When you download files to your Android device, they are automatically saved in the folder Downloads internal storage. This folder is easily accessible from the application Files (Files), but for those who want easier and faster access, there is a shortcut you can use. This shortcut can be on your home screen or in a folder on that same home screen.
But why use a shortcut for an easily accessible folder? Consider the following example: You are going on vacation and you have a number of confirmation documents, booking information and tickets for various events. When you’re on the go, away from home, you don’t want to have to open Filesnavigate to the folder Downloads, then open the file in question. You want immediate access to these downloads. This is especially true when you’re waiting in a queue, at an airport, or on an unfamiliar street. You want everything to be accessible as quickly and easily as possible.
Then let me show you a very simple solution.
How to create a shortcut to Downloads
The only thing you will need is an Android device in an updated version. It doesn’t have to be Android 13, but it should be the latest version your phone supports. That’s all. So, now, let’s simplify our life a bit.
1. Add the Files app to your home screen
The first thing to do is to add the application Files to your home screen. To do this, open the Android app drawer and locate this app Files. Tap, hold, and drag it until it appears on your home screen. If you want, you can then drag it into a folder (or create a folder by dragging it onto another app). What matters is that the app is somewhere on your home screen.
You’ll find the Android file manager app, Files, in the app drawer. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
2. Add a shortcut to Downloads
Long press the app Files to bring up a contextual menu containing the entries Downloads, To clean And Share. At the top of this contextual menu is the button Break (an hourglass icon), which allows you to pause an app for the day (to prevent you from using it). Long press enter Downloadsthen drag it to your home screen.
As for the app, you can place the shortcut Downloads on your home screen or in a folder. If you prefer a clean home screen, drag the launcher into a folder. You’ll need to press an extra key to access the folder, but if a home screen full of apps is confusing, stressful, or cluttered, that extra key will be worth it.
The Files context menu gives you quick access to Downloads, Cleanup, and Share. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Access to downloads
Once the shortcut is placed on your home screen (or in a folder), just tap on it and the app will Files opens to your directory Downloadswhere you can access all the files you have downloaded.
I placed the Downloads shortcut in a folder on my Android home screen. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
And that’s all. This quick tip will save you time and confusion when you need to search for a particular file and time is running out.
Source: “ZDNet.com”