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When you download files on your Android device, they are automatically saved in the Downloads file within the internal storage. The folder is easily accessed from within the Files app, but for those who want easier, faster access, there's a shortcut you can use. This shortcut can live on your Android home screen or within a folder on your home screen. 

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But why would you want to use a shortcut for a folder that's easily accessible? Consider this: You're going on vacation and you have a number of confirmation documents, reservation information, and tickets for various events. As you're on the go, away from home, you don't want to have to always open Files, navigate to the Download folder, and then open the file in question. No. You want immediate access to those downloads. This is especially true when you're waiting in a busy line or bustling through an airport or unfamiliar city street. You want everything accessible as quickly and easily as possible.

Let me show you a very simple solution.

How to create a shortcut to Downloads

What you'll need:The only thing you'll need is an Android device with an updated OS. It doesn't have to be Android 13, but it should be as recent a release as your phone supports. That's it. OK, let's simplify your life a bit.

1. Add the Files app to your home screen

The first thing to do is add the Files app to your home screen. To do this, open the Android App Drawer and locate the Files launcher. Tap, hold, and drag that launcher until it's on your home screen. If you want, you can then drag that launcher into a folder (or create a folder by dragging it onto another launcher). The important thing is that the Files launcher is on your home screen somewhere.

You'll find the Android file manager app, Files, in the App Drawer.

Jack Wallen/

2. Add a shortcut to Downloads

Long press the Files launcher to reveal a popup menu, which includes entries for Downloads, Clean, and Share. At the top of that popup is the Pause button, which allows you to pause an app for the day (to prevent you from using it). Long press the Downloads entry and then drag it onto your home screen. 

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Like the Files launcher, you can place the Downloads shortcut on your home screen or within a folder. If you prefer a clean home screen, drag the launcher into a folder. It'll be one more tap required to access the folder, but if a home screen filled with launchers causes confusion, stress, or clutter, that extra tap will be worth it.

You get quick access to Downloads, Clean, and Share from the Files popup.

Jack Wallen/

Accessing Downloads

Once you have the shortcut on your home screen (or in a folder), all you have to do is tap it and the Files app will open to your Downloads directory, where you can access all of the files you've downloaded.

I've placed the Downloads shortcut in a folder on my Android home screen.

Jack Wallen/

And that's all there is to it. This quick tip will save you time and confusion when you're having to scramble to locate a particular file and time is of the essence.

See also

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• How to customize your Pixel screensaver (and why you should)