As an Android user, you may have encountered difficulties while downloading files from the internet, especially when the internet connection is unstable. Interrupted downloads can waste your time and data, and sometimes force you to start over again from scratch. Fortunately, Android devices come equipped with a download manager that supports resume functionality, allowing you to resume interrupted downloads from where they left off. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use this feature and recommend some of the best download managers available for Android.
How Download Resuming Works
When downloading a file on Android using the built-in download manager or a third-party download manager app, the file is downloaded in several small chunks called packets. When a download is interrupted due to a loss of internet connection, the download manager saves the download progress data to the device’s storage. Then, when the internet connection is restored, the download manager can start retrieving the remaining packets from where it stopped, instead of starting from the beginning.
Common Issues with Downloading Files on Android
It’s not uncommon to experience some issues while downloading files on Android. Some of the most common issues include:
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Download errors: These occur when the server from which the file is being downloaded faces issues, leading to incomplete downloads or outright failure.
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Slow download speeds: This is often caused by a slow internet connection or limitations by the server from which the file is being downloaded.
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Connection interruptions: These occur when internet connectivity is lost and cause the download process to stall.
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Incompatible format: There are occasions where a file type is incompatible with the Android device, causing downloaded files to be unreadable or unviewable.
How to Resume Downloads on Android
Here are the steps to follow when resuming downloads on your Android device:
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Launch the pre-installed Download Manager app or any other third-party app of your choice.
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Check for incomplete downloads by tapping on the download icon or the three-dot menu button.
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If the incomplete download is listed, click on it and select ‘resume’ to continue from where it paused.
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If it doesn’t appear on the downloads list, don’t worry; you can find it among the files in your device’s storage.
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Tap on the incomplete download file and select “resume” to proceed.
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When the download is complete, the file will be saved in your device’s storage and will be ready for use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Force-stopping a download: This interrupts the download and could prevent the download manager from saving the download progress.
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Deleting a download from the Downloads app: The download progress data will be lost, and you’ll need to start the download from the beginning.
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Restarting the download manually: Allow the download manager to resume the download automatically without restarting it manually.
Best Download Managers for Android
While the pre-installed Download Manager app is good enough, you might want to try out download manager apps that offer more advanced features. Here are some of the best ones:
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Advanced Download Manager – Supports ultra-fast downloading speed by splitting files into several parts simultaneously.
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IDM – Offers a built-in browser and supports multiple downloads simultaneously.
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Download Accelerator Plus – Allows you to download files in the background.
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Turbo Download Manager – Increases download speeds by downloading files in parallel parts
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Fast Download Manager – Supports fast download speeds with resume and pause feature.
Tips and Tricks for Optimizing Download Speeds
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Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network: This ensures stable connectivity and fast download speeds.
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Limit background activity during download: This ensures that bandwidth is not consumed by other applications, resulting in faster download speeds.
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Use Download Managers: The built-in Android download manager may be limited in some ways but using third-party download managers can notably increase download speeds.
Troubleshooting Common Download Issues
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Slow Downloads: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and strong. Alternatively, try downloading the file during off-peak hours when server traffic is generally low.
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Corrupt files: Try downloading the file from a different source or using a different browser to ensure that the issue is not server-related.
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App crashes: In the event that the download manager app crashes, uninstall and reinstall the app again.
Key Takeaways
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Android devices come equipped with a download manager that supports resume functionality.
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Interrupted downloads waste time and data, but download resuming helps you pick up from where you left off.
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Slow download speeds, download errors, and loss of connectivity are common issues Android users face when downloading files.
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To resume downloads on Android, launch the download manager app, click on the incomplete download file, and select resume.
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Third-party download managers like Advanced Download Manager, IDM and Download Accelerator Plus can help increase download speeds.
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Optimize download speed by connecting to a stable Wi-Fi network, limiting background activity, and using download managers.
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Troubleshoot issues with slow downloads, corrupt files, and app crashes.
FAQs
Q: Can I resume a download on any Android device?
A: Yes. Any Android device that comes with the pre-installed download manager app supports downloading resuming.
Q: How can I check whether the file I’m downloading is transferrable to my Android device?
A: You need to make sure that your device supports the file format you are downloading.
Q: Can I use the pre-installed Download Manager app to download large-sized files?
A: Yes. However, for larger-sized files, third-party download manager apps may be more efficient.