iPhone Safari downloads no longer saves on Files app

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iPhone Safari downloads no longer saves on Files app

On my iPhone 12 Pro Max (iOS 18.5), downloaded files from Safari are not found on the Downloads folder of Files app most of the time.

While it’s there on the Downloads tab on Safari, the files are missing from the Files app. I’ve double checked the Download location from the Settings but it’s still not working. So if I accidentally clear the Downloads from Safari, every downloaded items are gone.

The current workaround is to open the downloaded file from Safari and to manually save to Files app, which is inconvenient.

iPhone 12 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Jul 23, 2025 03:53 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 23, 2025 09:58 PM in response to jyotindro

The 4th bullet point is your direct answer.

I'll do my best to clarify everything about the Downloads folder and the Files app. The pictorial representation itself effectively resolves any doubts.

File and Folder Concept on iPhone and iPad: Unlike traditional computers, iPhones and iPads do not have a system-wide file and folder structure accessible to users. Instead, each app manages its files in a sandboxed environment, meaning files are generally stored within the app that created or downloaded them. However, with iOS 11 and later, Apple introduced the Files app, which provides a more centralized way to manage files.
Enabling iCloud Drive: To access iCloud Drive and its Downloads folder, you must enable iCloud Drive in:
1. Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Drive (Toggle ON).
2. Once enabled, iCloud Drive will appear in the Files app, where you can find the Downloads folder.
The Files App and the Downloads Folder:
1. The Files app acts as a file manager for iCloud Drive and local storage. It allows users to browse, organize, and access files stored in iCloud Drive, on-device storage, or third-party cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).
2. A Downloads folder exists under iCloud Drive and, if enabled, on On My iPhone/iPad for locally stored downloads.
3. If you have accidentally removed the Downloads folder from the favorites by swiping left then it may not appear in the Browse tab initially.
4. To locate it, you need to tap iCloud Drive or On My iPhone/iPad in the Files app. See the pic below
You can check where Safari saves downloads in: See the pic below
1. Settings → Safari → Downloads (Choose between iCloud Drive or On My iPhone/iPad).

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