Google Chrome automatically blocks suspicious file downloads. However, if you believe your file is completely safe, you can download it by temporarily allowing all downloads. Here’s how to do it on computer, Android, iPhone and iPad.
Warning: Be aware that Chrome blocks downloads of certain files because it believes these files may harm your device. So it’s a good idea to keep this feature enabled. You should only disable the feature when you know the file you are downloading is completely safe.
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Unblock File Downloads in Chrome on Desktop
If you’re downloading a file from a non-fraudulent site and you know it’s safe to use, here’s how to turn off Chrome’s security option to allow all types of file downloads.
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Start by launching Chrome on your computer. In the upper right corner of the browser, click on the three dots.
In the three-dot menu, click on “Settings”.
On the “Settings” page, in the left sidebar, click “Security & Privacy”.
In the “Security & Privacy” section on the right, click “Security” to access Chrome’s security settings.
On the “Security” page, in the “Safe browsing” section, select the “No protection” option. This disables your browser’s security features.
Point: Once your file has downloaded, re-enable the “Standard protection” or “Enhanced protection” option to enable Chrome’s security features.
Confirm your choice by choosing “Disable” in the prompt.
Now that Chrome will no longer block your file downloads, go ahead and download your file. Then re-enable Chrome’s security option so that your browser is protected again.
You may want to scan your file for viruses before using it.
RELATED: Newbie Geek: Scan Files for Viruses Before Using Them
Make Chrome Not Block Downloads on Android
To enable all file downloads in Chrome on Android, first launch the Chrome browser on your phone.
In the upper right corner of Chrome, tap the three dots.
In the menu that opens, select “Settings”.
In “Settings”, tap on “Privacy and security”.
Select “Safe Browsing”.
On the “Safe Browsing” screen, enable “No protection (not recommended)”.
Tap “Disable” in the prompt.
And Chrome won’t block your file downloads until you turn the feature back on. Go ahead and download the desired file. Once done, re-enable the option you just disabled to ensure you stay safe.
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Disable Chrome’s “Safe Browsing” Feature on iPhone and iPad
To disable Chrome’s Safe Browsing feature on your iPhone or iPad, first launch Chrome on your phone.
In the lower right corner of Chrome, tap the three dots.
In the menu that opens, select “Settings”.
On the “Settings” page, tap on “Google services”.
On the “Google Services” screen, turn off the “Safe Browsing” option. Then, in the upper right corner, tap on “Done”.
And you are ready.
On a related note, if you’re having trouble downloading multiple files in Chrome, enable an option and your problem will be fixed. Check out our guide to find out how.
RELATED: How to Enable or Disable Multiple File Downloads in Chrome
