iPhone X Files app "undownload" a file

[MrMister111]

On the files app, I've connected Dropbox where I store some PDFs

Using the files app I click on a PDF, it downloads, and can read in the files app.

However it then sort of stays downloaded, if I go to the folder there's no icon with a cloud and arrow. I click on info on the file and it shows downloaded also.

Is there a way to then undownload it as it must be taking up iPhone storage? In Dropbox direct you can so do I then have to go to the Dropbox app and do it there?

Just seems counter productive to be able to download in the files app but then not be able to "undownload" it from files

Thanks

**Woah just noticed on Dropbox app you can't get offline files now unless upgrade to "Dropbox plus" when did this happen!?! Didn't realise this, although strangely allows via files app?**

 

[Apple_Robert]

First off, see if you can delete the files by taking a look at the storage option on your phone, where the different formats are broken down.

If that doesn't work, you can try iExplorer. I haven't used it in several years. Take a look, it may show you folders and files on your phone, whereby you are then able to delete.

 

[MrMister111]

First off, see if you can delete the files by taking a look at the storage option on your phone, where the different formats are broken down.

If that doesn't work, you are try iExplorer. I haven't used it in several years. Take a look, it may show you folders and files on your phone, whereby you are then able to delete.

Can't find Files app in iPhone storage strangely. Surely there must be a proper way as what if I decide to download loads of files, Apple wouldn't expect me to get an app like iexplorer to delete?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Can't find Files app in iPhone storage strangely. Surely there must be a proper way as what if I decide to download loads of files, Apple wouldn't expect me to get an app like iexplorer to delete?

Have you tried doing a PDF search on your phone to see what shows?

 

[MrMister111]

Have you tried doing a PDF search on your phone to see what shows?

Shows the PDF I've downloaded in the search list yes

 

[Cjet500]

I'm also wondering about this. I even deleted the Files app and redownloaded but it's still there as downloaded.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Shows the PDF I've downloaded in the search list yes

You should be able to lightly long-press on the file you wish to delete. When you long-press, you should see a submenu pop up, providing you the option to delete.

 

[MC6800]

Is there a way to then undownload it as it must be taking up iPhone storage? In Dropbox direct you can so do I then have to go to the Dropbox app and do it there?

I haven't seen a way to manually undownload, but in my experience I haven't needed to-- it undownloads them automatically when it needs the room. No need to worry about it.

 

[MrMister111]

Was on to Apple support chat for 2 hours last night.

Tbh they didn't really understand the question. Even told me to do as above, highlight it then press delete. What this actually does is delete the file not undownload it! Oops she said!

Basically there isn't a way... No way to see how much room is taking up either.

To me it's not enough to let my iPhone manage it. I only have a 64Gb X, what if I want to view numerous very large PDFs they will just stay there.

Dropbox way....make file available offline to view, when finished remove the offline, file stays there. Simple...

You should be able to lightly long-press on the file you wish to delete. When you long-press, you should see a submenu pop up, providing you the option to delete.

Try this...it deletes the actual file! Not removes the download

 

[MC6800]

To me it's not enough to let my iPhone manage it. I only have a 64Gb X, what if I want to view numerous very large PDFs they will just stay there.

Try filling it up. For me the local files act very much like cache once they've been uploaded to iCloud.

As a test, you can first fill your iPhone by downloading a few large movies. I noticed with movies you do have manual control in the TV app: tap on "downloaded" and it gives the choice of removing the download. And one movie takes the space of hundreds of average-size PDFs.