How to Delete Downloads on Mac/Android/iPhone/Windows

If you find the storage space is full, removing some of your downloads might be a good start.

Here we will talk about how to delete downloads on your devices. Whether you are using an Android, iPhone, Mac, or Windows computer, we offer a specific instruction for you. In addition, we also help you directly delete downloads in the browser.

How to Delete Downloads on Android?

No matter what brand you are currently using, the steps are similar. You should find downloads on this device and then decide which to remove. These downloads could be recovered through backup or the file recovery app. It’s better to choose it carefully in case of further additional steps.

Via the Default File Management App

• Open your phone and find the built-in file management app. Normally, it might be called “My Files” or simply “Files”. The interface might be different depending on the brand of your Android phone. You can see all categories of files including images, music, documents, and more.
• Go to the Downloads folder. You are allowed to view all the downloaded files on this phone.
• You just need to select and long-press this file. Then click the “delete” button with a trash icon. Press ok to confirm the deletion. Now you have successfully erased the download.
• If the amount of these files is excessive, you can filter these files according to their name, size, type, or modified time. It’s easier to find the download you want to clear.

Via a Third-Party App

Apart from the default file app, you can also download some third-party applications. Be careful with this file management app you choose, it’s better to be a trustworthy and famous one. Otherwise, you might face the threat of data leaking.

To show you how to delete downloads by the third-party app, here we will use Files by Google as an example. It is only available for Android devices.

• To begin with, you should download Files by Google on Google Play.
• After installing, open this app and go to categories.
• In this section, your files are classified as downloads, images, videos, audio, documents, and apps. Besides, the storage space occupied by these files is also visible. If you want to remove the downloaded images or music, just go to the relevant folder.
• Press the “downloads” and click the three-dot icon next to the download you want to remove. Or you can just hold and press this file.
• Then click the trash can icon, it will remind you that the file can be restored for up to 30 days.
• Tap “Move 1 file to Trash” to complete this deletion.

How to Delete Downloads on iPhone?

Access the Files App

• Press the Files app on your home screen and click “Browse”.
• Under the locations section, tap “On My iPhone”. Then go to the downloads folder. It includes not only the documents but also the media files that aren’t automatically saved in your Photos app.
• Long-press the file and click the trash can icon to delete it.

If you want to recover the file, just navigate to the Browse tab and then click “Recently Deleted”. Press the three-dot icon to select the file and tap “Recover”.

Clear the Media Downloads

Some images or videos you downloaded in the browser can be stored in the Photos App. To erase these media files, follow the below steps:

• Open your Photos App and click “Albums”. It should be at the bottom of your screen.
• Go to the “Recents” album and tap “Select” to find the download file you want to delete. Images you saved in certain apps might be in the folder named by this app.
• Click the trash icon in the bottom right corner of the screen and press “Delete” to confirm it.

How to Delete Downloads on Mac?

If the download happens to be on your desktop, you just need to drag them in the trash can icon in the Dock. Otherwise, you need to find the downloads first.

• Open your Finder app on the Mac dock. Look at the left-side navigation bar, and click “Downloads”. Alternatively, just press Alt+Command+L on your keyboard.
• Select the file you want to clear and right-click it. Then tap “Move to Trash”.
• However, this file is not completely deleted until you empty the Trash. Go to Trash and click “Empty Trash” to delete all the selected downloads.

To clear downloads automatically, go to the Apple icon > About this Mac > Storage > Manage. Under the documents section, press “Downloads”. Choose the file and tap “Delete”.

How to Delete Downloads on Windows?

The instructions are similar to operating it on the Mac.

Press the Windows and E keys simultaneously to open the File Explorer. Click “Downloads” on the left sidebar and right-click the download you want to remove. Just tap “Delete” to move it to the recycle bin. To permanently delete it, you need to empty the bin.

How to Delete Downloads on Different Browsers?

What if you just want to clear the file download in certain browsers, it’s easier to operate.

How to Delete Downloads on Chrome?

Click the three-dot icon next to your profile and tap “Downloads”. Just press the X icon, and the download will disappear immediately.

How to Delete Downloads on Safari?

Open your Safari and find the download icon. It should look like a blue arrow. Swipe left the file and click “Delete”.

FAQs – How to Delete Downloads

Q: How do I remove Downloads from my phone?

You can open the default file management App on your phone and press “My Files” (“My Downloads”). Select the files you want to remove and tap the “delete” button.

Q: How do I delete a PDF download?

You can directly search PDFs in the document management software and toggle them up to delete completely.

Q: Where do I find my Downloads?

You can find it in your built-in management App or download some third-party Apps.

Conclusion

In this blog, we offer a comprehensive guide on how to delete downloads on your devices and browsers. No matter what device you are using, you can find a specific instruction in this article.