Downloading files in safari on ipad not working. Anyone else?

Since updating to iPadOS 18.5, Safari downloads aren’t saving properly. When I download an image, it appears in Safari’s Downloads list, but instead of saving to my selected folder (iCloud Drive or local storage), Safari opens the image in a preview window with only ‘Save to Photos’ or ‘Save to Downloads’ options. Before this update, images downloaded automatically to my default folder. Other browsers like Firefox and DuckDuckGo store downloads normally, but Chrome won’t download at all. It seems like Safari is treating downloads as temporary cache files rather than actual saved files.




iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on May 19, 2025 05:31 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 26, 2025 12:47 AM

Oh no, it's much worse than I thought.

I just saved a PSD file using a major online photo editor. It appeared to save correctly, but the file didn’t show up in my downloads window, and I couldn’t locate it through the usual folder path either. At first, I assumed it was just a minor internet issue. But when I tried saving it again, the system told me the file already existed. I checked the downloads folder again, still nothing visible.

It seems this update introduced some serious issues. I really hope they fix it soon, because downloading has become a real hassle. I just don’t have the time or energy to deal with Apple’s support right now, hopefully someone else can bring this to their attention.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 26, 2025 12:47 AM in response to Mathewco

Oh no, it's much worse than I thought.

I just saved a PSD file using a major online photo editor. It appeared to save correctly, but the file didn’t show up in my downloads window, and I couldn’t locate it through the usual folder path either. At first, I assumed it was just a minor internet issue. But when I tried saving it again, the system told me the file already existed. I checked the downloads folder again, still nothing visible.

It seems this update introduced some serious issues. I really hope they fix it soon, because downloading has become a real hassle. I just don’t have the time or energy to deal with Apple’s support right now, hopefully someone else can bring this to their attention.

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Downloading files in safari on ipad not working. Anyone else?

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