When your RealMe 16 cannot download files, even simple tasks like saving images, documents, or app updates become frustrating. You may see downloads stuck at zero percent or failing without a clear error. In most cases, this problem is caused by storage limits, network issues, or permission settings, and each one is easy to fix once you know where to look.
Why Your RealMe 16 Can’t Download Files
- Internet connection is unstable or switching between networks.
- Storage space is full or restricted.
- Download Manager is disabled or malfunctioning.
- App permissions are blocking file access.
- Battery or data restrictions are limiting background activity.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Downloads rely on a stable connection, and even brief interruptions can cause them to fail. Switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data also helps identify whether the issue is network-related.
Open Settings, and then tap Network and Internet.
Tap Wi-Fi or Mobile data, and make sure the connection is active and stable.
If needed, turn the connection off for a few seconds, then turn it back on.
2. Free Up Storage Space
If your phone is low on storage, downloads will not complete even if they start normally. The system needs free space to save files temporarily before finishing the download.
Open Settings, and then tap Storage.
Check the available space and remove unused files or apps if storage is nearly full.
Restart the phone after clearing space to refresh the system.
3. Enable Download Manager
The Download Manager handles all file downloads on your device. If it is disabled, downloads will fail instantly or never start.
Open Settings, and then tap Apps.
Tap App management and find Download Manager.
Make sure it is enabled and not restricted.
4. Check App Permissions
Some apps cannot download files if they do not have permission to access storage. This commonly affects browsers, messaging apps, and cloud storage services.
Open Settings, and then tap Privacy.
Tap Permission manager and select Files and media.
Allow access for the app you are using to download files.
5. Turn Off Data and Battery Restrictions
Background limits can pause or block downloads without warning. Disabling these restrictions allows the download process to complete properly.
Open Settings, and then tap Battery.
Tap App battery usage and select the affected app.
Set it to allow background activity and unrestricted data usage.
6. Restart the Phone
A restart clears temporary system errors that may interfere with downloads. It also refreshes network services and background processes.
Open Settings, and then tap Power options.
Tap Restart and wait for the phone to boot up fully.
Try downloading the file again after the restart.
File download issues on the RealMe 16 are usually caused by small configuration problems rather than hardware faults. Once your connection, storage, and permissions are properly set, downloads should work normally again.
FAQs
Why do downloads stay stuck at zero percent on my RealMe 16?
This usually happens when the internet connection is unstable or when Download Manager is disabled. Checking both often resolves the issue immediately.
Can low storage cause download failures even if the file is small?
Yes. Android needs temporary space to process downloads, so even small files may fail if storage is almost full.
Do third-party browsers affect downloading files?
Yes. If a browser does not have storage permission or is restricted in the background, downloads may fail. Granting proper permissions usually fixes it.