How to return recent downloads to the dock on MacBook Air?

I accidentally removed the recent downloads thingy from the icon dock and want to return it, how do I do that on MacBook Air?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.5

Posted on Jun 18, 2025 2:29 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 18, 2025 2:36 PM

You just need to open a Finder window, go to your Home folder (you can press Shift + Command + H), then find the Downloads folder in there. Once you see it, drag it back to the Dock, specifically to the right side, near the Trash. That's where it was before.


If you drop it on the left side (where app icons are), it won't work - it has to go on the right of the little divider line.


After that, you can right-click it to change how it looks (like setting it to "stack" or "grid," if you want it to look like before).

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 18, 2025 2:36 PM in response to esalm4

You just need to open a Finder window, go to your Home folder (you can press Shift + Command + H), then find the Downloads folder in there. Once you see it, drag it back to the Dock, specifically to the right side, near the Trash. That's where it was before.


If you drop it on the left side (where app icons are), it won't work - it has to go on the right of the little divider line.


After that, you can right-click it to change how it looks (like setting it to "stack" or "grid," if you want it to look like before).

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How to return recent downloads to the dock on MacBook Air?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.