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How to Watch Downloaded Videos on iPhone?

Published in iPhone Video Playback 4 mins read

Watching downloaded videos on your iPhone is straightforward, primarily utilizing the built-in Files app for most general downloads or specific apps for content downloaded within them.

Locating Your Downloaded Videos

The method for finding your videos depends on how they were downloaded.

Using the Files App (Primary Method)

For videos downloaded from web browsers like Safari or shared from other apps, the iPhone's Files app is where you'll typically find them. This app acts as a central hub for files stored on your device, iCloud Drive, and other cloud services.

Here's how to access them:

  1. Open the Files App: Locate and tap the blue folder icon on your iPhone's Home screen or within your App Library.
  2. Navigate to Downloads: In the "Browse" tab, look under "Locations" or "Favorites." You should see a "Downloads" folder. Tap on it. This folder is where most files downloaded through Safari or other general apps are automatically saved.
  3. Find Your Video: Scroll through the list of files to locate the video you wish to watch. Downloads are usually organized by date or name.
  4. Play the Video: Tap on the video file. It will open and begin playing directly within the Files app using its integrated media player.

Videos Downloaded from Specific Apps

Many streaming services and media apps (like Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video) allow you to download content for offline viewing directly within their applications. These videos are not typically found in the Files app but are stored securely within the app itself.

  • Streaming Services (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video):
    • Open the specific app.
    • Look for a "Downloads" or "My Downloads" section within the app's navigation (often found in the bottom menu bar or a sidebar menu).
    • Tap on the downloaded title to start watching.
  • YouTube Premium:
    • Open the YouTube app.
    • Go to the "Library" tab.
    • Select "Downloads." Your downloaded videos will be listed there.
  • Podcasting Apps (e.g., Apple Podcasts, Overcast):
    • These apps usually have a dedicated "Downloaded" or "Episodes" section where you can access offline content.

Playing Your Downloaded Videos

Once you've located your video, playing it is usually a one-tap process.

Default Playback in Files App

The Files app has a built-in player that supports a wide range of video formats. Simply tapping the file in the Downloads folder will initiate playback. You can pause, play, scrub through, and even use Picture-in-Picture mode with this player.

Moving Videos to Photos App

For easier access and management alongside your personal media, you can move downloaded videos from the Files app to your Photos app:

  1. Open the Files app and navigate to your downloaded video.
  2. Tap and hold on the video file until a contextual menu appears.
  3. Select "Share."
  4. From the Share Sheet, scroll down and tap "Save Video." The video will now appear in your Photos app under "Videos" or "Recents" album, making it accessible alongside your camera roll.

Using Third-Party Video Players

If you encounter a video format not natively supported by the Files or Photos app (like certain specialized codecs) or prefer more advanced playback features, consider using a third-party video player app from the App Store, such as:

  • VLC for Mobile: A popular, free, open-source player known for supporting a vast array of video and audio formats.
  • Infuse: A powerful media player with extensive format support, network streaming capabilities, and a polished user interface (offers in-app purchases for advanced features).

You can usually open a video from the Files app directly in one of these players by tapping the "Share" icon and selecting the desired player app.

Managing Downloaded Videos

Downloaded videos can consume significant storage space on your iPhone. Regularly review and delete content you no longer need.

  • In the Files app: Tap "Select" in the top right corner, choose the videos, and then tap the trash can icon to delete.
  • Within specific apps: Most streaming and media apps provide options to manage and delete downloaded content from their "Downloads" section.

By understanding these methods, you can efficiently locate, play, and manage all your downloaded videos on your iPhone, whether they're from the web or your favorite streaming services.