How do i find files on my phone

It can be incredibly convenient to use Android to download files and forgo a computer for things like editing a document for work, adding to a presentation for class or downloading a photo that you want to use as a wallpaper. The problem is, it's not always clear where the file you just downloaded was saved on your phone or tablet. 

When Android first launched, finding files was especially cumbersome due to the fact that not every Android device came with a file manager app. A lot has changed since then. Most Android devices now come with some sort of file manager preinstalled, and for those that don't, there's a better alternative anyway. 

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Find the file manager app

By far the easiest way to find downloaded files on Android is to look in your app drawer for an app called Files or My Files. Google's Pixel phones come with a Files app, while Samsung phones come with an app called My Files. Regardless of which device, once you find and open the file manager, use it to look for the Downloads folder and open it. 

There you will find your downloaded files in chronological order (newest to oldest, in most cases). You can, however, change how the files are sorted. In Samsung's My Files app, tap on the three-dot menu icon and then select "Sort by." In the Files app on a Pixel phone, tap on the "Modified" text to change how the app sorts your files. 

Once you've located your downloaded files, you can open a file with a tap, or bring up more options with a long-press on the file. 

Better yet, use Files by Google

If you don't like the default file manager app on your Android phone, or it doesn't have one, download the Files by Google app (formerly Files Go) from the Play Store. The app is easy to navigate, provides quick access to your downloads folder and helps you free up storage space. 

When you open Files by Google, the app will recommend various options like clearing out app caches, removing junk files or deleting backed-up photos from your device. There's even an AirDrop-like file-sharing feature baked into the app that makes it really easy to share files with someone who is nearby. 

Once you've installed the app, you can find your downloaded files by selecting the Browse tab at the bottom of the app, then tapping Downloads. Tap a file to open it, or long-press on it to select the file and delete, share or rename it. 

Since web browsing is a way of life, downloading files is a regular daily activity many of us do. Be it music, photos, or videos, the best Android phones can get cluttered with random files. In the blink of an eye, you can collect multiple downloads without thinking twice about them.

But what if you needed to view or delete them later? You may not know where to look, or maybe you don't check these files that often. In any case, it's a good idea to manage your downloads to tidy up and create some extra storage space.

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How to use the built-in file manager to find your downloads

Multiple third-party file manager Apps are available, allowing you to find one that fits your needs. However, more Android device manufacturers are preinstalling the Files by Google app to help you efficiently manage your downloads. Samsung offers its proprietary file manager on Samsung Galaxy smartphones, but this may not be the case for every device manufacturer.

The Files by Google app is easily accessible across most Android devices, making it a great universal file management solution. This helps keep a unified user experience and familiar interface, which is a win-win for the consumer.

To quickly find where your downloads are located in the Files app, do the following:

1. Open the Files app, then tap the Downloads category. By default, it shows every file you downloaded in the All tab.
2. Tap the Download tab to only see the files in that specific folder.

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How to access your internal storage to find your downloads

This method involves manually navigating through your device's folder hierarchy, giving you more control over your downloads. You can also move or copy files to and from any location, which can help you to stay neat and organized.

To find the Download folder by browsing through your internal storage, check out the following steps:

1. Open the Files app, then scroll down on the Browse tab to the bottom of the screen.
2. Under the Storage devices section, tap Internal storage.
3. Locate, then tap the Download folder.

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4. It now shows Internal storage > Download at the top rather than a shortcut tab for the Download folder. Both methods bring you to your downloaded files. However, this allows you to browse the folders on your internal storage.

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​​​​​​To see the location of your Download folder, tap the three-dot menu next to one of your downloaded files and go to File info. The /storage/emulated/0/Download path is the default for many modern Android devices. Some third-party web browsers might save files in a different folder, but this should be the location for most downloads.

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How to move your downloaded files to another folder or location

Say your files contain sensitive or personal information. You may prefer to keep them away from the public Download folder for safekeeping purposes. Putting them into their own folder helps keep them secure and prevents them from being accidentally deleted later.

To move any of your downloaded files from one location to another, do the following:

1. Tap the three-dot menu to the right of the file you want to move, then tap the Move to option.
2. To manage multiple files, long-press a single file and select as many as you want before tapping Move.
3. For sensitive files that you don't want others to see, select Move to Safe folder and lock them behind a secure PIN or pattern. Don't forget that unlock code. These files can be lost forever if you do.
4. Select the Internal storage option at the bottom.

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5. Navigate through your internal storage and tap a folder or location. You can also create a new folder and tap it to open its location.
6. Tap the Move here button at the bottom when ready.
7. The selected file is moved from the default Download folder to your new location.
8. To transfer this file back to the Download folder, do the same process in reverse.

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9. Navigate back to that location to ensure the file you moved is in the proper folder.

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Alternatively, you can use the Copy to option and paste these files to another location. This allows you to create as many duplicates as you want without removing the original files from your Download folder. It's not something you'll likely use all the time, but the option is always there if you need it.

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The Files by Google app makes finding your downloads a breeze

If you're looking for simplicity, the Files by Google app was designed to help you manage your downloads without hassle. These downloads are grouped by category, allowing you to locate specific file types quickly. It takes only a few taps to find what you're looking for, and you're all set. At the same time, you can manually browse through your internal storage for greater control and flexibility. This allows you to move, copy, or delete files how you want for a more customized user experience.

Speaking of tidying up, you might want to learn how to delete your unwanted WhatsApp media files to free up more storage space. These files can add up over time, so it's a good idea to clear them out to prevent unnecessary storage overload.

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