Cannot download files using Anchor elements created within HTML elements

Need help
1

The following code is written within the HTML element.

<script>
  const downloadLink = document.createElement("a");
  const fileName = "sample.csv";
  downloadLink.download = fileName;
  downloadLink.href = sampleObjectUrl;
  downloadLink.click();
</script>

It works and downloads fine from my PC browser (Chrome), but not from my smartphone (AndroidOS).
What could be the cause?

2

I think the download must be triggered by an user action. Something like the user click a button and then you execute your script.

3

Thanks for answering.
The example I gave above was forcing a click event, but I could not do it by clicking directly on the anchor element on the screen as follows.

<a id="downloadLink">download</a>

<script>
  const downloadLink = document.getElementById("downloadLink");
  const fileName = "sample.csv";
  downloadLink.download = fileName;
  downloadLink.href = sampleObjectUrl;
</script>
```
4

have you got an example of sampleObjectUrl?

5

this example works in desktop, android, ios:

<a id="downloadLink">download</a>

<script>
  const downloadLink = document.getElementById("downloadLink");
  const fileName = "helloWorld.txt";
  downloadLink.download = fileName;
  downloadLink.href = 'data:text/plain,HelloWorld!';
</script>
6

Thanks for even creating the example.
I tried to run the example you created as is, but still could not download the file on android, even though I could on desktop.
It seems that there is another cause.

7

have you tried on an empty page? what browser are you using? is the link actually reachable or is it covered by a transparent group/element?

8

The cause was found.
I was using a screen created with .bubble in an app I use at my company, and it seemed to be a limitation of the app.
I was able to download the file from Chrome instead of the app.
Sorry for the trouble.
Thanks for thinking with me.

9

I’m happy you found a solution :slight_smile:

10

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