Managing Downloaded Files in the Mobile App
The Downloads screen provides centralised management of all files you've downloaded to your device. Access your complete file library, organised by event and folder structure, with full offline functionality.
At its simplest, Downloads answers one question: Where are my saved files and how do I access them offline?
Who uses this: Event attendees, organisers, and staff with file access permissions.
Key capabilities:
- View and organise all downloaded files by event
- Access files completely offline without internet
- Track download progress for multiple files
- Manage device storage by removing old downloads
- Share files with other apps on your device
How It Works
At a glance: Select files to download, wait for them to save, then access them anytime - even without internet.
1. Downloading files
When you tap to download a file, it joins a queue. The app downloads up to 4 files at once, showing progress for each. You can continue using other features while downloads complete in the background.
2. Organising your library
Downloaded files appear organised by event name, then by file type (admin files vs member files). Navigate through folders just like you would on a computer, with a breadcrumb trail showing where you are.
3. Accessing files offline
Once downloaded, files work completely without internet. Open images, play audio and video, or view documents - all stored locally on your device.
4. Managing storage
The app shows how much space your downloads use. Remove individual files or clear everything at once. Your original files in the cloud remain safe - only the local copies are deleted.
Think of it this way:
- The cloud stores your original files safely online
- Downloads creates a local copy on your device
- Deleting a download only removes the local copy - originals stay safe
File Organisation
Files are organised to help you find what you need quickly:
- By event: Each event with downloads appears at the top level
- By access type: Within each event, files are grouped into "Event admin files" or "Event member files"
- By folder: The original folder structure from the cloud is preserved
Why this structure? Different people have access to different files. This organisation keeps admin resources separate from member content while matching the folder layout you see when browsing online.
Navigate using the breadcrumb trail at the top of the screen. Tap any breadcrumb to jump directly to that level, or tap the back button to go up one folder.
Working with Downloaded Files
Each downloaded file shows its name, size, and a thumbnail preview where available. Audio files display album artwork and track information when embedded in the file.
Opening files:
- Images: Open in a full-screen gallery viewer
- Documents: View with scrolling and zoom controls
- Audio: Play with background playback and lock screen controls
- Video: Play in the integrated video player
- Other files: Share to open in another app
Smart file ordering: Files are sorted intelligently so "Track 2" appears before "Track 10", keeping numbered sequences in proper order.
Storage Management
The footer shows how much device storage your downloads use. When storage runs low, the app warns you before problems occur.
Deleting downloads:
To remove a single file:
- Long-press the file or tap its action button
- Select "Delete Download"
- Confirm the deletion
To remove all downloads:
- Tap "Remove all downloads" in the footer
- Confirm the deletion
Note: Deleting a download only removes the copy from your device. The original file in the cloud remains untouched - you can always download it again later.
Offline Access
Once downloaded, files work completely without internet:
- Browse your folder structure
- View images and documents
- Play audio and video files
- See file information and thumbnails
What requires internet:
- Downloading new files
- Seeing updates to files that changed in the cloud
- Accessing files you haven't downloaded yet
When you reconnect, new files become available in the file browser. Downloaded files keep their existing content until you download them again.
Sharing Files
To share a downloaded file:
- Open the file
- Tap the share icon
- Choose where to send it (email, messages, another app, etc.)
The standard sharing options for your device appear, letting you send files anywhere you normally would.
Media Playback
Audio files:
- Play in the background while using other apps
- Control playback from the lock screen
- Add pins to bookmark important moments
- Album artwork displays when available
Video files:
- Play within the app with playback controls
- Switch to fullscreen mode
- Add pins to mark key moments
Low Storage Behaviour
When your device storage is critically low:
- The app warns you before downloads fail
- Files may be stored temporarily instead of permanently
- Temporary files are cleared when you close the app
- You can free space by deleting existing downloads
Why temporary storage? When there isn't enough space for permanent storage, the app can still let you view files briefly. This is a fallback - for reliable offline access, ensure you have adequate storage.
Common Questions
Downloads and Storage
Can I download files for offline use? Yes. Any file you download is saved to your device and works without internet until you delete it.
Will deleting a download remove the original file? No. Deleting a download only removes the copy from your device. The original file in the cloud is not affected.
Why did my files disappear after restarting the app? If your device was very low on storage, files may have been stored temporarily rather than permanently. Check your available storage and re-download the files.
Download Issues
Why is my download failing? Common causes:
- Unstable internet connection
- Insufficient device storage
- The original file may have been moved or deleted
Try checking your connection, freeing up storage space, and re-downloading individual files.
Can I pause and resume downloads? No. If you need to stop a download, cancel it and start again later. The file will download from the beginning.
How many files can download at once? Up to 4 files download simultaneously. Additional files wait in the queue automatically.
Need help? Contact support@seaty.co.uk