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How to Access the Download Manager in Safari for iOS

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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.

safari downloads

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How to manage Safari downloads on iPhone and iPad

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.

Download files using Safari on iPhone and iPad

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.

Pause Resume Cancel your downloads in Safari on iPhone

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 .

Change default Safari downloads location on iPhone

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.

Delete individual file in Safari on iPhone

You can also choose to auto-delete files.

  • Open the Settings app and tap Safari .

In Settings app tap Safari & select Downloads and then Remove Download List Items

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

Choose one option you prefer to auto delete download

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)

🗣️ Readers like you help support iGeeksBlog. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.  Read Disclaimer .

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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.

view downloads iphone safari

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.

Open Safari, and download something.

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.

iPhone Life

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:

Open the Settings app, and tap Safari.

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:

Open the Files app.

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 .

Author Details

Rhett Intriago's picture

Rhett Intriago

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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How to view and Manage Safari downloads on iPhone and iPad

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?

How to view and Manage Safari downloads on iPhone and iPad

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.

Tap download icon and then Download

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.

Long press the link and 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.

Tap Downloads and the X to pause

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.

Tap the search icon to find 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.

Tap Downloads

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.

Tap Downloads to view Safari download history

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.

swipe left and tap Delete

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.

Tap Remove Download list items

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.

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.

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DID YOU KNOW

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Dilum Senevirathne

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.

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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.

Downloads Folder in Files in iCloud Drive

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.

Safari Show Downloads Button on iPhone

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.

Settings Safari Downloads Remove Timing

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.

Files iCloud Drive Downloads

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

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.

manage safari downloads iphone

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 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 ).

view downloads iphone safari

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 ).

view downloads iphone safari

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 ).

view downloads iphone safari

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 ).

view downloads iphone safari

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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Mastering Your Downloads: How to View Downloads on iPhone

Introduction.

Your iPhone is a powerful device capable of downloading a multitude of files and media from various sources. These downloads can include documents, images, videos, music, and more. However, finding and managing these downloads might not be immediately obvious. In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to view and access your downloads on an iPhone .

Accessing Downloads from Safari

Safari is the default web browser on your iPhone. If you’ve downloaded files from the internet, you can find them in the Downloads section. Here’s how:

  • Open Safari on your iPhone.
  • Tap the bookmarks icon at the bottom (it looks like an open book).
  • Swipe right to access the “Downloads” section. Here, you will find your downloaded files.

view downloads iphone safari

Checking Downloads in Files App

The Files app on your iPhone is your gateway to managing and accessing a wide variety of files, including downloads.

  • Open the Files app. It resembles a blue folder icon.
  • You should see various locations listed, such as iCloud Drive and On My iPhone. Tap “On My iPhone.”
  • Find the Downloads folder. Your downloaded files are typically stored here. Tap on it to access your downloads.

view downloads iphone safari

Viewing Downloads in App-Specific Locations

Sometimes, the downloaded files end up in app-specific folders. For example, if you download a PDF, it might be located in a PDF reader app. To access such downloads:

  • Open the app that corresponds to the type of file you downloaded.
  • Check the app’s library or documents section for your downloaded file.

Locating Downloaded Music

If you’ve downloaded music from the Apple Music app, you can find it within the app itself:

  • Open the Apple Music app.
  • Tap on your Library.
  • Look for the “Downloaded Music” section. Your downloaded songs will be listed here.

Checking Podcast Downloads

If you’ve downloaded podcasts, you can easily access them from the Podcasts app:

  • Open the Podcasts app.
  • Tap “Library” at the bottom.
  • You’ll see a section labeled “Downloaded Episodes” where your downloaded podcasts are stored.

Clearing Downloaded Files

While viewing your downloads, you might want to clear out unnecessary files to free up storage. Here’s how:

  • Open the app where the downloaded file is stored (e.g., Files, Safari, Music).
  • Locate the downloaded file you want to delete.
  • Swipe left on the file and tap “Delete” or “Remove.”

Being able to view your downloads on your iPhone is crucial for managing your files and keeping your device organized. Whether you downloaded files from Safari, received them in emails, or got them through other apps, this guide has shown you where to find and manage these downloads effectively. You can use the Files app as a central hub or check app-specific locations for your files. Additionally, clearing out unnecessary downloads can help keep your iPhone’s storage in top shape. With these tips, you’ll be a pro at managing and accessing your downloaded content on your iPhone.

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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

The Dynamic Island on an iPhone 14 Pro Max

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 .

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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

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How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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.

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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.

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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 .

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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 .

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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.

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

3.  Now  select Add Action .

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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 .

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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.

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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 .

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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 .

How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

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

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 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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How-To Geek

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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Where Do Downloads Go in Safari on iPhone or iPad?

view downloads iphone safari

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.

Download list

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.

Safari Download icon

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.

Safari Downloads settings

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.

Remove download list setting

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view downloads iphone safari

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 view and manage downloads in Safari for iPhone & iPad!

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In this lesson from our full tutorial on Safari for iPhone & iPad see how to view and manage downloaded files in Safari and the Files App on your iOS devices. The Safari downloads list will only appear when you have recently downloaded a file so it can be easy to miss! Learn much more in the full tutorial here…  

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How to change download location for Safari on your iPhone

Amber Neely's Avatar

If you've ever downloaded anything on your iPhone, you may have had trouble finding it later. After all, it's not immediately clear where these files go.

By default, you'll save anything you download to the Downloads folder of iCloud Drive. You may not want it there, given that it uploads to your iCloud drive, and takes up space there too.

Changing the download location elsewhere is possible. Here's how to do it.

Selecting a download location

How to change the download location for Safari on your iPhone

  • Open Settings
  • Scroll down and tap Safari
  • Scroll down and tap Downloads
  • Select either iCloud Drive , On my iPhone , or Other...

If you select iCloud Drive or On my iPhone, you will automatically download files to the respective Downloads folder.

Should you select "Other...", you will be prompted to navigate to the location either on iCloud Drive or your iPhone where you would like to download files.

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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 1,842,198 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".

Step 1 Open the Files app.

  • 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.

Step 2 Tap Browse at the bottom-right corner.

  • 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.

Step 4 Tap the Downloads folder.

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

Step 2 Tap Library.

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

Step 1 Open the Music app.

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

Step 1 Swipe left across the home screen to the App Library.

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

Step 4 Browse the recommendations (optional).

  • 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

Eric Su

wikiHow Video: How to View Downloads on an iPhone

You might also like.

Hard Reset an iPhone

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

About This Article

Rain Kengly

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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Use parental controls on your child's iPhone and iPad

With Content & Privacy Restrictions in Screen Time, you can block or limit specific apps and features on your child's device. You can also restrict the settings on your iPhone and iPad for explicit content, purchases and downloads, and privacy.

Set Content & Privacy Restrictions

Prevent itunes & app store purchases, allow built-in apps and features, prevent explicit content and content ratings, prevent web content, restrict siri web search, restrict game center, allow changes to privacy settings, allow changes to other settings and features, make changes to health and safety features.

To make sure that your parental control settings sync across devices, update all of the devices in your Family Sharing group to the latest software version before turning on parental controls or changing your parental controls settings.

Go to Settings and tap Screen Time.

Tap Turn on Screen Time, then tap it again. Choose "This is My [Device]" or "This is My Child's [Device]."

If you're the parent or guardian of your device and want to prevent another family member from changing your settings, tap Use Screen Time Passcode to create a passcode, then re-enter the passcode to confirm. After you confirm your passcode you'll be asked to enter your Apple ID and password. This can be used to reset your Screen Time passcode if you forget it.

If you're setting up Screen Time on your child's device, follow the prompts until you get to Screen Time Passcode and enter a passcode. Re-enter the passcode to confirm. After you confirm your passcode you'll be asked to enter your Apple ID and password. This can be used to reset your Screen Time passcode if you forget it.

Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If asked, enter your passcode, then turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions.

Make sure to choose a passcode that's different from the passcode that you use to unlock your device. To change or turn off the passcode on your child's device, tap Settings > Screen Time > [your child's name]. Then tap Change Screen Time Passcode or Turn Off Screen Time Passcode, and authenticate the change with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.

Learn what to do if you forgot your Screen Time passcode

With iOS 16 or later, while you're setting up Screen Time for a child's device, you can set age-related restrictions for content in apps, books, TV shows, and movies. Just follow the onscreen instructions during setup.

You can also prevent your child from being able to install or delete apps, make in-app purchases , and more. To prevent iTunes & App Store purchases or downloads:

Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If asked, enter your passcode.

Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.

Choose a setting and set to Don't Allow.

No alt supplied for Image

You can also change your password settings for additional purchases from the iTunes & App Store or Book Store. Follow steps 1-3, then choose Always Require or Don't Require.

You can restrict the use of built-in apps or features. If you turn off an app or feature, the app or feature won't be deleted, it's just temporarily hidden from your Home Screen. For example, if you turn off Mail, the Mail app won't appear on your Home Screen until you turn it back on.

To change your Allowed Apps:

Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.

Enter your Screen Time passcode.

Tap Allowed Apps.

Select the apps that you want to allow.

No alt supplied for Image

You can also prevent the playback of music with explicit content and movies or TV shows with specific ratings. Apps also have ratings that can be configured using content restrictions.

To restrict explicit content and content ratings:

Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, then tap Content Restrictions.

Choose the settings that you want for each feature or setting under Allowed Store Content.

No alt supplied for Image

Here are the types of content that you can restrict:

Music, Podcasts, News, Fitness: Prevent the playback of music, music videos, podcasts, news, and workouts containing explicit content

Music Videos: Prevent finding and viewing music videos

Music Profiles: Prevent sharing what you're listening to with friends and seeing what they're listening to

Movies: Prevent movies with specific ratings

TV Shows: Prevent TV shows with specific ratings

Books: Prevent content with specific ratings

Apps: Prevent apps with specific ratings

App Clips: Prevent app clips with specific ratings

iOS and iPadOS can automatically filter website content to limit access to adult content in Safari and other apps on your device. You can also add specific websites to an approved or blocked list, or you can limit access to only approved websites. Follow these steps:

Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and enter your Screen Time passcode.

Tap Content Restrictions, then tap Web Content.

Choose Unrestricted Access, Limit Adult Websites, or Allowed Websites.

No alt supplied for Image

Depending on the access you allow, you might need to add information, like the website that you want to restrict.

Each time your child updates a device signed in with their Apple ID to iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, or macOS Sonoma for the first time, Web Content Restrictions is reset to Limit Adult Websites for all their devices.

To restrict Siri features:

Scroll down to Siri, then choose your settings.

You can restrict these Siri features:

Web Search Content: Prevent Siri from searching the web when you ask a question

Explicit Language: Prevent Siri from displaying explicit language

To restrict Game Center features:

Scroll down to Game Center, then choose your settings.

No alt supplied for Image

You can restrict these Game Center features:

Multiplayer Games: Prevent the ability to play multiplayer games with everyone, allow with friends only, or allow with anyone

Adding Friends: Prevent the ability to add friends to Game Center

Connect with Friends: Prevent the ability to share a Game Center friend list with third-party games

Screen Recording: Prevent the ability to capture the screen and sound

Nearby Multiplayer: Prevent the ability to enable the nearby setting

Private Messaging: Prevent the ability to voice chat or send or receive custom messages with game and friend invitations

Profile Privacy Changes: Prevent the ability to change profile privacy settings

Avatar & Nickname Changes: Prevent the ability to change Game Center avatars and nicknames

The privacy settings on your device give you control over which apps have access to information stored on your device or the hardware features. For example, you can allow a social-networking app to request access to use the camera, which allows you to take and upload pictures.

To allow changes to privacy settings:

Under Privacy, tap the setting that you want to change.

Here are the things you can restrict:

Location Services: Lock the settings to allow apps and websites to use location

Contacts: Prevent apps from accessing your Contacts

Calendars: Prevent apps from accessing your Calendar

Reminders: Prevent apps from accessing your Reminders

Photos: Prevent apps from requesting access to your photos

Share My Location: Lock the settings for location sharing in Messages and Find My Friends

Bluetooth sharing: Prevent devices and apps from sharing data through Bluetooth

Microphone: Prevent apps from requesting access to your microphone

Speech Recognition: Prevent apps from accessing Speech Recognition or Dictation

Apple Advertising: Prevent changes to advertising settings

Allow Apps to Request to Track: Prevent tracking activity by apps that you've denied access to

Media & Apple Music: Prevent apps from accessing your photos, videos, or music library

You can allow changes to other settings and features, the same way you can allow changes to privacy settings.

Under Allow Changes, select the features or settings that you want to allow changes to and choose Allow or Don't Allow.

Here are some features and settings that you can allow changes for:

Passcode Changes: Prevent changes to your passcode

Account Changes: Prevent account changes in Accounts & Passwords

Cellular Data Changes: Prevent changes to cellular data settings

Reduce Loud Sounds: Prevent changes to volume settings for safe listening

Driving Focus: Prevent changes to the Driving Focus

TV Provider: Prevent changes to TV provider settings

Background App Activities: Prevent changes to whether or not apps run in the background

Some Screen Time features may be turned on by default for children in a Family Sharing group.

Learn about Communication Safety on your child's iPhone or iPad

Learn about Screen Distance

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

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Where to Find Downloaded Files in Safari on a Mac and How to Manage Them

After downloading a file, it's not always easy to find where it saved. Here's how to find and manage Safari downloads on your Mac.

While browsing the web in Safari, it’s common to need to download files from different websites. But sometimes it can be a challenge to find where these Safari downloads are saved.

Below are several ways to find and manage Safari downloads on your Mac.

How to Download Files Using Safari

There are different ways to save items from Safari to your Mac , depending on the type of item you want to save. While some items in webpages can’t be downloaded, files, images, software, and apps often come with a dedicated download button. Otherwise, Control-click or two-finger tap an item to save or download it.

It’s best not to download software or apps if they aren’t from a trusted source.

Where to Find Safari Downloads on a Mac

Unless you’ve chosen otherwise, items that you’ve downloaded from Safari automatically go to your Downloads folder. To find this, open Finder and click Downloads from the sidebar or press Cmd + Option + L .

You can change where your downloaded files save, if you want:

  • Head to Safari > Preferences .
  • Click the General tab. Go to File download location , then choose from the popup. Select Ask for each download if you want to be in more control of each download.
  • If you want to select a specific destination, click Other and select your desired folder.

Use the Downloads Button in Safari

Quickly access your downloads in Safari by clicking the Downloads button, a downward arrow enclosed in a circle icon on the top-right of the Safari window. Note that this won’t appear unless you’ve recently downloaded an item.

Open the Downloads Stack in the Dock

Another way to immediately access your downloaded files is through the Dock. Your recent downloads are often found on the right side of the Dock in a stack. Hover over it to preview the contents or click to expand it.

Open the Downloads Folder in Finder

As we already mentioned, you can also find your Safari downloads using Finder. This is a valuable utility to locate items on our Mac. Simply click the magnifying button on your menu bar and type "downloads," or go to your Dock and click Finder to open the Finder window.

You can usually find the Downloads folder in the sidebar, under Favorites.

How to Manage Your Safari Downloads

There are several ways to manage your in-progress or completed downloads in Safari. To perform these actions, open the Downloads menu in Safari itself. Here’s what you can do:

  • Pause Downloads: If you’re currently downloading, click the stop button beside the file name to pause the download, then click the resume button to resume it again.
  • Remove a downloaded item: If you want to remove a single item from the list, Control-click the item and select Remove from List . You can also remove all your recently downloaded items by clicking Clear in the top right of the popup.

By default, Safari automatically deletes downloaded items after a day. If you want to change this:

  • Go to Safari > Preferences .
  • Click General , then go to Remove download list items . Choose from After one day , When Safari quits , Upon successful download , or Manually .

Manage Your Safari Downloads

There is a lot of content you can download on the web, and simply knowing how to download it is usually half the battle. But once you’ve done that, you can use the tips in this guide to find and manage your Safari downloads with ease, even customizing your download preferences to get fuller control over where your files save and when they get deleted.

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iOS 17.4: All the Latest Features on Your iPhone Explained

New emoji, additional Stolen Device Protection options and more just landed on your iPhone.

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  • Apple software beta tester, "Helps make our computers and phones work!" - Zach's grandparents

Titanium color variants of the iPhone 15 Pro Max

Apple released  iOS 17.4  on March 5, more than a month after the tech giant released  iOS 17.3  to the general public. The latest major iOS update brings new features, including major changes for people in the European Union  and  new emoji , as well as important bug fixes to your iPhone. 

Read more: You Should Download iOS 17.4.1 Right Now

CNET Tech Tips logo

To download the update, go to  Settings  >  General  >  Software Update , tap  Install Now  and follow the onscreen prompts. 

Here's what iOS 17.4 brings to your iPhone.

Downloading other app stores in the EU

Apple introduced a significant change to Safari, the App Store and iOS with iOS 17.4, but only for people in Europe. With iOS 17.4, people in the EU can download an alternative app store and apps from outside the App Store. As CNET's Katie Collins reports , this marks one of the largest changes to the App Store since its inception in 2008. People in the EU will also be given new default app controls, giving them more ways to customize their iPhone experience. 

apple-store-iphone11-app-9823

People in the EU have access to other app stores and more now.

Apple made these changes , which were announced in January, to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act.

Read more: Apple Will Allow Installation of Rival App Stores On iPhones In Europe

More options for in-app payments

Apple introduced more ways to make in-app payments with iOS 17.4. If you go to Settings > Privacy & Security , you'll see an option called Contactless & NFC , or near-field communication . If you tap the new option, you'll be taken to a mostly blank page that has a small disclaimer that says the page will show apps that have requested the ability to use contactless and NFC payments in the future. Apple announced these options alongside the changes for people in the EU, and there's no word on whether this will be used by apps outside that region.

At least 100 new emoji

New emoji to come to iPhones with the first iOS 17.4 developer beta

Some of the new emoji in iOS 17.4 include a phoenix, a slice of lime and broken chains.

Apple introduced over 100 new emoji to iPhone users with iOS 17.4. Those emoji include heads shaking up and down or left and right, a phoenix and a slice of lime. These emoji were announced in 2023, and some Android devices, including the latest Samsung phones , already have them.

Improved iMessage security against future threats

With iOS 17.4, your iMessage chats get a security boost to protect them from cyberattacks that involve quantum computing. According to CNET's David Lumb , Apple said it hasn't seen these kinds of cyberattacks yet, but the company wants to get ahead of the potential threat now. 

Read more:   Apple's Next iOS Update Protects iMessage Against Future Quantum Computing Attacks

Podcasts can now show transcripts

apple-podcast-icon

You can now read a transcript of your favorite podcasts with iOS 17.4.

In iOS 17.4, you can read the transcripts of your favorite podcasts as you listen to them. To see the transcripts, go into the Podcasts app and start listening to a show, then tap the media player across the bottom of your screen. There's a new button in the bottom left corner of your screen that looks like a speech bubble with quotes inside it. Tap this button and you'll see the transcript of the show you're listening to.

You can search within the transcript, too, so if someone mentions a book or movie title and you only remember part of it, you can search the part you do know and find the whole title. 

Read more:   What to Know About Podcast Transcripts on iOS 17.4

Virtual card numbers come to Apple Cash

Your Apple Cash  gets an upgrade with iOS 17.4, too. Now you can view  virtual card numbers for your Apple Cash which lets you shop at online stores that don't accept Apple Pay. This card comes with its own number, expiration date and three-digit security code, like a physical card. You can also easily request a new card number if you think your card has been compromised.

Read more: How to View Your Apple Cash's Virtual Card Numbers

Another digital clock widget

In iOS 17.4, Apple introduced a new digital clock app widget called City Digital. This widget displays the time as well as a set location as opposed to wherever your iPhone is at the moment. This can be helpful if you're traveling or live far from family and friends but want to keep in touch without waking them up in the middle of the night.

Apple introduced the digital clock widget to iPhones with the release of iOS 17.2 .

More Stolen Device Protection options

smartphone with a keyhole lock

Stolen Device Protection now lets you always require a security delay, or only when you're away from locations like your home.

Apple introduced a few new options in  Stolen Device Protection  with iOS 17.4. The new options let you choose whether you want to always require a 1-hour security delay to access certain settings or make changes, or to only require the delay when you're away from a familiar location like your home. 

Apple introduced Stolen Device Protection with iOS 17.3, and the intent of the feature is to protect some of your data if your device is stolen or falls into nefarious hands. The feature doesn't protect all your data, but Apple still recommends everyone turn it on.

Read more: How to Give Your iPhone's Stolen Device Protection a Boost

New Battery Health readout for iPhone 15 models

With iOS 17.4,  iPhone 15 models  get a new  Battery Health  readout. If you go to  Settings > Battery, you'll see a new option that tells you the status of your battery's health in a word, like Normal or Service. You can also tap this option for more details about your battery, like its cycle count and maximum capacity. Before, your iPhone would show a percentage correlating to your battery's health without any indication of what it means.

Read more:   iOS 17.4's New Tool Shows if Your iPhone 15's Battery Health Is Normal

New Home button in the Music and Books apps

Apple introduced a Home button in Apple Music and the Books app with iOS 17.4. If you open either app and look at the bottom of your screen, the Home button is in the far-left corner. This button replaced Listen Now in Apple Music and Read Now in Books. 

If you're an Apple Music subscriber and tap the button, you're taken to a page that shows you menus, like Recently Played, and recommendations based on artists you've listened to. If you tap this button in the Books app, you see menus like Current Bestsellers and Start Reading for Free.

Previous iOS updates brought Home buttons to the Podcasts and Apple TV apps, so this change is likely Apple trying to apply some uniformity across its apps.

Siri can read messages in multiple languages

In iOS 17.4, Apple gave Siri the ability to read messages in multiple languages . Once enabled, Siri can read messages in languages like Spanish, dialects of Mandarin and Thai. Apple writes that this won't change the primary language Siri listens and responds in. 

Read more: How to Enable Siri to Read Messages in More Languages

New Apple CarPlay and Maps experience in certain vehicles

Apple CarPlay in-car display

Certain Apple CarPlay-supported vehicles will show a new Maps instrument cluster with iOS 17.4.

With iOS 17.4, if you use Apple CarPlay with Maps in certain supported vehicles, you'll see a new instrument cluster. 

"With supported CarPlay vehicles, Apple Maps will present a new instrument cluster experience with information about upcoming maneuvers," Apple wrote online . "Users will be able to swap the desired display type between the main and instrument cluster screen by tapping the map configuration button on the upper right of the Maps main screen."

Apple didn't say which vehicles support this new feature, and the company didn't respond to a request for comment.

Here are the full release notes for iOS 17.4.

Emoji New mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking heads emoji are now available in the emoji keyboard. 18 people and body emoji add the option to face them in either direction. Apple Podcasts Transcripts let you follow an episode with text that highlights in sync with the audio in English, Spanish, French and German. Episode text can be read in full, searched for a word or phrase, tapped to play from a specific point and used with accessibility features such as Text Size, Increase Contrast and VoiceOver. This update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes: Music recognition lets you add songs you have identified to your Apple Music Playlists and Library, as well as Apple Music Classic. Siri has a new option to announce messages you receive in any supported language. Stolen Device Protection supports the option for increased security in all locations. Battery Health in Settings shows battery cycle count, manufacture date, and first use on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models. Call Identification displays Apple-verified business name, logo and department name when available. Business updates in Messages for Business provide trusted information for order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts or other transactions you opt into. Apple Cash virtual card numbers enable you to pay with Apple Cash at merchants that don't yet accept Apple Pay by typing in your number from Wallet or using Safari AutoFill. Fixes an issue where contact pictures are blank in Find My. Fixes an issue for Dual SIM users where the phone number changes from primary to secondary and is visible to a group they have messaged. Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

For more on iOS 17, here's what to know about iOS 17.4.1 and all the features that were included in iOS 17.3 . You can also check out our iOS 17 cheat sheet .

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Six Ways to Speed Up Your iPhone

I t’s hard to be patient with a slow iPhone , especially when using it for everything, from the calculator to getting directions on Maps. No one likes dealing with lag, buffering, or app freezing. Fortunately, there are a few ways you could speed up your iPhone.

Restart your iPhone

Let’s start with the classic “Did you try turning it off and on again?” It’s a classic for a reason, not just another tech myth. On a technical level, it helps refresh your iPhone’s RAM or working memory, which optimizes its overall performance. Since it’s probably the most straightforward hack, I’d recommend starting with this one.

There are slightly different ways to restart an iPhone based on its model. If you can’t get yours to restart, you might want to do a quick “how to restart [your iPhone model]” search. In case you’re unsure about your iPhone’s model, we have a guide for that , too.

Clear Safari Data

I’m sure we have encountered an ‘Accept Cookies’ popup. Even if you have no idea what that does, you’ve probably accepted tons of cookies by now. Refer to this helpful guide for a detailed and easy lesson on internet cookies. For the scope of this piece, all you need to know is that every time you click on ‘Accept Cookies’ on your browser, you’re putting a bunch of files on your device. These files pile up over time and end up slowing your phone.

If you frequently use Safari on your iPhone, you probably have a lot of passwords, cookies, tabs, and other login info in your Safari cache. It’s a good habit to clear that from time to time. Note that this will require re-entering login credentials or other personal info on some sites since clearing your cache will make your Safari brand new again.

To clear all Safari data, go to Settings on your iPhone and look up ‘Safari.’ Once in the Safari menu, scroll down until you see ‘Clear History and Website Data.’ It will ask you to pick a timeframe. Select ‘All history’ and then hit the red button at the bottom that says ‘Clear History.’

Free Up Space

Full storage is one of the leading causes of a sluggish iPhone. Go to Settings , scroll to General , and click on iPhone Storage from the menu. Doing so will present you with a stacked bar chart and an ordered list of your iPhone’s storage situation, clearly labeling how much space is occupied by which app.

It will also provide you with recommendations on how to free up space. Under Recommendations , click on Review Large Attachments to see the photos, videos, and attachments that are taking up the most space. When you see something you want to delete, swipe left and hit Delete .

There are other ways to free up space on your iPhone, but it ultimately depends on your priorities and your phone use. If you don’t always need all your photos and videos on your phone, you can back them up on iCloud and delete them from your iPhone. However, this would mean you would no longer be able to access them without the internet.

Similarly, if you don’t need all your iMessages, you can mass-delete them. I’ll review all the ways to clear storage on your iPhone in a separate, dedicated guide.

iOS updates often bring bug fixes that help improve your iPhone’s efficiency, so it’s a good idea to always be on the latest software update. You can do that by turning automatic updates on. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and turn on the toggle switch for all three options on the page. This will automatically download and install iOS software updates when your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, charging, and locked.

You can also manually update your iOS. A ‘Software Update Available’ notice on your Settings app under your Apple ID will tell you there’s a newer version you haven’t yet updated to. If you see that, scroll down to General > Software Update and click Download and Install to begin the update. If you don’t see that notice, you’re on the latest version.

Replace Battery

Another possible reason for a slow phone is a battery overused to the point of dysfunction. If your iPhone is old, its battery’s health may not be ideal. To see if that’s the case, go to Settings, look up Battery Health, and click on Battery Health & Charging from the open menu. Anything 80% and above is good, but Apple recommends replacing your battery when its health falls below that mark.

Turn Off Automatic Downloads and Background App Refresh

Apps on your iPhone tend to auto-update. While this is helpful, it could become overwhelming for your phone, especially if you have many apps on it. Multiple background app refreshes also take place without you knowing. Again, this is a helpful feature, but it could lead to a considerable drop in your phone’s efficiency if you have many apps that constantly refresh and update.

Go to Settings > App Store and turn off all three toggle switches under ‘Automatic Downloads.’ These are App Downloads, App Updates, and In-App Content. Then, go to General > Background App Refresh > Background App Refresh (again) and choose Off . Doing both will ensure no power-hungry apps are running in the background. If you’d like an app updated, you can constantly manually update it in the App Store.

No, closing your background apps won’t help.

I know; I felt as deceived as you did when Gizmodo Maxwell Zeff told us that closing background apps doesn’t do anything and that I have been making my poor little thumb do all that labor for years for nothing. It’s just a tech myth that originated years ago on Apple’s community forum and Stack Overflow and has been perpetuated ever since (because it sounds like it should work!). But yeah, doing that won’t affect either performance or battery.

Are some of your apps still running slow?

Are you sure it’s your phone and not your network? People often mistake a slow connection for a slow phone. Especially if you’re experiencing lag on apps that require an internet connection, it might just be your internet that needs fixing.

To quickly check this, look up ‘speed test’ on your browser. You’ll see an ‘Internet speed test’ pop-up. Hit the blue button that says ‘run speed test.’ In around 30 seconds, you’ll get precise stats on your download and upload speeds and a comment on your internet performance.

I just ran mine, and it said, “Your Internet connection is very fast. It should be able to handle multiple devices streaming HD videos, video conferencing, and gaming at the same time.” So, if my iPhone starts acting up, I’d know it’s not my internet.

For the latest news, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

photo of the iphone 14 pro

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8 iPhone browser apps you should use instead of Safari

Bryan M. Wolfe

By default, the Safari web browser is available on every iPhone, including the iPhone 15 series. Nevertheless, several other web-browsing options can be found on the App Store, each with at least one unique feature that distinguishes it from the others. While some web browser apps like Google Chrome, DuckDuckGo, and Microsoft Edge might already be familiar to you, others such as Aloha and Arc Search may not be.

Google Chrome

Microsoft edge, aloha browser, brave browser, opera browser, duckduckgo private browser, firefox focus, which safari alternative should you choose.

If you’re looking for a Safari alternative, here are our favorite iPhone browser apps you should consider using instead.

Google Chrome is the most popular browser in the world. It stands out as offering one of the best user interfaces for newcomers. Its rapid browsing speed, integration with Google Search, and robust security measures against malware and phishing attempts contribute to its popularity.

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An essential feature of Chrome is the ability to sign in with your Google Account, which allows you to synchronize bookmarks and browsing history across devices where Chrome is active. Chrome also includes a password manager that stores website login details, simplifying the login process without the need to recall numerous credentials. Users can also leverage Google services like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos to ensure password accessibility across these platforms for convenience.

In short, Google Chrome emerges as the choice for individuals seeking a browsing experience across their range of devices within the Google ecosystem. If you’re a big Google user, this is the way to go.

Download Google Chrome

Arc Search is the latest addition to the selection of mobile web browsers, and it evolved from its desktop version, which was initially launched in 2023. Arc is unique from other web browsers because it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to perform searches on your behalf. Although it may take some time to get used to, the result is an exciting spin on search .

By utilizing the app’s “Browse for Me” functionality, you can view a typical search page with the AI to gather information from six different sources. This will provide a personalized webpage showcasing all the essential details required to answer your search query.

If you do a traditional search, Arc makes it simple to choose your search engine among a list of choices, starting with your iPhone’s default web browser.

Spaces is an exciting feature of Arc Search that lets you organize tabs and themes for a personalized look. Perhaps best of all, Arc Search prioritizes security and privacy and doesn’t track browser activity or search history. It’s one of the more unique Safari alternatives, but if you want a wholly new web-browsing experience, it’s well worth checking out.

Download Arc Search

If you’re already using Microsoft Edge on your Mac or PC, you might find the Microsoft Edge browser helpful. It offers password monitoring, ad tracker blocking, and other features many browsers lack. You can use the InPrivate browsing feature to browse the web without saving your browsing history, cookies, or other data. Microsoft Edge also includes AI capabilities through its Copilot tool, which makes searching easier.

With Microsoft Edge, you can sync your favorites, passwords, and browsing data between your mobile device and other devices. You can also earn rewards points through the Microsoft Rewards program, which you can redeem for various benefits like Starbucks gift cards, a free month of Xbox Game Pass, and more.

Microsoft Edge, even with its AI tools, is best considered a traditional browsing tool for mobile and desktop. That alone means it’s not for everyone. Nonetheless, it’s reliable and stable and gets the job done.

Download Microsoft Edge

Aloha is a web browser that also acts as a private VPN . It comes with an Adblock Plus plug-in to block annoying ads. While it is free, it’s recommended that you purchase one of the premium options after the one-week free trial.

Aloha’s free version includes a VPN that encrypts your internet traffic, making it less likely for you to experience a data breach while browsing anonymously. The built-in ad blocker blocks ads and trackers, improving your browser speed and protecting your privacy. The incognito mode creates a private browsing session that doesn’t save cookies. In addition to its primary function as a VPN service and web browser, Aloha also offers a media player, profile manager, and a Web3 cryptocurrency wallet.

By upgrading to Aloha Premium , you can modify your VPN country selection and configure the VPN to start automatically with the browser. The premium package also extends VPN protection to all devices and includes other premium features. It also removes the occasional ad you’ll see with the free version.

If you want to use Aloha, keep in mind that it currently lacks a desktop version. This means you won’t be able to synchronize your passwords or browsing history across all your devices. If that’s not an issue for you, definitely give this one a look.

Download Aloha

AI technology has now been integrated into the Brave browser — making it one of the better Safari alternatives out there. Brave, also available for desktops, offers features similar to other options on this list — such as Adblock, a rewards system, and a crypto wallet. It also includes a built-in VPN service as a feature, with new users eligible for a free week’s trial of the VPN .

Having used Brave for quite some time, I am consistently impressed by its user interface, which stands out for its creativity. I also find that the built-in news feature enhances the overall mobile web-browsing experience.

On a less positive note, while the Brave VPN functions as expected, it is worth noting that it is priced higher than other options on the market. This aspect should be considered before deciding on an in-app purchase. Even so, Brave still stands out as a fantastic Safari replacement.

Download Brave

Opera has been around for a while and has stayed relevant by incorporating new technology as it arrives. A recent enhancement to Opera is an AI feature called Aria, which aims to assist users in navigating the internet effectively by understanding their queries and responding in natural language.

Aria is currently kept separate from the rest of the browser. This setup isn’t necessarily a drawback; it’s simply Opera’s chosen design. In addition to the AI component, Opera includes web browser functions like bookmarks, privacy mode, synchronization, and more. Opera also boasts an Opera Fast Action Button (FAB), a multi-functional tool that makes navigating and switching between recently opened tabs easier. Finally, Opera provides a VPN service that comes with privacy tools at no cost. Combine all of that with a clean and simple interface, and there’s a lot to like with this one.

Download Opera

DuckDuckGo is an exceptional web browser with a reputation for being the ultimate guardian of user privacy. With its advanced capabilities, DuckDuckGo is designed to keep your online identity under wraps and protect you from the prying eyes of third-party advertisers and data collectors. It does this by automatically blocking trackers hidden in the websites you visit, providing you with a safe and stress-free browsing experience.

DuckDuckGo’s user interface is also user-friendly and allows you to personalize your settings according to your preferences. You can turn off images, use the Fire Button to quickly clear your tabs and browsing data, and customize other settings to make your browsing experience seamless.

One of DuckDuckGo’s most remarkable features is its search engine, which doesn’t track your search history. This means you can search for anything you want without worrying about your searches being stored or used for targeted advertisements. If privacy is a top concern for you, DuckDuckGo should be at the top of your list when searching for a Safari replacement.

Download DuckDuckGo

Firefox Focus is another browser that prioritizes privacy. The browser blocks trackers and ads by default, ensuring that companies do not gather browsing data and habits. This aspect proves beneficial for users who value their privacy.

The browser accelerates page loading times by disabling trackers and data collection, resulting in a better browsing journey. Using Firefox Focus can also reduce mobile data consumption, which is advantageous for users with data plans.

Download Firefox Focus

If you’re not satisfied with the default browser on your iPhone and are looking for an alternative, it’s worth exploring some of the options available.

To make an informed decision, download a few of these browsers and test them to see which works best for you. Consider factors such as speed, ease of use, privacy features, and level of customization. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll be better equipped to choose the browser that best suits your needs.

Happy browsing!

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  • Apple iPhone

Bryan M. Wolfe

The desirability and high value of iPhones and other Apple devices make the gear a popular target for criminals looking to make a fast buck.

In the latest such case, a now former UPS employee is accused of stealing more than $1.3 million worth of Apple iPhones and laptops from the shipping company’s warehouse in Winnipeg, Canada, before selling them in an operation that continued for seven months, the Winnipeg Free Press reported this week.

  • Audio / Video

If you use the most popular live-streaming service on an iPhone or iPad, things just got even better. YouTube TV — which boasts more than 8 million subscribers — just pushed multiview live on Apple's mobile devices, as previously promised.

It works basically the same way it does on a television. YouTube TV picks the programs available in multiview, and you get them all at once, with audio coming from one of the shows. Tap another, and the audio switches. And just as before, you can get multiview for sports, news, business, or weather. (Though we definitely don't recommend watching four news channels at once in an election year.) It's just in time for March Madness, which is great, though we hope you'll be able to pick your own games instead of just sticking with the multiple viewing options YouTube TV gives. This will be great come fall, though, when the new season of NFL Sunday Ticket takes hold.

Apple is reportedly planning to further shrink bezels with the upcoming iPhone 16 series. According to Korea’s Sisa Journal, Apple is banking on a new display tech called BRS (Border Reduction Structure) that has allowed suppliers like Samsung, LG, and BOE to reduce the size of the black borders around the screen.

Notably, all four iPhone 16 trims will get the display tech upgrade, but its true benefits will be reserved for the pricier Pro models. The report, citing market research firm Omdia, notes that both the Pro models will see their screen size go up by 0.2 inches thanks to slimmer bezels.

Apple quietly releases revised build of iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1

Avatar for Filipe Espósito

Apple last week released iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 to iPhone and iPad users. Although the updates don’t add any new features, they do bring two important security patches. For some unknown reason, Apple has now quietly released a revised build of iOS 17.4.1.

Revised iOS 17.4.1 build

The new build number is 21E237, while the previous one released to the public is 21E236. Most likely Apple has fixed some critical bug with the new build, so you shouldn’t expect significant changes. However, although the new build is available for every device compatible with iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, installing it is not so easy – at least for now.

That’s because, as verified by 9to5Mac , the new build is only available to those who download the IPSW file to update or restore their iPhone or iPad through Finder (or Apple Devices app on Windows ). Apple is yet to make the revised build of iOS 17.4.1 available as an over-the-air (OTA) update.

iOS 17.4.1 fixes two security exploits that could lead to arbitrary code execution when processing an image. The exploits were found in CoreMedia and WebRTC. The same exploits were fixed with macOS Sonoma 14.4.1 . Apple thanked Nick Galloway of Google Project Zero for finding and reporting the breach.

Once the new build of iOS 17.4.1 becomes available as an OTA update, you can download and install it by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone or iPad.

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view downloads iphone safari

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

iOS 17

Filipe Espósito is a Brazilian tech Journalist who started covering Apple news on iHelp BR with some exclusive scoops — including the reveal of the new Apple Watch Series 5 models in titanium and ceramic. He joined 9to5Mac to share even more tech news around the world.

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How to make your iPhone go faster

6 tipis for making your iphone feel brand new again.

photo of the iphone 14 pro

It’s hard to be patient with a slow iPhone , especially when using it for everything, from the calculator to getting directions on Maps. No one likes dealing with lag, buffering, or app freezing. Fortunately, there are a few ways you could speed up your iPhone.

Restart your iPhone

Let’s start with the classic “Did you try turning it off and on again?” It’s a classic for a reason, not just another tech myth. On a technical level, it helps refresh your iPhone’s RAM or working memory, which optimizes its overall performance. Since it’s probably the most straightforward hack, I’d recommend starting with this one.

There are slightly different ways to restart an iPhone based on its model. If you can’t get yours to restart, you might want to do a quick “how to restart [your iPhone model]” search. In case you’re unsure about your iPhone’s model, we have a guide for that , too.

Clear Safari Data

I’m sure we have encountered an ‘Accept Cookies’ popup. Even if you have no idea what that does, you’ve probably accepted tons of cookies by now. Refer to this helpful guide for a detailed and easy lesson on internet cookies. For the scope of this piece, all you need to know is that every time you click on ‘Accept Cookies’ on your browser, you’re putting a bunch of files on your device. These files pile up over time and end up slowing your phone.

If you frequently use Safari on your iPhone, you probably have a lot of passwords, cookies, tabs, and other login info in your Safari cache. It’s a good habit to clear that from time to time. Note that this will require re-entering login credentials or other personal info on some sites since clearing your cache will make your Safari brand new again.

To clear all Safari data, go to Settings on your iPhone and look up ‘Safari.’ Once in the Safari menu, scroll down until you see ‘Clear History and Website Data.’ It will ask you to pick a timeframe. Select ‘All history’ and then hit the red button at the bottom that says ‘Clear History.’

Free Up Space

Full storage is one of the leading causes of a sluggish iPhone. Go to Settings , scroll to General , and click on iPhone Storage from the menu. Doing so will present you with a stacked bar chart and an ordered list of your iPhone’s storage situation, clearly labeling how much space is occupied by which app.

It will also provide you with recommendations on how to free up space. Under Recommendations , click on Review Large Attachments to see the photos, videos, and attachments that are taking up the most space. When you see something you want to delete, swipe left and hit Delete .

There are other ways to free up space on your iPhone, but it ultimately depends on your priorities and your phone use. If you don’t always need all your photos and videos on your phone, you can back them up on iCloud and delete them from your iPhone. However, this would mean you would no longer be able to access them without the internet.

Similarly, if you don’t need all your iMessages, you can mass-delete them. I’ll review all the ways to clear storage on your iPhone in a separate, dedicated guide.

iOS updates often bring bug fixes that help improve your iPhone’s efficiency, so it’s a good idea to always be on the latest software update. You can do that by turning automatic updates on. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates and turn on the toggle switch for all three options on the page. This will automatically download and install iOS software updates when your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, charging, and locked.

You can also manually update your iOS. A ‘Software Update Available’ notice on your Settings app under your Apple ID will tell you there’s a newer version you haven’t yet updated to. If you see that, scroll down to General > Software Update and click Download and Install to begin the update. If you don’t see that notice, you’re on the latest version.

Replace Battery

Another possible reason for a slow phone is a battery overused to the point of dysfunction. If your iPhone is old, its battery’s health may not be ideal. To see if that’s the case, go to Settings, look up Battery Health, and click on Battery Health & Charging from the open menu. Anything 80% and above is good, but Apple recommends replacing your battery when its health falls below that mark.

Turn Off Automatic Downloads and Background App Refresh

Apps on your iPhone tend to auto-update. While this is helpful, it could become overwhelming for your phone, especially if you have many apps on it. Multiple background app refreshes also take place without you knowing. Again, this is a helpful feature, but it could lead to a considerable drop in your phone’s efficiency if you have many apps that constantly refresh and update.

Go to Settings > App Store and turn off all three toggle switches under ‘Automatic Downloads.’ These are App Downloads, App Updates, and In-App Content. Then, go to General > Background App Refresh > Background App Refresh (again) and choose Off . Doing both will ensure no power-hungry apps are running in the background. If you’d like an app updated, you can constantly manually update it in the App Store.

No, closing your background apps won’t help.

I know; I felt as deceived as you did when Gizmodo Maxwell Zeff told us that closing background apps doesn’t do anything and that I have been making my poor little thumb do all that labor for years for nothing. It’s just a tech myth that originated years ago on Apple’s community forum and Stack Overflow and has been perpetuated ever since (because it sounds like it should work!). But yeah, doing that won’t affect either performance or battery.

Are some of your apps still running slow?

Are you sure it’s your phone and not your network? People often mistake a slow connection for a slow phone. Especially if you’re experiencing lag on apps that require an internet connection, it might just be your internet that needs fixing.

To quickly check this, look up ‘speed test’ on your browser. You’ll see an ‘Internet speed test’ pop-up. Hit the blue button that says ‘run speed test.’ In around 30 seconds, you’ll get precise stats on your download and upload speeds and a comment on your internet performance.

I just ran mine, and it said, “Your Internet connection is very fast. It should be able to handle multiple devices streaming HD videos, video conferencing, and gaming at the same time.” So, if my iPhone starts acting up, I’d know it’s not my internet.

A version of this article originally appeared on Gizmodo .

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IMAGES

  1. How to use the Safari Download Manager on iOS

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  2. How to change where Safari downloaded items are saved

    view downloads iphone safari

  3. Where Do Downloads Go in Safari on iPhone or iPad? • macReports

    view downloads iphone safari

  4. How To Find Downloads (Safari, Chrome, Etc.) On iPhone!

    view downloads iphone safari

  5. Cómo cambiar dónde se descargan los archivos de Safari en iOS

    view downloads iphone safari

  6. iPhone 12: How to Find Safari Downloaded Files

    view downloads iphone safari

VIDEO

  1. iPhone Safari Trick 😲🙉 Listen to Page #iphonetricks

  2. Iphone safari

  3. How to Check Safari Version on iPhone

  4. How To Find Downloads On Your iPhone #shorts

  5. How To Check Downloads On iPhone

  6. Where To Find Downloads On iPhone (Easy Fix)

COMMENTS

  1. Where to find downloads on your iPhone or iPad

    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 center 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 just downloaded a file from Safari. Next to the search ...

  2. How to Access the Download Manager in Safari for iOS

    By default, files downloaded in Safari are saved in the "Downloads" section of the Files app, but you can easily customize the storage location: Launch the Settings app, select the Safari section ...

  3. How to Find Downloaded Files on an iPhone or iPad

    To find downloads on your iPhone or iPad, you must open the Files app, select the "Browse" tab, and navigate to iCloud Drive > Downloads. To launch the Files app, swipe one finger downward from the middle of the Home screen to open Spotlight Search, type "Files" into the search bar, then select "Files." Select the "Browse" tab at the bottom ...

  4. How to manage Safari downloads on iPhone and iPad

    Auto-delete Safari downloads on your iPhone. Open the Settings app and tap Safari. Now select Downloads, followed by Remove Download List Items. Here, you have three options: After one day, Upon Successful Download, or Manually. On selecting either of the first two options, the system will auto-delete the download files.

  5. Where Do I Find My Downloads on My iPhone?

    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.

  6. How to view and Manage Safari downloads on iPhone and iPad

    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 ...

  7. 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.

  8. How to Easily Access and Manage Safari Downloads on iPhone

    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 ...

  9. How to use Files in iOS 14 to manage Safari downloads, local device

    Navigate to Safari | Downloads. Select On My iPhone/iPad as the location to store downloaded files (Figure C). Figure C . Changing the download location is possible in iOS 14, just select where ...

  10. Mastering Your Downloads: How to View Downloads on iPhone

    These downloads can include documents, images, videos, music, and more. However, finding and managing these downloads might not be immediately obvious. In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to view and access your downloads on an iPhone. Accessing Downloads from Safari. Safari is the default web browser on your iPhone.

  11. How to find your downloads folder on iPhone

    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 ...

  12. How to Find Downloads on iPhone: The Beginner's Guide

    Here's how to create a shortcut to the Downloads folder on your iPhone. 1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone and tap the + icon in the top right corner. 2. Click the + Add Action button and ...

  13. How To See Downloads On Safari iPhone

    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 ...

  14. How to Download Files Using Safari on Your iPhone or iPad

    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.

  15. Where Do Downloads Go in Safari on iPhone or iPad?

    Tap Safari. Tap Downloads. Under the "Store Downloaded Files On," you can select: 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 ...

  16. How to view and manage downloads in Safari for iPhone & iPad!

    In this lesson from our full tutorial on Safari for iPhone & iPad see how to view and manage downloaded files in Safari and the Files App on your iOS devices...

  17. How to view and manage downloads in Safari for iPhone & iPad!

    In this lesson from our full tutorial on Safari for iPhone & iPad see how to view and manage downloaded files in Safari and the Files App on your iOS devices. The Safari downloads list will only appear when you have recently downloaded a file so it can be easy to miss! Learn much more in the full tutorial here…

  18. How to change download location for Safari on your iPhone

    Open Settings. Scroll down and tap Safari. Scroll down and tap Downloads. Select either iCloud Drive, On my iPhone, or Other... If you select iCloud Drive or On my iPhone, you will automatically ...

  19. View your download history in Safari: Mac, iPad, iPhone

    To see the list of your Safari downloads, simply open the browser and click on the View tab in the upper menu. Select Show Downloads. Another way to quickly see your downloads is to click directly on the downwards arrow in the top right corner of Safari browser menu. The Download page will appear with all the downloads sorted by date.

  20. How to View Safari Downloads Folder on iPhone or iPad (iOS)

    Want to know how to view downloads folder on iPhone or iPad in iOS? This video will show you how to find downloads folder on iPhone. You might want to know h...

  21. Where to find downloads on your iPhone or iPad

    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. Next to the ...

  22. How to Find Downloads on Your iPhone: Files, Photos, Music

    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". Method 1.

  23. Use parental controls on your child's iPhone and iPad

    Tap Turn on Screen Time, then tap it again. Choose "This is My [Device]" or "This is My Child's [Device]." If you're the parent or guardian of your device and want to prevent another family member from changing your settings, tap Use Screen Time Passcode to create a passcode, then re-enter the passcode to confirm.

  24. Where to Find Downloaded Files in Safari on a Mac and How to ...

    To perform these actions, open the Downloads menu in Safari itself. Here's what you can do: Here's what you can do: Pause Downloads: If you're currently downloading, click the stop button beside the file name to pause the download, then click the resume button to resume it again.

  25. iOS 17.4: All the Latest Features on Your iPhone Explained

    To download the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update, tap Install Now and follow the onscreen prompts. Here's what iOS 17.4 brings to your iPhone. Downloading other app stores in the EU

  26. Six Ways to Speed Up Your iPhone

    To clear all Safari data, go to Settings on your iPhone and look up 'Safari. ... If you see that, scroll down to General > Software Update and click Download and Install to begin the update. If ...

  27. 8 iPhone browser apps you should use instead of Safari

    Digital Trends. By default, the Safari web browser is available on every iPhone, including the iPhone 15 series. Nevertheless, several other web-browsing options can be found on the App Store ...

  28. Apple quietly releases revised build of iOS 17.4.1

    Once the new build of iOS 17.4.1 becomes available as an OTA update, you can download and install it by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone or iPad. Read also

  29. How can I make my iPhone faster

    If you see that, scroll down to General > Software Update and click Download and Install to begin the update. If you don't see that notice, you're on the latest version. If you don't see ...