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
![Android Android](https://www.androidcentral.com/sites/androidcentral.com/files/styles/xlarge_wm_brw/public/article_images/2015/08/google-app-folder-galaxy-s6-edge-plus.jpg?itok=Fn-HEIh2)
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.
Google Chrome is a fast, easy to use, and secure web browser. Designed for Android, Chrome brings you personalized news articles, quick links to your favorite sites, downloads, and Google Search and Google Translate built-in. Download now to enjoy the same Chrome web browser experience you love across all your devices.
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By default, Google’s Chrome browser stores downloaded files to the “Downloads” folder located in your user account. However, you can easily change the Chrome browser’s download folder location and make it save downloaded files either to your desktop or a folder of your choice anywhere on your computer.
Change Chrome Download Folder Location
Accessing downloaded files should not be a problem, once you know where the Chrome browser saves downloaded files. However, you may still like to see downloaded files landing first on your desktop, from where you can either trash them after use or save them in appropriate folders.
Follow the steps below, to change Chrome browser’s default downloads folder location and make the downloaded files land either on your Desktop or a specific folder on your desktop.
1. Open Chrome Browser on your Computer.
![Android chrome download folder location Android chrome download folder location](/uploads/1/2/4/8/124868245/190845706.png)
2. Click on the 3 bar Chrome Menu button. You will find this at the upper-right corner of your screen. (See image below)
3. From the drop-down menu click on Settings to open the Chrome settings page. (See image above)
4. Scroll down till you see the Show advanced settings link and click on it.
5. Next, scroll down till you see the section labelled “Downloads” and Click on the Change button, located to the right of the “Download location” editing box (See image below).
Note: Do not click on “Ask Where to Save Each File Before Downloading” Option.
6. Once you click on “Change”, you will see a Browse For Folder pop-up window. On this window you can click on Desktop to make all downloads on Chrome browser be saved to your desktop, choose an existing folder, or create a new folder by clicking on “Make New Folder” button.
Android Chrome Download Folder
7. Once you have selected the right folder, Click on OK to make this folder as the Default Download location on Chrome Browser.
Make Chrome Ask Where to Save Downloaded Files
You can also set up Chrome browser to ask you where to save each file before downloading by just selecting the “Ask where to save each file before downloading” check box (See image below). Pdf printer free download.
Depending on your liking, you may either find this feature annoying or quite useful for saving downloaded files to specific folders depending on the file type – Images, Music files, PDF’s and so on.