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The Mac Dock is the virtual command centre of your macOS experience, offering a convenient and customisable way to access your favourite applications and frequently used features. The Mac’s Dock normally includes the Downloads folder next to the Trash icon. But if you’ve mistakenly removed it from the Dock or intentionally removed it, you might be having trouble getting to your downloaded files.
This article discusses a few ways to help you restore the Download folder to the Dock in macOS and some other ways to access the Download folder.
Also read: How to change the password on MacOS?
Adding Download folder to Dock
There are two ways to add the Download folder to Dock, and we have explained them below.
Restore the Download folder from the Home directory
Restoring the download folder from the home directory is one of the easiest and simplest ways to get the download folder back to Dock. To restore it follow the steps below.
Step 1: Open the Finder and click on the Go tab in the menu bar, and then in the dropdown menu, click on the Home. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut to open the Home directory: Command + Shift + H.
Step 3: Now, Drag the Downloads folder to the left side of the Trash icon on the Dock.
Step 4: The download folder will be restored on Dock again.
Also read: How to remove the flashlight from the lock screen on iPhone?
Reset the Dock through the Terminal
Resetting the Dock will reset it to its default settings. To reset the dock, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Open Finder, click on the Applications option in the sidebar, and then click on the Utilities folder.
Step 2: Double-click on the Terminal.
Step 3: Copy and paste the command defaults delete com.apple.dock; killall Dock andhit Enter.
Other ways to access the Downloads folder on Mac
Using Keyboard Shortcuts: Press Option + Command + L in the Finder.
Using the Top Menu Bar: Open Finder and click on Go, then in the dropdown menu, click on the Downloads option.
Using Spotlight Search: Press Command + Space Bar, and type the name of the folder. Spotlight will help you find it.
In Finder: Look on the left side of the Finder, and you’ll see the Downloads folder listed.
Using Siri: Call Siri and ask her to open the Downloads folder for you.
Also read: How to minimise all Mac windows?
