How to Delete Downloads on iPhone: 3 Methods in 2025

Sometimes, we download a lot of stuff from the internet to our devices without thinking. Over time, we forget about these downloads, and eventually, our iPhone starts to slow down. That's when we realize that it's time to delete downloads on iPhone. Deleting unnecessary downloads can really help speed up your iPhone. But how to remove downloads on iPhone? If you want to know the easiest way, keep reading this guide to learn how.

Part 1. Where Are My Downloads on iPhone?

Many iPhone users often ask, "Where can I find my downloads?" In fact, for security reasons, there is no direct "Downloads" folder on the iPhone. But don't worry, there are still ways to access your downloaded files.

One option is to use a file manager app, which you can install on your iPhone. After connecting your device to iTunes, you can access your downloads through the app on your computer. In addition, if you downloaded files such as PDFs, movies, or music using specific apps, you can usually find them directly in those apps.

Part 2. How to Delete Downloads on iPhone Manually

Method 1: How to Remove Downloads in Each App

The first step is to find the file you want to delete. On an iPhone, there is no single place where all your downloads are stored. You need to go into the app that handles the file to delete it. Once you find the file, just swipe it and the Delete option will appear. Tap it and the file will be permanently deleted.

Here's how to delete your downloads, using podcasts as an example:

To delete podcasts on an iPhone:

• Open the "Podcasts" app and go to "My Podcasts".
• Find the podcast you want to delete and tap the "…" button next to it.
• Select "Delete Download" and tap it again to confirm.

Clear Downloads from Safari:

Most of the files you download on your iPhone come from the internet, and Safari is the main app that handles this. You can clear downloads from the Safari app or through iPhone Settings.

Option 1: Delete Downloads from the Safari App

• Tap the "Arrow" icon to view your list of downloads.
• Tap the "Delete" button next to each file to delete it. Alternatively, tap "Clear" to delete all downloaded files at once.

Option 2: Delete Safari downloads in Settings

• Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone and go to "Safari".
• Scroll down to "Downloads" and tap "Delete download list items".
• Select "After one day" or "After successful download" to have your iPhone automatically delete downloaded files.

Related Posts:

• Top 4 Ways to Recover Deleted Safari History to iPhone

Method 2: How to Clear Downloads in iPhone Settings

Deleting downloads one by one can be a bit frustrating, but there is an easier way to clear them out. Uninstalling and reinstalling the app is a quicker solution. When you uninstall an app, it deletes all of its data and files, including all of its downloads.

• Go to "Settings" > "General" > "iPhone Storage".
• Tap on an app and select "Delete App".
• Repeat this process for the other apps you want to delete.
• To reinstall the apps, just go to the "App Store" and download them again.

Keep in mind that this method will also delete any important data or files from those apps, so be sure to back up anything you need first.

Part 3. How to Erase Downloads on iPhone with Eraser for iOS

Now that you have learned how to manually delete downloads on your iPhone using different methods, you may still be looking for an easier and faster way to clear all your downloads at once. Why not try a program like iPhone Data Eraser to delete your downloads in one click?

MobiKin Eraser for iOS is such a tool. It is well known for its ability to permanently delete data, making it impossible to recover. It can help you delete unwanted files, unnecessary data, and unused apps on your iPhone, including all the downloads you no longer need.

Key highlights of MobiKin Eraser for iOS:

• Delete downloads on iPhone permanently, leaving zero possibility of recovery.
• Clear downloaded iPhone cache, temporarily downloaded files, downloaded large files, downloaded photos and videos, etc.
• Clear all your iPhone data, including download files, junk files, and other private data, with simple clicks.
• Three erasing levels are offered ("Low Level", "Medium Level", and "High Level").
• Get along well with various iDevices, including iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11/X/8/7/6, iPad, etc.
• It won't disclose your privacy.

How to delete downloaded files on iPhone permanently with MobiKin Eraser for iOS?

Step 1. Run Eraser for iOS

Install and run the program on your computer when you download it. Then connect your iPhone to the computer via an applicable USB cord. Next, the tool will recognize your device soon.

Step 2. Enter the "Select Security Level" screen

After that, please tap the "Erase" option on the screen. Then follow the on-screen direction to get into the "Select Security Level" window.

Step 3. Delete downloads on iPhone permanently

Select the security level like "Medium Level". Subsequently, you need to type "Delete" in the box and click "Erase" again to wipe your iPhone permanently at once.

Part 4. FAQs of Deleting Downloads from iPhone

Q1. Is it safe to delete files from the Downloads folder on iPhone?

Yes, it is usually safe to delete files from the Downloads folder. However, if there are any files you need or want to keep, make sure you move them somewhere else before deleting them.

Q2. How do I change the default download location on my iPhone?

Here's how you can change where Safari saves downloads:

• Go to "Settings" > "Safari" on your iPhone.
• Scroll down and tap "Downloads". By default, downloads are saved to "iCloud Drive", but you can change this by tapping "Other".
• Choose another location or create a new folder for your downloads.

Q3. How do I find hidden files on my iPhone?

Hidden files can't be viewed directly, but you can go to "iPhone Storage" to see how much space they're taking up. If you need to see the actual files, you may need to use a third-party app to access them.

The Bottom Line

Now you've learned a few ways to delete downloads on your iPhone! While you can always use the manual method, if you want to save time and effort, you might want to consider using an app like MobiKin Eraser for iOS.

This tool helps you quickly remove useless files and unwanted data from your iPhone, making it run faster and smoother. If I were you, I would download and install Eraser for iOS right away to make cleaning up your phone easy!

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