Mac , if you're having similar problems with your Apple computer. Want professional looking phone video? Learn how to enable Action Mode on iPhone .

David Crookes is a freelance writer, reporter, editor and author. He has written for technology and gaming magazines including Retro Gamer, Web User, Micro Mart, MagPi, Android, iCreate, Total PC Gaming, T3 and Macworld. He has also covered crime, history, politics, education, health, sport, film, music and more, and been a producer for BBC Radio 5 Live.

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How to use Files in iOS 14 to manage Safari downloads, local device storage, and external drives

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The Files app has grown into a full-fledged document and file management app with the latest iOS releases, iOS 14 and iPadOS 14. You can now easily copy files between multiple file services, download files locally, and even connect up removable storage to copy files to and from.

In this article, we’ll delve into how to manage internet downloads from Safari, configure the local location in the Files app, and copy or move files to and from removable storage from local storage.

SEE: Software as a Service (SaaS): A cheat sheet (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

How to manage your local storage

iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 allow you to easily manage local storage. Local storage is a place where files can be stored locally on the SSD or device without storing it on a file sharing service or iCloud Drive.

Before you can begin storing files locally, you first need to enable the local storage inside of the Files app. To do this, perform these steps:

• Open the Files app on your iOS device.
• Select the “…” button in the sidebar on iPadOS, or in the root of the Browse tab on iOS.
• Select Edit / Edit Sidebar.
• Enable the switch for On My iPhone/iPad ( Figure A ).

Once you’ve done this, a new location will be added to the sidebar called On My iPhone/iPad. Tapping on this location will present you with the contents of the local file system. Folders for apps that have files stored locally will appear. In this location, you can create a new folder by tapping the Folder+ at the top of the screen.

You can easily copy files to this location from iCloud Drive or another service by tapping and dragging from the other service into this local location. The files added here will be stored on the device and if you go offline, they will still be available for manipulation without any need to rely on an internet connection.

This is a great place to store books, PDFs, or other documents that need to be frequently accessed when offline.

How to download files from Safari

Newer versions of Safari, including the one in iOS 13 and 14, can let you easily download files, such as zip files, PDFs, and more. To download a file in Safari, just tap on a download link on a website or tap and hold on a link and then tap Download Linked File ( Figure B ).

If you have an iCloud Drive account, by default, this will cause the files to be downloaded to a Downloads folder contained in your iCloud Drive account. However, you can change this setting so that the files are downloaded locally to your iPhone or iPad.

To change the download location in Safari, perform these steps:

• Open the Settings app.
• Navigate to Safari | Downloads.
• Select On My iPhone/iPad as the location to store downloaded files ( Figure C ).

Once a file is downloaded, it will be available in the Files app at the selected location.

Inside of this Downloads view, you can also choose to clean up and remove downloaded list items. This is not removing the file itself, but rather the list items that appear when tapping the Download button in Safari’s toolbar. We tend to keep this on Upon Successful Download.

How to use removable storage

To use removable storage, you’ll first need to plug in the drive to your iPad or iPhone. To do this, you’ll either need a USB-C or Lightning compatible thumb drive, or use an adapter.

If you’re using an iPad with USB-C, then you can easily use any USB-C hub adapter to connect an external drive; if you’re using an iPad with a Lightning port or iPhone, then get the Apple Camera Connection Kit , and you can easily plug in a thumb drive or external drive. You may have issues with some iPad or iPhone models if you’re connecting an external drive that requires power to operate. Some iPhone and iPad models will only supply limited power over the Lightning port.

Once you’ve plugged in the adapter, then your external drive, open the Files app, and you’ll notice that your drive will automatically appear under the Locations section in the sidebar on iPadOS or the Browse tab in iOS ( Figure D ).

This works just like any other file location and you can easily tap, hold, and drag files to and from this location to your iPad, or vice versa. You can also drag files from cloud storage locations like iCloud Drive onto the external storage location.

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How To See Downloads On Safari IPhone

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Introduction

When it comes to browsing the web on your iPhone, Safari is the go-to browser for millions of users worldwide. Its sleek interface, seamless integration with Apple devices, and robust features make it a top choice for accessing the internet on the go. However, one common query that often arises among Safari users is how to view and manage downloads on their iPhones. Whether it's a PDF, a music file, or a document, knowing how to access and handle downloaded files is essential for a smooth browsing experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of checking, managing, and troubleshooting downloads on Safari for iPhone. From uncovering the location of downloaded files to organizing and troubleshooting potential issues, we'll navigate through the various aspects of handling downloads on Safari. By the end of this article, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and techniques to effortlessly navigate your downloaded content, ensuring a seamless browsing experience on your iPhone. So, let's embark on this journey to unravel the mysteries of Safari downloads and empower ourselves with the tools to make the most of our browsing experience.

Checking Downloads on Safari iPhone

When you download files using Safari on your iPhone, it's natural to wonder where these files end up. Unlike on a computer, where downloaded files are typically saved to a designated folder, the process on an iPhone may not be as apparent. However, fear not, as checking your downloads on Safari for iPhone is a straightforward process.

Accessing the Downloads Tab : To check your downloads on Safari for iPhone, start by tapping the Safari icon on your home screen. Once the browser opens, look for the "Downloads" icon, which resembles a downward arrow located in the top right corner of the screen. Tapping this icon will reveal your recent downloads, allowing you to view and access the downloaded files.

Viewing Downloaded Files : Upon tapping the "Downloads" icon, a list of your recent downloads will appear. This list includes various file types such as documents, images, and media files. You can tap on any of these files to open and view them directly within Safari.

Accessing Downloaded Content : If you wish to access your downloaded content outside of Safari, you can do so by navigating to the "Files" app on your iPhone. Here, you will find a section labeled "Downloads," housing all the files you've downloaded through Safari. From here, you can manage, organize, and share your downloaded files with ease.

Utilizing the Search Function : In the event that you have numerous downloads and need to locate a specific file, Safari for iPhone offers a convenient search function. By tapping the search icon within the Downloads tab, you can quickly search for a specific file by name, making it effortless to find the exact content you're looking for.

By following these simple steps, you can effortlessly check your downloads on Safari for iPhone, ensuring that you have easy access to all your downloaded files. Whether it's a PDF, an image, or a music file, staying informed about your downloads is essential for a seamless browsing experience on your iPhone.

Managing Downloads on Safari iPhone

Once you've located and accessed your downloaded files on Safari for iPhone, the next step is to effectively manage and organize these files. Managing downloads on Safari for iPhone involves ensuring that your downloaded content is well-organized, easily accessible, and can be shared or utilized as needed. Here's how you can efficiently manage your downloads on Safari for iPhone:

Organizing Downloaded Files

Upon accessing the Downloads tab in Safari , you may find a collection of files ranging from documents and images to media files. To keep your downloaded content organized, consider creating folders within the "Files" app on your iPhone. This allows you to categorize your files based on type, relevance, or any other criteria that suits your preferences. By organizing your downloads into specific folders, you can streamline your browsing experience and quickly locate the content you need.

Sharing Downloaded Content

Safari for iPhone provides seamless integration with various apps, allowing you to easily share your downloaded content. Whether it's a document, an image, or a music file, you can share it directly from the Downloads tab in Safari. Simply tap on the file you wish to share, and select the sharing option to send it via email , messaging apps, or other platforms. This feature enables you to effortlessly distribute your downloaded content to colleagues, friends, or family members.

Deleting Unnecessary Downloads

Over time, your Downloads tab may accumulate a multitude of files, some of which may no longer be needed. To declutter your downloads and free up storage space on your iPhone, consider deleting unnecessary files. Safari for iPhone allows you to easily delete individual downloads by swiping left on the file and tapping the delete option. Alternatively, you can select multiple files and delete them in bulk, ensuring that your Downloads tab remains organized and free of redundant content.

Utilizing Cloud Storage

For users who prefer to store their downloaded content securely and access it across multiple devices, leveraging cloud storage services is a viable option. Services such as iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox seamlessly integrate with Safari for iPhone, allowing you to upload your downloaded files to the cloud. This not only frees up space on your device but also provides the flexibility to access your content from any device with an internet connection.

By effectively managing your downloads on Safari for iPhone, you can optimize your browsing experience and ensure that your downloaded content remains organized and easily accessible. Whether it's organizing files into folders, sharing content with others, or utilizing cloud storage, these management techniques empower you to make the most of your downloaded content on Safari for iPhone.

Troubleshooting Downloads on Safari iPhone

Encountering issues with downloads on Safari for iPhone can be frustrating, especially when you're eager to access important files or media content. However, with a few troubleshooting techniques, you can effectively address common download-related challenges, ensuring a seamless browsing experience on your iPhone.

Clearing Cache and Cookies

One prevalent issue that may impede the download process on Safari for iPhone is a cluttered cache and an abundance of cookies. These accumulated data can hinder the browser's performance and affect the download functionality. To address this, navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone, select Safari, and tap on "Clear History and Website Data." This action clears the cache and cookies, potentially resolving download-related issues.

Checking Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for successful downloads. If you encounter difficulties downloading files on Safari for iPhone, ensure that your device is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network or has a strong cellular signal. Additionally, consider restarting your router or toggling the airplane mode on and off to refresh the connection, potentially resolving any network-related issues.

Updating Safari and iOS

Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues and hinder the download functionality of Safari for iPhone. To mitigate this, ensure that both Safari and your iOS are updated to the latest versions. Navigate to the App Store and the Settings app to check for available updates, and install them if necessary. Keeping your browser and operating system up to date can resolve potential bugs and enhance the overall performance of Safari for iPhone.

Resetting Safari Settings

In some instances, resetting Safari settings can address download-related issues. To do this, navigate to the Settings app, select Safari, and tap on "Clear History and Website Data." Additionally, you can reset Safari settings by tapping on "Advanced" and selecting "Website Data," followed by "Remove All Website Data." These actions can help resolve any underlying issues within the browser, potentially improving the download functionality.

Contacting Apple Support

If you've exhausted troubleshooting options and continue to experience persistent download issues on Safari for iPhone, reaching out to Apple Support can provide valuable assistance. Apple's support team can offer personalized guidance and troubleshooting steps tailored to your specific concerns, ensuring that any underlying issues are effectively addressed.

By implementing these troubleshooting techniques, you can navigate and resolve download-related challenges on Safari for iPhone, ensuring a seamless browsing experience and effortless access to your downloaded content.

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Where Do Downloads Go in Safari on iPhone or iPad?

While browsing the web using Safari on your iPhone or iPad, you can download images, documents or PDFs by tapping links on websites. When you tap a link, a popup will appear saying, “Do you want to download ‘file.name’?” When you tap the Download option, the item will be downloaded onto your iPhone or iPad, and it will be saved to your default download location, which you can change.

It appears that some users are having trouble locating downloaded files. So how can you find them? Where is the Downloads folder?

Where to find Downloads in Safari

You can easily see the items that you have downloaded by tapping the AA icon at the left end of the Smart Search field in Safari and selecting Downloads, as you can see in the screenshot below. If you do not see the Downloads option, it means that your download list is empty. Depending on your settings, your list may be emptied automatically by Safari.

You may also notice a blue arrow. This blue arrow may appear next to the AA icon. This blue arrow icon indicates that you have recently downloaded an item.

As explained above, you can access the downloaded items in Safari. After you open Downloads, you can share, save, AirDrop, print or annotate the downloaded item. This is called the Downloads list. By default, this list will be emptied after one day. Note that just items in the list will be removed. Your downloaded file will still exist somewhere on your iPhone. There are a few settings you can customize.

Where are downloaded files saved on your iPhone or iPad?

By default, downloaded items will be saved in the Downloads folder in the Files app. This folder can be located in either iCloud Drive or On My iPhone. You can also change the location. Here is how:

• Open Settings .
• Tap Safari .
• Tap Downloads .
• iCloud Drive – Downloads. If you select this option, your downloaded items will be available on your other devices too, if you are signed in with the same Apple ID.
• On My iPhone or iPad – Downloads. If you select this option, your downloaded items will only be stored on your iPhone or iPad.
• Or tap Other to select another location of your choosing in iCloud or on your device.

How to customize when items are removed from the Downloads list

By default, Safari will remove an item from the list after one day. However, you can change this. Here is how:

• Tap Remove Download List Items .
• After one day : Your list will be cleared after one day.
• Upon successful download : This will make it so there will be no Downloads list in Safari. Any item you download will directly go to the download folder.
• Manually : This will make it so the list will stay intact unless you clear it. To clear it, open the Downloads List (tap AA, then Downloads in Safari), then tap Clear to delete all. If you want to delete individual items, swipe left and tap Delete.

Related articles

• iPhone / iPad Popup Says Unable to Download Item, Fix
• Do you Want to Download “f.txt.js”?
• How To Restore Disappeared Downloads Folder To Dock & Sidebar In Finder
• How To Manage Downloads In Safari On iPhone And iPad
• App Store: Unable to Download App? Fix

Dr. Serhat Kurt worked as a Senior Technology Director specializing in Apple solutions for small and medium-sized educational institutions. He holds a doctoral degree (or doctorate) from the University of Illinois at Urbana / Champaign and a master’s degree from Purdue University. He is a former faculty member. Here is his LinkedIn profile and Google Scholar profile . Email Serhat Kurt .

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How to download files using safari on your iphone or ipad.

Need to quickly download a file on your iPhone or iPad? Here's how you can do this using Safari or a third-party app.

Quick Links

How to download files using safari, how to the change default download location, alternative for ios 12 users: documents 5 by readdle.

In your work or personal life, you'll sometimes need to download a file on your iPhone or iPad. Using the new feature introduced in iOS 13 and iPadOS 13, you can now do this directly in Safari. No third-party app needed!

Safari's download manager is a hidden new feature in the  iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 updates. If you're going about your day, browsing the web, you probably won't be aware of the feature. Instead, it comes up when you tap on a download link.

Go to a web page and find the link for a file you want to download. When you select it, you'll see a popup with the filename asking if you want to download it. Tap on the "Download" button.

The download will start, and you'll see a new "Downloads" button appear next to the address bar at the top of the browser. Tap on the button to reveal all current downloads. From here, you can monitor the progress of multiple downloads.

If you want to stop a download at any time, simply tap on the "X" button.

Once the download is finished, tap on the file to preview it. If you've downloaded a media file, image, or a PDF, you'll be able to see it in the preview window.

You can then share the file to any app. Tap on the "Share" button from the bottom-left corner.

Press the "Search" icon next to the filename in the Downloads section to open the file.

Once you open the file in the Files app, you can tap and hold on the file to reveal the menu.

From here, tap on "Delete" to delete the file.

By default, the downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder in iCloud Drive in the Files app. This is a great option if you have a paid iCloud storage plan  because it allows your downloaded files to instantly sync across all your devices.

But if you're on the free, 5GB tier, you might not have space for storing large files.

Thankfully, you can change the default location to local storage. Open the "Settings" app and go to Safari > Downloads. If you can't find the browser on your phone, try using Apple's Spotlight search to locate it.

Here, switch the selection to "On My iPhone" or "On My iPad" depending on your device.

By default, Safari will pick the "Downloads" folder. You can change this by tapping on the "Other" option to select any folder from the local storage (or from a cloud storage option).

The new download manager in Safari is exclusive to iOS 13, iPadOS 13, and above. If you haven't updated to the latest OS (which you should), or if you're in a situation where you can't update, here's a workaround for you.

Try using the free Documents 5 app by Readdle . It's an all-in-one browser and file manager app.

Open the Documents 5 app and tap on the "Browser" button in the bottom-right corner to switch to the browser mode.

Now, navigate to the page with the download link and tap on it. From the next screen, select the folder where you want to download the file and tap on "Done."

The download will now start. You can tap on the "Downloads" tab to view all downloads.

Tap on the "Files" button from the bottom-left corner to switch to the file manager. From here, tap on the "Downloads" folder to see your downloaded file. You can tap on the download to preview it in the app. Tap on the "Menu" button to view options for opening the file in another app.

Safari's download manager is just one of the many new features in iOS 13. Take a look at our list of the  best iOS 13 features to learn more.

Related: The Best New Features in iOS 13, Available Now

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5 Simple Ways to View Downloaded Files on Your iPhone

Last Updated: July 30, 2023 Fact Checked

Finding Downloaded Files

Finding downloaded photos, finding downloaded music, finding downloaded apps, viewing available storage.

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly . Rain Kengly is a wikiHow Technology Writer. As a storytelling enthusiast with a penchant for technology, they hope to create long-lasting connections with readers from all around the globe. Rain graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Cinema. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,845,188 times. Learn more...

Are you trying to find files saved to your iPhone? Downloaded files—such as documents, PDFs, large images, and more—will usually go to the "Files" app on your iPhone unless you designated a different location. Additionally, saved pictures can usually be found in the Photos app, and music can be found in the Music app. Regardless of the file type, this wikiHow will show you how to find and access all files downloaded on your iPhone.

Things You Should Know

• Open the "Files" app and tap "Browse" → "On My iPhone" → "Downloads". Be sure to check the "iCloud" folder or other synced locations.
• Open the Photos app and tap "Recents". Photos saved via "Add to Photos" should appear at the bottom.
• To find downloaded music, open the Music app. Tap "Library" and then "Downloaded".

• When you tap the Save to Files option on a file, you're prompted to choose a saving location. Depending on your settings, you'll have the option to save to On My iPhone , iCloud Drive , and possibly other cloud drives. If you downloaded a file this way, you'll find it in the Files app.
• If you're looking for a photo you saved from the web, an app, or a message, you'll probably find it in the Photos app, not the Files app. This is because when you save a photo, you're prompted to Add to Photos . The only way your photo will not show up in the Photos app is if you selected the Save to Files option instead of adding it to your photos.

• Depending on how you downloaded the file you're looking for, you may see it right here in the main On My iPhone folder.
• You'll also find an iCloud Drive folder in this section and any other cloud drive services you've set up on your phone. If you tap one of these folders, you may find downloaded files there, too.

• When you save photos by tapping Save to Photos , you'll find them here.

• If you don't see your saved photos, they'll most likely be in the Files app in the Downloads folder.

• You can also download music from Spotify to listen offline.

• At the top, you should see a chart with your iPhone's usage based on category.

• For example, tapping Instagram (if you have it) displays the amount of space used by the app itself and the data it needs to save to your phone.
• Tapping Safari displays how much space is consumed by Documents & Data, your offline reading list, web history, and downloads.

Community Q&A

wikiHow Video: How to View Downloads on an iPhone

You might also like.

• ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/view-albums-playlists-and-more-iphbddea0e5e/ios

About This Article

1. Find saved photos in the Photos app. 2. Find downloaded music in the Music app under Library > Downloaded . 3. Find other files (and missing photos/audio) in the Files app. 4. View your available storage in the Settings app under General > iPhone Storage . Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Use Delta Emulator and Play Nintendo Games on iOS

• While emulators are legal in the U.S., ROMs are a bit more complicated.
• The Delta app requires iOS 14 or later.
• The app is also available for iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro.

Gamers, your time is here: the Delta emulator app is now available for iOS, and with it arrives a wealth of emulation and features. This expansive app hosts an impressive selection of classic video game consoles, providing the ability to play thousands of retro games on your iPhone. Below, I’ll show you everything you need to know to start gaming.

What to Know About the Delta Emulator

Apple finally eased restrictions on emulators, and Delta is the second Apple-approved option to be officially listed on the App Store. What I love about it is that it’s 100% free. You can play a wide variety of retro Nintendo games without having to sit through ads—note that very few free emulators offer an ad-free experience. You can learn more about the Delta emulator here .

What Emulators Are Available on the Delta App?

The following emulators (game systems) are available through the Delta app:

• Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
• Super Nintendo Entertain System (SNES)
• Nintendo 64
• Game Boy and Game Boy Color
• Game Boy Advance
• Nintendo DS

How To Get Nintendo DS Games on Delta Game Emulator?

While every emulator available within the app works as is, there are specific BIOS files that you’ll need for the Nintendo DS emulator. I can’t link to them for copyright reasons, but you can easily find them on any search engine. After you download the necessary files, remember to select Save to Files from the Share menu.

The BIOS files needed for the Nintendo DS emulator are as follows:

• firmware.bin

Time needed:  2 minutes

Once you’ve downloaded these files, adding them to the Delta emulator is easy—here’s how:

From here, the Nintendo DS emulator will be fully operational. However, note that you may need to use iTunes File Transfer to add games—DS ROMs are typically several gigabytes large. Downloading them through your iPhone may be a hassle, so I’ll cover this more below.

How to Download ROMs for the Delta Emulator

Again, pirating officially licensed games breaks copyright laws, so I won’t be linking to them. However, homebrew games, and even some ROM hacks, are typically okay to share. Places like Homebrew Hub can have a library of legal, independently created games to play.

ROMs will either be in a compressed file (such as .ZIP) or a rather obvious file extension (.GBA for a Game Boy Advanced game, for example). I’ve had no problems importing both, but mileage may vary on compressed files. Should one give you issues, try extracting the file.

With that in mind, there are two primary ways to add ROMs to the Delta app: either through iTunes/Folder or the iOS Files app. Let’s take a look at both, as one can be easier than the other.

1. Adding ROMs Via the iOS Files App

Personally, this is the easiest way to add ROMs since it doesn’t require a computer. However, guiding your ROM downloads to the right place can be tricky.

For this how-to guide, I’ll download the game Sips from Homebrew Hub.

• First, navigate to the Homebrew Hub page for Sips .
• Scroll down and click Download Rom .

This method can be spotty depending on the browser you use, so make sure the ROM file makes its way to your Files app.

2. Adding ROMs Using iTunes

This method may be easier for those who have a hard time downloading ROMs directly on their iPhone, although you’ll have to use a Mac or PC. Let’s take a look.

• First, download the ROM.
• Next open iTunes .
• Navigate to the iPhone icon.
• Select File Sharing from the left-hand column.
• Click the Delta app and then Drag and Drop the ROMs you want into this section.

3. Adding ROMs Using Finder

If your Mac is running macOS Catalina or later, you’ll need to use Finder.

• Connect your iPhone to your Mac, then select your iPhone from a Finder window.

As you can probably tell, it’s pretty easy to add ROMs to the Delta app once you have the files in the correct location. The hardest part is probably getting them there.

How to Add Emulator Skins

One of the cooler features of Delta is it lets you change emulator skins. This is really easy to do, plus you can find tons of skins on sites like Delta GitHub . Adding skins is similar to adding ROMs, so again, ensure the skins are in your Files folder.

• You can now select the imported skin/s on Delta.

How to Remap Controllers in Delta

If you need to remap a controller, simply follow these steps:

• Select NES to open the drop-down menu and choose the controller you want to edit.
• Now, tap the button you want to change and press a button on the physical controller to remap it.

Controllers Supported By Delta App

The Delta app will support any third-party controller that works with iOS. However, here are some popular examples:

• Nintendo Switch Online Controller
• Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons
• Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
• Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X and S)
• Xbox Adapter Controller
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
• Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth Model 1708
• Playstation 4 and 5 Wireless Controllers

Adding a controller is usually as simple as navigating to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone, checking if the controller is discoverable, and then selecting it from the Other Devices list.

Additional Controls and Options

Once a game is running, you can open an additional menu that lets you fast-forward through scenes, hold down buttons, and even enable cheats. You’ll see this menu on the main screen while playing. It’s also where you’ll find your options to save and load games. You can save games within emulators, although I suggest using the Delta app’s Save function—it’s more reliable and accurate. Take a look around this section to see what you find.

While Android users may laugh over Apple slowly entering the world of emulation, the fact is it’s never too late to start. You may also want to know about the best Playstation 2 emulators for iOS .

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Where to find downloads on your iPhone or iPad

If you download a file onto your iPhone or iPad from the internet, you can find it in your Downloads folder in the Files app.

Find downloads in the Files app

Open the Files app. Don’t have the blue Files app icon on your Home Screen? Swipe down from the centre of your Home Screen, then search for the Files app.

Tap the Browse tab.

Tap iCloud Drive.

Tap the Downloads folder to see your downloaded files.

If you’ve just downloaded a file from Safari

Tap the Downloads button.

Contact Apple Support

Need more help? Save time by starting your support request online and we'll connect you to an expert.

How to clear the cache on your iPhone (and why you should)

How many tabs are open on your mobile browser right now? Go ahead, check -- you might be surprised by what you find.

Americans spend over five hours a day on their smartphones. That's over five hours of your phone potentially accessing, retrieving, and saving cache and cookies, which can negatively impact your iPhone's storage space .

What is cache?

Cache is the temporary storage of some data, like parts of a website from the last time you visited it, for example. Browser cache is content from a website that is stored on your phone during a browser session to help the browser execute faster the next time you visit that page.

Also:  How to clear Google search cache on Android

Cache data can slow down your phone's overall browsing performance, however, since it takes up storage space on your device, so it's good to clear it out regularly. In this article, we mainly focus on clearing web browser cache on an iPhone, but you should know that other types of cache include mobile app cache and CPU cache.

How to clear cache on iPhone

What you'll need: Everything you need to clear your browser cache is within the iPhone's settings app or the Safari app, so grab your iPhone to get started.

Keep in mind that clearing the cache can clear private data, which can close all open tabs in Safari. This is also likely to log you out of all your websites, prompting you to sign in again the next time you open them. 

How do I clear the cache from Chrome on iPhone?

If Google Chrome is your preferred browser, it may have a substantial amount of data stored on your device, which could also slow down performance. 

To clear the cache in Chrome, open the Google Chrome app and follow these steps:

• Tap  Settings .
• Go to  Privacy and Security .
• Select  Clear Browsing Data .
• Select the time from which to delete the data (if you want to delete all your browsing history, choose All Time ).
• Go through the items you'd like to delete, like your Browsing History, Cookies and Site Data, Cached Images and Files, Saved Passwords , and Autofill Data.
• Confirm by tapping  Clear Browsing Data  at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap Done when you've deleted the Chrome cache.

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Clearing the browsing and cache data in Google Chrome doesn't close all open tabs, but it will refresh each tab and log you out of websites. Once you tap on one of the tabs you want to access, you'll have to log back in.

How can I browse on Safari without history?

If you're learning how to clear cache on an iPhone, you may also be wondering if there's a way to use Safari without saving any browsing history. You can turn on Private Browsing by following these steps:

• Open  Safari .
• Tap on  Tabs .
• Choose Private .

You can also enable private browsing by going to your iPhone Settings, finding Safari, and toggling on the private option. 

How do I clear my app cache on my iPhone?

To clear the app cache from your iPhone Settings app, you can either delete the app and reinstall it, offload it, or try to clear the cache from within the app. Unfortunately, iOS apps don't have consistent settings across the board that would allow you to clear the cache of every app.

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Apps like TikTok and CapCut, for example, have options to Clear Cache within their respective settings. Amazon lets users delete their browsing history, while the Reddit app can clear local history. It all depends on what the app's settings let you do. 

Is "clear cache" the same as offloading?

Not exactly, though app offloading can help if your phone is slowed down by low storage. To offload an app  means to uninstall an app without deleting any documents or data associated with it. 

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To offload an app, go to  Settings , then  General , choose  iPhone Storage  and select the app to offload, then tap  Offload App . If you ever download it again, you'll pick up where you left off for that app.

Are cookies and cache the same thing?

Cookies and cache are not the same. Cookies are data files that websites send to your phone, including things like saved passwords to keep you logged into an account or even the website preferences from the previous time you visited. 

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Though they do sound harmless, cookies can also track how you browse the internet. They monitor patterns in your browsing and search history, even seeing what you clicked on or what your mouse hovered over. Ever made an innocuous search on Amazon only to find ads for it on all the apps you use? Cookies likely made that possible.

Can I block cookies on my iPhone?

While you can block cookies on Safari, the ranks are divided on whether you should. Blocking cookies entirely means that websites won't be able to get information from you, but it also means that some websites may not even work correctly on your browser. A lot of users actually enjoy a more personalized browsing experience, so cookies are a good thing for them.

 If you'd like to block cookies in Safari, follow these steps:

• Go to  Settings  and select  Safari .
• Tap on the toggle next to  Block All Cookies .

There are also third-party extensions that help you block cookies and trackers in Google Chrome, like Ghostery and Disconnect .

How do I check iPhone storage?

On an iPhone, Settings can show you what's taking up most of your media storage, like photos, videos, and music. You can also see what each particular app's storage consumption is, which includes temporary data. To view the details of your iPhone's storage space, follow these steps:

• Go to the iPhone Settings .
• Tap on General .
• Select iPhone Storage .
• Scroll through to find the app you're looking for.
• Tap on the app to view storage status and options.

Unfortunately, you can't clear your iPhone cache for third-party apps by going into your Settings app, but this gives you a visual of your iPhone's storage and the option to delete or offload apps.

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When you look at your device's storage space, you'll probably see recommended steps you can take to optimize your iPhone's storage, like offloading unused apps.

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Your Guide to Private Browsing in Safari

Private browsing is often misunderstood, but it can be a helpful feature if you know what’s what.

Quick Links

What private browsing does in safari, how to use safari private browsing on iphone and ipad, how to use safari private browsing on a mac, how to disable safari private browsing on iphone and ipad, how to disable safari private browsing on a mac, key takeaways.

• Private Browsing in Safari hides browsing history, autofill details, downloads, and locks tabs after inactivity.
• Safari on Mac groups private and non-private tabs, while on iPhone it shows all tabs regardless of mode.
• To use Private Browsing in Safari, identify it by a dark address bar, "Private" indicator, or "Private" next to the site URL.

Most browsers offer a private browsing mode that aims to keep the websites you view off the record. But what exactly does it do in Safari and how do you get the best out of it?

First and foremost, Private Browsing keeps the website pages you visit out of your History . The aim is to prevent someone else from seeing which pages you have visited if they have access to your phone or computer.

In Safari, Private Browsing does a lot more than just hide URLs. It also:

• Prevents recent searches from showing up in your history.
• Stops remembering details you enter in forms for autofill.
• Keeps downloaded items from appearing in your Downloads list.
• Locks private tabs after a period of inactivity.
• Adds tracking and fingerprinting protection.

However, it’s important to note that Private Browsing does not stop you from being tracked altogether. Websites you visit will still be able to use various methods to track you, and will still have access to all data that you send them.

On macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, Safari groups private tabs together, and separates them from non-private tabs. On Mac, each Safari window is either private or non-private, and can have as many tabs as you want.

On iPhone, you can switch between private and non-private modes, each of which shows all tabs belonging to that mode.

You can spot when you’re viewing a private tab with these signs:

• The address bar has a dark background. This may be less noticeable if you’re using Dark Mode .
• On Mac, you’ll see a prominent Private indicator in the title bar.
• On iPhone, you’ll see Private alongside the site URL at the bottom of your screen.

The steps to enter Private Browsing mode are nearly identical on an iPhone and iPad. The only difference is that the tab icon is at the bottom of the screen on iOS and the top on iPadOS.

• Long-press the tab icon (two overlapping pages) on the bottom-right (iPhone) or top-right (iPad) of your screen.
• Tap the New Private Tab menu item.
• If locked, enter your passcode to unlock Private Browsing.

You can enter Private Browsing mode on macOS using either a menu item or a keyboard shortcut:

• Open the File menu and choose New Private Window .
• Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Cmd + n .
• Use the browser as you normally would. Any tabs you open from this window will open in the same window, in private mode.

You may want to prevent users of an iPhone or iPad from using Private Browsing mode at all. To do so:

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap on Screen Time .
• Under RESTRICTIONS , click on Content & Privacy Restrictions .
• If not already enabled, press the toggle next to Content & Privacy Restrictions to enable.
• Tap Content Restrictions .
• Change the Web Content setting to Limit Adult Websites .

The option to enter private mode will now be gone.

On macOS, the wording of certain options differs slightly, but the overall process is near-identical to iOS:

• Open System Settings via the Apple menu.
• Click on Screen Time in the left panel.
• Under the Restrictions section, click on Content & Privacy .
• Click Content Restrictions .
• Change the Access to Web Content setting to Limit Adult Websites .

Private Browsing will now be unavailable in Safari, although any existing private windows will stay open.

Of course, anyone can re-enable Private Browsing using the same process, in reverse. However, you can use Screen Time’s Lock Screen Time Settings option to set a passcode and enforce the setting permanently.

Your Android Phone's Web Browser Has Junk Files You Can Remove Quickly

By regularly clearing out your web browser's cache and cookies, you can get rid of files from the web that you don't need.

You can clear out the cookies and cache of your Android phone's web browser with a few quick taps.

Your  Android phone 's web browser picks up a lot of data from all of the websites that you visit, and a lot of that does not need to be on your phone. Whether you're using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Samsung Internet, this data stored in your cookies and cache can be helpful in some cases. It's what lets you quickly load websites you frequently access and keeps you logged into accounts you have. That's nice, but there's plenty of information in the cookies and cache of your browser that isn't necessary and could even be a privacy risk.

Why you should regularly clear out your cookies and cache

A lot of what ends up building up within your cookies and cache is just plain junk. Some of it could have arrived from websites you've visited just once. Others seem to be tracking your browsing history on an active basis, helping to serve up advertisements based on what you are buying or streaming on the internet. For instance, I'm constantly receiving advertisements for buying glasses online after browsing a few stores, or Amazon ads that just happen to show what was last in my shopping cart.

Because of this, it's good to clear out your cache every so often. It allows you to remove data you don't need on your phone, especially if an unknown data tracker is among your phone's cookies. Clearing your cache is a minor inconvenience -- you'll have to log back into some of your favorite websites, but it's a small price to pay to make sure your phone isn't stocking up on extraneous data.

The steps differ slightly depending on the type of phone and web browser app you're using. Below, we'll go over how to clear this data for Google's Chrome browser (the default for many Android phones, like the  Google Pixel  line), Samsung's internet browser (often the default on the  Galaxy phone series ) and Mozilla's Firefox browser. You can also check out our separate guide on how to clear your cache on an iPhone web browser , in case you have a few Apple devices to tidy up, too.

The "Clear browsing data" menu in Chrome on Android.

Google Chrome

You can delete your cookies and cache from within the Android version of Google Chrome by first tapping the More button in the top right corner of the browser, indicated by a column of three dots, then tapping History , then Clear browsing data . You can also access this from the Chrome Settings menu, tapping Privacy and Security and then Clear browsing data .

Chrome also offers Basic and Advanced settings for clearing your Browsing history , Cookies and site data and Cached images and files . You can use the Time range drop-down to select whether you want to delete the entire history or a selection of anywhere from the past 24 hours up to the last four weeks. Tapping Advanced will also give you access to deleting Saved passwords , Autofill form data and Site settings . After selecting what you want to delete, tap the blue Clear data button. You might receive an additional prompt in the event Chrome deems certain websites as being "important" to you, and if so you'll get the chance to confirm before clearing. Otherwise, if you do not receive that prompt, Chrome will immediately proceed to clear as you instructed.

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Samsung Internet

The "Clear data" and "Clear cache" options for Samsung Internet.

There are two different ways you can clear your Samsung Internet browser's cache and cookie data. You can clear from within the browser itself, or you can go through your phone's Settings app.

To clear while in the Samsung Internet browser app, first tap the Options button in the bottom right corner represented by three horizontal lines, then Settings ; scroll down to and tap Personal Data , then tap Delete browsing data to get a menu of options to delete. You can clear your Browsing history , Cookies and site data , Cached images and files , Passwords and Autofill forms in any combination. After tapping Delete data , you'll then receive a prompt asking for you to confirm your choices before deleting.

Going through the browser app itself provides the most customization as to what you want to delete. If you want to access similar options from your phone's settings menu, open the  Settings  app and tap on Apps , then scroll down to and tap Samsung Internet and then Storage . 

At the bottom of Storage, you get separate options to Clear cache and Clear data . Tapping Clear cache will immediately delete the cache, but Clear data brings up a prompt that warns you that all of the application's data will be deleted permanently, including files, settings, accounts and databases. While it doesn't specify cookies, this "going nuclear" approach should zap all remaining data, letting you restart the Samsung Internet browser as if it were brand-new.

Read more: Change These Android Settings to Get the Most Out of Your Phone

Mozilla Firefox

Much as with Google Chrome, you can clear the cache from within the Mozilla Firefox Android app. To access this function, tap the More button on the right of the address bar, again symbolized by three vertically aligned dots. Then tap Settings and scroll down to Delete browsing data . 

The "Delete browsing data" menu in Mozilla Firefox on Android.

Of the three browsers we're discussing here, Firefox gives you the most options under the Delete browsing data menu, allowing you to also delete any existing Open tabs , your Browsing history and site data , Site permissions and even your Downloads folder alongside Cookies and Cached images and files . 

While you can't pick a time range as you can for Chrome, you can be more specific regarding what type of data you would like to remove.

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And Firefox has an additional option for those who never want to keep their browsing data after they're done using the app. Inside Settings is a Delete browsing data on quit option, which instructs Firefox to wipe any combination of these same settings every time you quit the application. It's a useful feature if you'd like to keep the browser tidy and, say, avoid accidentally handing off your browser history to someone who may have stolen or otherwise gained access to your phone.

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