TROUBLESHOOTING
Fix common download issues
Public links only — step-by-step help before you contact support.
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Link won't downloadlink won't download Private or login-walled linkprivate or login-walled link Wrong file or qualitywrong file or quality Where files savewhere files save
Common questions
Does SMDownloader store my files?
No. After you save, files live on your device in the browser's default download location. See the where-files-save guide for iPhone, Android, and desktop paths.
Can I download a private Instagram or Facebook video?
No. Only public posts work. Friends-only, group-restricted, or login-required URLs cannot be fetched.
Which troubleshooting guide should I read first?
Start with link-won't-download for URL shape and outage tips, then private-or-login-walled if the post needs a login in incognito.
Does SMDownloader run extraction in the browser only?
No. Our servers resolve public links through /api/extract; you preview and save the file locally in your browser.
Wrong file type or blurry video?
See wrong-file-or-quality — we return best available quality from the platform; we do not upscale or remove watermarks.
Download succeeded but I cannot find the file?
See where-files-save for iPhone Photos, Android Downloads, and desktop folder paths after you confirm save in the browser.