Need to Fix Safari Not Downloading Files on iPhone?
Safari remains to be one of the most reliable and widely used browsers on iPhones. This default browser allows users to download various kinds of files from web pages. However, you could occasionally run into a problem where you can’t download files, or a file you’ve downloaded doesn’t appear.
Although there are many potential causes for such an issue, the main ones include a poor internet connection, corrupted files, or a website that doesn’t allow file downloads. Instead of giving up and switching your default browser to a different one, it’s best to try some quick fixes and stick to Safari due to its better proficiency.
In this article, you will find multiple troubleshooting methods to fix Safari not downloading files on iPhone. You must identify the root cause of this problem to get rid of it completely. However, if none of these methods worked, you may change your default browser.
So, let’s get started!
1. Ensure the Internet Connection is Strong.
As you’re downloading files from the internet, the connection must be reliable and consistent enough to allow the file to be fully downloaded. So, the most important thing you must ensure while downloading files from Safari is a strong internet connection.
Start by checking the internet strength by running a speed test. If the results are unsatisfactory, change your network type from Wi-Fi to Mobile Data or vice versa. Here’s how:
- Go to Speedtest by Ookla.
- Click on Go from the center of the screen.
- The site will take some time to load information about your internet strength.
- If the connection is weak, consider switching to Cellular Data if you’re connected to Wi-Fi or vice versa.
- For this, head to Settings from your iPhone.
- Next, tap on Wi-Fi and turn off the toggle for Wi-Fi.
- Head back and select Cellular.
- Now, turn on the toggle for Cellular Data.
Afterward, check to see if a strong Internet connection fixed the Safari not downloading files on iPhone issue.
2. Check if Cellular Data is Enabled for Safari.
iPhone users have the option to allow or disallow apps from using Cellular Data. Now, if you’ve switched from Wi-Fi to Cellular Data due to an unstable internet connection, the next step is enabling Safari to use it.
Follow the steps below to do it:
- Head over to the Settings app from your device.
- After that, select Cellular.
- Now, scroll down and turn on the toggle for Safari.
After you’re done, resume the download and check if the file downloads by following this method. Otherwise, move to the next solution from this guide.
3. Reload the Web Page.
Once you’re sure that the internet connection is stable, you may need to refresh the web page from where you’re downloading the file on Safari. This way, downloads that are paused or stopped due to a weak internet connection can resume.
To do so, simply follow these steps:
- Head over to the Safari app and onto the site from where you’re downloading the file.
- From the bottom, tap on the refresh icon.
4. Check Another Site or File.
If you’re still unable to download a file from Safari on your iPhone, the problem may lie within the site or file. If the website is facing server issues or the file you’re trying to download is corrupted or missing, it may not download properly.
In such cases, try downloading another file from the same website or head to another website and download from there. You may also wait around till the site fixes the server problem from their end.
5. Use VPN.
Some websites only allow certain servers to access it. Therefore, if the file isn’t downloading from your area, consider using a VPN to change your region. Although you may manually change the IP address on your device, an effective way to do so is by using a VPN app.
All you have to do is download a VPN app from the App Store on your iPhone. Then, connect to another country’s server, such as the US, UK, Canada, etc., and download the file you want.
7. Disable Low Data Mode.
Low Data Mode is an iPhone feature that allows users to conserve their Wi-Fi and Cellular Data usage by hindering the background apps, automatic updates, syncing process, and more. So if you have this mode enabled, it may interfere with the file’s downloading process.
To fix this, all you have to do is disable the Low Data Mode. Follow these steps to do so:
- Open the Settings app from your iPhone.
- After that, tap on Cellular.
- Lastly, scroll down and turn off the toggle for Low Data Mode.
8. Update iOS.
Apple occasionally releases patch updates to fix various problems within the system. If Safari not downloading files on iPhone is widespread, Apple may take notice and release an update to fix this issue. That’s why it’s important to keep your device updated to the latest iOS version and regularly check for software updates on your iPhone.
Here’s what you must do:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Select General and tap on Software Update.
- Now, wait a few minutes until Apple fetches the latest iOS updates.
- If there’s any pending update available, tap on Download and install.
Once your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version, check if you’re able to download files on Safari.
9. Try Another Browser.
If you’re still encountering issues while downloading a file from Safari, your last resort is to switch your browser. Although Safari is a default browser on Apple devices, you may try other alternatives until your problem with Safari is fixed.
So, install other browsers, such as Google Chrome, Opera, etc., from the App Store and download the files without a problem.
This sums up our guide on how to fix Safari not downloading files on iPhone. Hopefully, you’ve managed to download files on Safari by following the methods mentioned in this guide. In case of any confusion or questions, feel free to use the comments section below. We’ll be more than happy to provide further assistance.
If this guide helped you, please share it. 😊
