Multiple File downloads in Chrome enable a site to initiate a new download as soon as one file has finished downloading.
This option is helpful while being used with safe, legitimate sites.
However, some malicious sites can use this option to force Chrome to download malicious files.
By default, Google Chrome asks for your permission or confirmation before downloading multiple files.
In this article, you will learn how to enable multiple downloads in Chrome. How to disable this option and exclude some sites from allowing multiple downloads.
Let’s get started!
How To Allow Multiple File Downloads in Chrome
- Open Chrome and Click the three-button icon in the top right corner to open the Menu
- Select Settings
- Head to Privacy and Security section
- Select Site Settings
- In the Permissions section. Select Additional Permissions.
- Select Automatic Downloads or type chrome://settings/content/automaticDownloads in the address bar and hit enter.
- Now select the option of Sites can ask to automatically download multiple files
That’s it! Now sites will download multiple files in Chrome after asking for your prompt or permission.
After allowing sites to automatically download multiple files in Chrome, you can exclude some sites that you find suspicious, that you do not trust, or those you do not want this option to be applied.
Check out: How To Turn off Google Smart Lock in Chrome and Android
Exclude Some Sites from Automatically Downloading Multiple Files in Chrome
- Type chrome://settings/content/automaticDownloads in the address bar and hit Enter to access Automatic downloads
- After Selecting the option for Sites can ask to automatically download multiple files
- Scroll down to the section of Not allowed to automatically download multiple files. Click Add
- Place in the websites that you want to be excluded from the option of automatically downloading multiple files in Chrome and hit Add
Note: To block the whole site with all its subdomains, use the [*.] prefix followed by the site address as shown in the image below.
Do this for all the websites you wish to be blocked, and Chrome will automatically block these sites without asking for your prompt or permission first.
But how about when you have sites you want to download files automatically without having to ask for your prompt?
This means they will not have to ask for your permission or prompt you to download multiple files in Chrome.
Follow the steps below to enable this option.
How To Allow Automatic Multiple File Downloads For Specific Sites in Chrome
Follow the steps below to allow certain sites to automatically download multiple files in Chrome without asking first;
- Open Chrome Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings
- Under Additional Permissions > Select Automatic downloads
- After selecting the option of Sites can ask to automatically download multiple files
- Scroll down to the Allowed to automatically download multiple files section
- Click Add to add the site(s) you want to automatically download multiple files in Chrome without asking first.
Done! The sites you have added will automatically download multiple files in Google Chrome without asking for your permission first.
How To Disable Multiple File Downloads in Chrome
However, this feature is not recommended since it will block whichever site, even those you consider safe, from attempting to download multiple files automatically.
It is better to use the option of Allowing sites to automatically download multiple files while excluding some sites from this option.
To disable multiple file downloads in Chrome, follow the steps below;
- Open Chrome and Click the three-button icon in the top right corner to open the Menu
- Select Settings
- Head to Privacy and Security section > Site Settings
- In the Permissions section. Select Additional Permissions.
- Select Automatic Downloads
- Now select the option of Don’t allow sites to automatically download multiple files
That’s it! You have disabled automatic multiple file downloads in Chrome.
Chrome will block any attempt to download multiple files in Chrome, and you will not be bothered with prompts.
Also Read: Top 10 Ways to fix Missed Call Notifications not showing up on Android
How To Allow Automatic Downloads in Chrome Mobile
- Open the Chrome App. Tap the three-button icon in the top right corner to open the Menu
- Tap Settings
- Under the Advanced section > Tap Site settings
- Scroll down and select Automatic downloads
- Toggle on the button for Automatic downloads
All done! You have now enabled automatic file downloads in Chrome on Android.
Note: To disable automatic file downloads in Chrome on Android, follow the same procedure above but at the last step, Toggle off the button for Automatic downloads.
But what if you have specific sites you want to automatically download files even when automatic downloads are turned off?
For that, you have to add the sites you still want to automatically download files to the exception list.
Allow Automatic Downloads For Specific Sites and Block the Rest in Chrome – Android
- Open Chrome > Settings > Scroll down to Site Settings > Scroll down to Automatic downloads
- Toggle off the button for Automatic downloads
- An option to Add Site Exceptions will appear below
- Add the specific sites you want to have automatic downloads on
All set! Automatic downloads have been blocked except for the sites you have added to the exception list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I unblock multiple downloads on Chrome mobile?
Open Chrome. Tap the three-dot icon to open the Menu > Select Settings > Site Settings > Automatic downloads > Toggle on the Automatic downloads button
Why is Chrome blocking downloads?
Chrome is blocking downloads because of your browser security settings. The site you are downloading from might be flagged as unsafe by Chrome thus blocking downloads.
How to Allow multiple downloads on Chrome?
Open Chrome > Settings > Under Privacy and Security > Select Site Settings > Under Permissions > Select Additional Permissions > Select Automatic downloads > Select Sites can ask to automatically download multiple files
Summing Up
I have looked at ways to allow multiple file downloads in Chrome.
Both how to enable and disable this option in Chrome and on Android.
How to and exclude some sites from using this setting.
I hope you found this article helpful. Share this post to spread the knowledge!
If you face any issues, hit me up by commenting on your problem in the comment section.
I will be glad to reach out.
Follow us on Facebook and join our Telegram channel to catch the latest updates!