How to Stop Automatic Downloads on Chrome Android
Are you getting pop-up messages like "this file is dangerous, so Chrome has blocked it"? Not sure why this keeps happening and how to get rid of it? Don't worry, this article will answer all these queries.
Google Chrome is one of the most used browsers in the world. Besides providing you with an amazing user experience, it also offers a secure browsing experience. This is why your data remains safe because it prevents you from downloading or opening suspicious files and websites that might contain malware.
However, if you still wish to download a certain file/files, then we are here to help you out with just that. Browsers can also make mistakes, so if you consider a file or a site safe, then you can work around the Chrome safety feature.
Another thing to figure out is whether Google Chrome is blocking the download because the website is unsafe or is it because the file you wish to download is unsafe. Keep reading to know all about how to stop Google Chrome from blocking your downloads.
Why Does Google Chrome Browser Block Certain Downloads?
Here are all the reasons why Chrome doesn't allow you to download some specific files:
- The file you are downloading is suspicious even if the website you are downloading it from is safe.
- The file you are trying to download probably contains malware or some other virus that can harm your computer.
- In case you have managed to download the file but can't open it, then probably the file is trying to make changes to your system without permission.
- Google Chrome does not recognize what file you are trying to download. As a result, Chrome can't access its security level to mark it safe.
- The file belongs to a website that is known for having distributed suspicious, false, or malicious files.
How to Stop Chrome From Blocking Downloads?
One way to stop Chrome from blocking downloads is by disabling Google Safe Browsing mode. Follow the steps given below to execute the same:
Step 1. Launch the Google Chrome browser. Click the 3 vertical dots located at the top right corner.
Step 2. Select Settings, then click on Privacy and Security. Then, click on Security.
By default, Chrome Security will have the Standard Protection feature turned on.
Step 3. Check the No Protection option. Then, you'll get a pop-up window asking you whether you want to turn off the Safe Browsing experience. Click on Turn Off and try your download again.
Note: The Google Safe Browsing feature is there to protect you from phishing and malware websites. Turning it off will expose your computer to virus infections and several other dangers. So, it is recommended that you turn the safe browsing back on after the downloads are done.
How To Stop or Unblock Automatic Downloads: Download Multiple Files Automatically
Some sites like file conversion sites try to initiate an automatic download of multiple files in your system. But, maybe Chrome Settings have blocked that anomaly for you. In case you want to download multiple files automatically on Chrome or disable this feature, follow the steps given below.
Step 1. Launch the Chrome browser
Step 2. Navigate to Settings, scroll down to the Advanced section, and then on Downloads located below Language.
Step 3. Toggle the button next to Ask where to save each file before downloading. The toggle button should turn blue. Once done, Google Chrome will send you a prompt every time you initiate a download.
Step 4. Go back to the Advanced section and select Site Settings located under Privacy and Security
Step 5. Keep scrolling until you reach Permissions. Click on Additional Permissions and select Automatic downloads.
Step 6. Toggle the button for "Do not allow any site to download multiple files automatically" to enable automatic downloads. The option will now read: "Ask when a site tries to download files automatically after the first file (recommended)."
Google Chrome will now allow websites to perform automatic downloads. But, it will ask you for permission every time a download is initiated.
If that becomes a hassle, then we have an alternative way out. You can also add a certain website in the Allow section. Just click on Add located towards the right of Allow and enter the URL of the website that you wish to whitelist or from where you want to download something.
Note: Keep in mind that while removing the automatic download restriction is possible, it also exposes you to cyber threats. To avoid this, download a browser security extension to stay safe.
Other Methods To Stop Chrome From Blocking Downloads
If you tried out the above procedures and still cannot download certain files from the Chrome browser, try out the following solutions:
- Clear Cookies
Launch the Chrome browser and click on the three-dot menu located in the top right corner.
Go to More tools > Clear browsing data.
Then, choose a time range to specify the time until which you want to clear cookies.
Check all the items you want to clear and choose the Clear data button to clear browser caches and cookies.
- Disable Firewall or Antivirus
Third-party antivirus software can interfere with the file downloading procedure as well. So, try disabling your system's antivirus and firewall. Then, try downloading the file again. Once done, make sure you turn on the Firewall and Antivirus back on to protect your system from viruses and malware.
- Update Chrome or Reinstall It
Another thing to try out is updating your browser and that might stop Chrome from blocking downloads. Else, you can also reinstall your browser. Open the Control Panel on your system, look for Chrome, and uninstall it.
Once the uninstall is finished, you can download Google Chrome again to install it.
How To Unblock a Downloaded File From Chrome?
If you have downloaded a file but cannot open or unpack it, then you need to overrule the security feature to open or unpack it. Given below are the steps to do so:
Step 1. Go to the Downloads folder on your computer.
Step 2. Right-click on the file you want to open
Step 3. Choose 'Properties' from the dropdown menu.
Step 4. Click on the "General" tab in the Properties window. Then, select Unblock under Security
Step 5. Check the box beside Unblock and click on Apply and then on OK.
If you don't see the Unblock option, then your Windows OS might not be the reason why your downloaded file can't be opened.
Also, if you have downloaded one too many files that are blocked from opening in the system, it will be very time-consuming to unblock all of them one by one. In that case, try the following method instead:
Step 1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Windows PowerShell
Step 2. Then, enter the following address: " get-childitem "PATH" | unblock-file ." In place of "PATH," copy-paste the pathname of the folder where the downloaded files you want to unblock are located.
Step 3. Hit the Enter button to try and access the files.
How to Stop Chrome From Blocking Downloads on Your Android Smartphone
Step 1. Tap the Chrome icon on your Android smartphone to launch the Google Chrome app.
Step 2. Click on the three dots located towards the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 3. Find the Settings option and tap on it to open the Settings menu.
Step 4. Click on Site Settings.
Step 5. Now, tap on Automatic downloads and toggle the switch next to it which disables the "Ask first" feature.
Now, we'll turn on the No protection mode. To do so, follow the steps given below:
Step 1. Select Google Chrome on your phone and tap on the three-dot icon to open the More dropdown menu.
Step 2. Click on Privacy and Security
Step 3. Tap on Safe Browsing and choose No Protection that will enable you to download any file.
Note: Chrome blocks downloads from suspicious websites to protect your system from potential cyber threats like malware, virus, etc. But, if you have enabled all kinds of downloads on Chrome, then ensure that your computer is safe from all threats. Make sure you have your Antivirus working to protect the computer from any malware that might enter the system from the unrestricted downloads.
How to Stop Chrome From Blocking Downloads On An iOS device?
On an iPhone or an iPad, all the steps to prevent chrome from blocking downloads will be the same except the following changes. The More button will be located in the right upper corner of the screen. The Permissions option can be found under the Content Settings section.
Wrapping Up
That was all from our side on how to stop chrome from blocking downloads. In addition to that, we have also listed ways to take off Google's restrictions on automatic downloads.
As already mentioned, employ these measures to turn off your system's security with caution. It's recommended to use a malware scanner or an extension for security because you never know if the site or the downloaded file is safe or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unblock downloads on Google Chrome?
Perhaps you have managed to download certain suspicious files from Chrome but now you can't open them. In that case, go to the folder where you have downloaded the file and right-click on the file. Select Properties > General > Check the box next to unblock. Then, click on Apply and then on OK. You will find more information on this in the "How To Unblock A Downloaded File" section.
How do I stop Chrome from blocking downloads?
You can stop Google from blocking downloads by disabling the Safe Browsing mode. In case you wish to enable downloads from certain websites, that is also possible. The entire procedure to do so is explained in the Enable Automatic Downloads section.
How do I disable Chrome blocking?
Open your Chrome launcher and click on the three dots located in the upper right corner of the screen. Select Settings > Privacy & Security > Security > Safe Browsing. Check the box next to "No Protection." Check out the above content to find more information about unblocking downloads on Google Chrome.
How to Stop Automatic Downloads on Chrome Android
Source: https://www.softwaretesttips.com/stop-chrome-from-blocking-downloads/