Turning off WiFi or deliberately closing Google Chrome on Android won’t stop the progressing downloads. Instead, the app will just resume or restart the download once it’s relaunched. Hence, to cancel a download, you have to do it in the right way.
Canceling a downloading file on Chrome is easy. On the latest iterations, it will stop the process and clean the downloaded data immediately. Just be sure you are using the latest version of the app.
Here’s how to cancel downloads in Chrome Android.
1. Tap the Chrome icon menu on the top right corner.
2. Then, select Downloads.
3. Navigate to the download you want to cancel, and hit the X button on the right.
4. The download will be canceled and the file will be removed from the list and your phone.
Additionally, be sure that you are not leaving Chrome with a download link still open. Otherwise, it will trigger another download once you open the app later. Check the running tabs and close everything you no longer need.
Canceling downloads in Chrome for Android requires the right approach to prevent automatic resumption. Here’s a complete guide on managing your downloads effectively.
Table of Contents
How to Cancel Downloads
The Direct Method
Open Chrome’s menu, tap Downloads, and select the X button next to the file you want to cancel. This removes both the download progress and clears the partially downloaded file from your device.
Alternative Solutions
Press directly on the downloading file name in the notification bar to reveal Cancel and Pause options. Select Cancel to stop the download completely.
Preventing Unwanted Downloads
Disable Automatic Downloads
- Open Chrome Settings
- Navigate to Privacy and Security
- Select Site Settings
- Find Automatic Downloads
- Toggle off to prevent automatic file downloads
Storage Permission Control
Manage Chrome’s download behavior by adjusting storage permissions:
- Long-press Chrome app icon
- Select App Info
- Tap Permissions
- Modify Storage access settings
FAQ
Why does my download resume after restarting Chrome?
The download resumes because Chrome saves the download state. Always cancel downloads properly through the Downloads menu rather than force-closing the app.
How can I prevent Chrome from auto-downloading files?
Disable storage permissions for Chrome in your Android settings. This forces Chrome to ask for permission before any download begins.
What if the download is stuck?
Clear Chrome’s cache and data:
- Go to Android Settings
- Find Chrome under Apps
- Clear Cache
- If needed, Clear Data (note: this will sign you out)
Thank you, I always lovvvvvvvvve your website.
So I have slimjet, and when I use the builtin download files/extract links of it, and it starts downloading all the images from the page, I cannot get it to stop.
Winexplorer comes up each image file and I
I have tried
Shift
ALT
ESC
with the cancel button, but it just….keeps…..going.
How to break the auto-cycle of this?
Much thanks!
wheres my post for help from yesterday please?
shame on you, I saw my post question here for four days and now its gone.