Downloading files in Safari is as simple as it can ever get. Notably, the stock web browser also offers a neat way to manage the downloaded files in order to keep the clutter away. So long as you don’t hit a roadblock, the whole process seems to be smooth sailing.
Recently, a handful of users have reported that they can’t download files in Safari on their iPhone. If the Apple browser is also misbehaving on your device, try out these effective tips and tricks to fix Safari not downloading files on iPhone and iPad.
Fix Safari Downloads Not Working on iPhone and iPad
So, what are the reasons why Safari is having trouble downloading files on your iPhone? When faced with this problem, you should look at several possible culprits including:
- Lack of a clear understanding of how downloading files works in Safari
- Below-par internet connection
- Malicious browser extension
- Cluttered space
- Software bug
Keeping all the above-mentioned usual suspects in mind, I have discussed solutions to resolve the downloading issue in Apple’s browser.
1. Bring on the Airplane Mode Trick
First and foremost, I would suggest you turn on and off the airplane mode on your iPhone. If Safari is unable to download files due to a sluggish internet connection, there is a good chance the airplane mode trick can fix it.
- Just swipe down from the top right corner of the screen and hit the Airplane mode icon. If you have a device with Touch ID, swipe up from the bottom to access the Control Center.
- Now, wait for a few seconds and then hit the airplane mode icon to disable it.
- If your internet connection continues to be sloppy, disable/enable Wi-Fi. If you have access to multiple Wi-Fi connections, switch to another network and try to download files.
2. Ensure That Safari Can Use Your Cellular Data
By default, all apps are allowed to use cellular data without any restrictions. Nevertheless, it would be better to check and ensure that Safari can use data.
- Go to the Settings app on your device -> Cellular -> Scroll down to find Safari and make sure that the toggle next to the browser is turned on.
3. Force Quit Safari and Relaunch It
At times, you can bring the misfiring Apple Safari back on track by just force-killing and relaunching it.
- On your iPhone or iPad with the Face ID: Swipe up from the bottom to show the app switcher.
- On your iPhone or iPad with the Touch ID: Double-press the Home button to reveal the app switcher.
Now, swipe up the Safari’s card to kill the app. Next, launch the browser and try to download a file to figure out if the problem is gone.
4. Change Safari’s Location
If your iCloud Drive is cluttered with too many redundant files, it could be coming in the way. Hence, change the download location of the browser.
- By default, iCloud Drive is set as the default download location for Safari but you have the option to choose other locations.
- To get it done, go to the Settings app -> select Safari -> Downloads -> Now, choose the On My iPhone.
5. Learn How Downloading Files in Safari Works
Another basic thing that you should tick off without fail is to have a clear understanding of how downloading files works in Safari.
- Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad and download any file as usual.
- Once the file has been downloaded, you should see a tiny “Download arrow” at the bottom.
- Now, tap on this download arrow and choose the “Downloads” option in the menu.
- Next, select the downloaded file. Next, tap on the Share icon and then choose the desired medium to share the file.
- Alternatively, open the Files app -> tap on the Browse tab at the bottom of the screen -> Now, tap on Downloads. You should see all the downloaded files in this folder.
6. Remove All the Downloaded Files from Safari
On some occasions, just clearing the recently downloaded files from Safari can let you fix the downloading issue.
- Launch the Apple browser -> tap on the tiny download arrow at the bottom -> tap on Clear at the upper-right corner of the menu.
7. Stop Safari from Automatically Removing Downloaded Items
To prevent downloaded items from clogging up precious space unnecessarily, iOS lets you automatically delete the downloaded items. However, you have the option to remove the downloaded items manually.
- Head into the Settings app -> Safari -> Downloads -> Remove Download List Items and choose Manually.
8. Reboot Your iPhone/iPad
Now, it’s time to reboot the iPhone. Should the Safari downloads issue is due to a minor software glitch, rebooting the device can let you fix it.
9. Turn OFF VPN
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is nothing less than a boon for times when you want to have enhanced privacy while browsing the web. Unfortunately, on a few rare occasions, it goes awry and causes miscellaneous issues. Therefore, try turning the VPN off on your iPhone.
- On your iPhone/iPad, navigate to the Settings app -> VPN and then turn it off.
10. Disable All Safari Extensions
If you have recently installed a Safari extension like a content/ad blocker, it might be preventing the browsing from downloading files.
- Fire up the Settings app on your iPhone/iPad -> Safari -> Extensions -> Now, temporarily disable all the extensions.
11. Clear Safari History and Website Data
If it’s been ages since you wiped out Safari’s history and website data, the downloading issue could be the byproduct of the piled-up cache and cookies.
- To remove Safari’s history and website data, launch the Settings app -> Safari -> Clear History and Website Data and confirm.
12. Update Your Device
A hidden software bug could also be the reason why Safari is unable to download files. The best way to deal with a software bug is to update the software.
- To do so, open the Settings app -> General -> Software Update.
13. Factory Reset Your Device
Should Safari downloads continue to ill-function, go for the factory reset. Bear in mind that a factory reset will wipe out all custom settings on your iPhone, bringing everything back to the default state. Nonetheless, none of your media and data is deleted.
- To get it done, dive into the Settings app -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad -> Reset -> Reset All Settings.
14. Declutter Your iPhone/iPad
If Safari has not yet returned to normal, it’s time to go for the kill and wipe out the entire clutter. Well, I mean getting rid of all the useless files to recover enough storage on your device. If the storage on your device is clogged up, I could be playing the devil’s role.
- Head into the Settings app -> General -> iPhone/ iPad Storage. On this screen, you will have a clear picture of the available and used storage.
- Besides, you can also find out how much space each app has gobbled up.
- In order to reduce the clutter, delete all the useless files and apps that you no longer need.
There you go! I hope Safari has started to download items without any problem whatsoever. Now that the problem is behind your back, be sure to share your thoughts and the tips that have brought the Apple Safari brought on track for you.
