Question downloaded files are invisible in samsung galaxy note 8

[livinlavidaloca]

hello every1,
hoping some1 can help me figure out this weird thing. I've a Samsung galaxy note 8 (stock RoM, no mods ). when ever i download a file (say a pdf, for example), it says, download is complete. when i try to open, it takes me back to download page. when i search for the downloaded file, i don't find it. when i try to re-download the same file, it says, file already exists. i tried with Samsung browser & chrome.
i searched the entire device (internal storage, sd card). searched by file name, searched by file type -- nothing comes up.
I've tried few 'tips' or 'hacks' post googling .. settings --> apps-- > reset app preferences, settings --> show system apps --> clear cache of 'download manager' & 'downloads', file manager --> settings --> show hidden files
i use only the default 'my files' app that came with the device.
this phenomenon started happening only from today (as far as i can tell). earlier, i never had this problem. i don't remember tinkering with any settings on the phone.
android ver -9.0, kernel -- 4.4.153, 1ui ver - 1.0

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Do you have an SD card inserted? If so, did you also search that storage location?

Try also a 3rd party file manager app, like Total Commander.

 

[livinlavidaloca]

hi diddy,
s, searched internal storage + sd card (mentioned in my original post also). file not found. not using any 3rd party file mgr app. (mentioned in my original post too)

 

[mustang7757]

Welcome to AC!
You're not signed into your Google account? I see the play store is not signed in on the screenshot

 

[B. Diddy]

hi diddy,
s, searched internal storage + sd card (mentioned in my original post also). file not found. not using any 3rd party file mgr app. (mentioned in my original post too)

Whoops, sorry I missed the mention of the SD card. But it's still worth trying a 3rd party file manager (that was a suggestion, not a question). Give Total Commander a try -- it's free and ad-free.

 

[bearone2]

have you checked the download folder??

 

[VidJunky]

Welcome to Android Central forums. Just a few questions to be sure we're all looking at the same things and on the same page.

What app are you using when you attempt these downloads?

Where are you attempting to download these files from? I'm just looking for a website, posts in an app, links to a server/cloud, or something else?

You mention that you only use the default file manager to search for and view files, but it doesn't sound like the files are actually downloading. Is there any indication that the file is actually downloading? Is there any indication the download has completed?

It also sounds like you've given your file manager "what for" but have you also cleared the cache, and maybe the data, of the app you've using to download the files?

It looks like a lot of the basics have been covered in advice so far so I will refrain from offering any until we get the answers to these questions.