What to Know

• Choose where downloads from SafariorMail go: Select the file >Options>select a location.
• You usually have these choices:Save Image, Copy to iBooks, or Save to Files.
• If you can't find a file, check any third-party cloud storage apps you have on your iPhone.

This article explains where to find downloads on an iPad.Instructions apply to iPads with iOS 11and above. 

Where Are Downloads on My iPad?

Unlike PCs and Macs, the iPad has no designated Downloads folder where all downloaded files immediately go.And, the iOS file system isn't as easy to browse as an Android file system.

A downloaded file's location largely depends on the app you're in when you access that file, although things have become a little easier with the Files app's introduction in iOS 11. 

Choose Where to Save a File

Save your files to a location you can easily find again.While you have many options, here's how to save files from commonly used apps.

Saving a File From Mail

Frequently, you'll want to save an attachment from an email you receive. Here's how to choose where the file goes. 

1. Open the relevant email.

2. Tap theAttachment icon.

   

3. TapOptionsin the top right of the screen.

   

4. Choose where to send the file. Depending on the file, you can usually tapSave Imagefor images,Copy to iBooksfor PDFs, orSave to Filesto save it to the Files app for general use.

   

   Tap theMoreicon to find more options. 

5. If you tapSave to Files, choose to either save the file to your iCloud Drive or directly to the iPad, then tapAdd.

   

   If you want to access the file from other iOS or Mac devices, tapiCloud Drive. 

6. You've successfully saved the file to your chosen location.

Saving a File From Safari

Here's how to save a file from the default web browser, Safari. 

1. Open the file in Safari.

2. TapOptions.

   

3. Choose where to save it. 

   

   You may need to scroll to the right to find more options such asSave to Files, depending on how many apps are available to use the file. 

Saving an Image From Safari

Saving an image is a simple process.

1. Open the image in Safari.

2. Hold your finger to the image, then release it after a moment or two to bring up the dialog box.

3. TapSave Imageto save the image to your Photos folder.

   

How to Find Downloads on Your iPad

If you've downloaded a file and you're unsure where it went, check some of the likely locations.

Images

If you're searching for a downloaded image file, it's almost certainly stored within your Photos app. 

PDF

If you tapCopy to iBooks, PDF files are sent or copied to iBooks so you can easily browse the files as you would a book or manual. 

Other Files

Any other files likely ended up in the Files App. This app brings together all your files across iCloud, so it can also include documents from your Mac or other iOS devices. 

If you have third-party apps such as Google Drive or Dropbox installed on your iPad, they'll show up on theSharemenu when you're saving a file. Remember to check there if you prefer to use a non-Apple-based solution for your file storage.

• How do I delete downloads on iPad?

  Delete photo downloads: OpenPhotos, tapSelect, choose photos, and tapTrash Can> Delete Photos. Video downloads: Go toPhotos>Videosand follow the same steps. Delete music downloads from the Apple Music app. Other downloads: OpenFiles, tapBrowse, tap a folder >More(three dots) >Select, choose your files,and taptheTrash Can.

• How do I turn on automatic downloads on an iPad?

  To turn on automatic downloads on an iPad, openSettings and tap App Store. UnderAutomatic Downloads, toggle onApps. Any purchases or free downloads made on your other devices will automatically download to your iPad, as well.

• How do I download apps to an iPad?

  To download apps to an iPad, tap theApp Store>Apps. Browse apps or search for an app by name. When you find an app you want, tap its price or tapGetfor free apps. TapBuy or Install and enter yourApple ID/Apple Accountif prompted.