how to change download path in android

Changing the Download Path in Android

Changing the default download location on an Android device can help you organize your files or free up space on your device’s internal storage by utilizing an SD card. The process to change the download path can vary depending on the device you are using and the version of Android it is running. Here is a general step-by-step guide to help you change the download path in Android:

Using a File Manager

Most Android devices come with a file manager app that allows you to browse and manage your files. If your device does not have one, you can download a third-party app from the Google Play Store.

1. Open the file manager app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to the internal storage or SD card where you want to set the new download location.
3. Create a new folder where you wish to keep your downloads or choose an existing one.
4. Most file manager apps do not have the option to directly set a default download location, so you’ll need to manually move downloaded files to your preferred folder or use your browser’s settings to change the download path if the browser has this option.

Changing Download Location in Browser

If you do most of your downloading through a web browser, you can change the download location in the browser’s settings.

1. Open the web browser app you use to download files.
2. Go to the browser’s settings. This is often represented by three dots or a gear icon.
3. Look for the settings that say “Downloads,” “Download settings,” or something similar.
4. Tap on ‘Download location’ or ‘Save files to’ to set a new download path. You can select the SD card or a specific folder on your device.
5. Confirm the change, and future downloads from the browser will go to the new location.

Using Third-party Apps

Some third-party apps allow you to manage your download location more efficiently. These could be file management apps or download managers.

1. Download a file manager or download manager app from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and look for settings related to file storage or downloads.
3. Set the download location to your preferred path.
4. Use the app to manage future downloads, which will use the directory specified.

For Advanced Users: Using ADB

Advanced users may use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to change the default download path. This requires enabling developer options and USB debugging on your Android device, as well as installing ADB on your computer.

1. Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on your Android device.
2. Install the Android SDK Platform-Tools on your computer.
3. Connect your device to your computer and use ADB shell commands to change the default path.

Considerations

• Not all Android versions or devices support changing the default download location.
• Some devices may require rooting for more advanced options, which can void the warranty and lead to other issues.
• Ensure that the SD card or external storage used is properly formatted and has sufficient space.
• For downloads from specific apps, check the app’s settings as some apps allow you to change the download location within the app itself.

It’s important to note that not all apps respect the new download location settings. Some will continue using the default path, typically the internal storage’s ‘Download’ folder. As a result, you might have to manually move files from time to time or look for an app-specific setting if available.