Lots of people often need to download multiple files quickly for different tasks or projects. Fortunately, aria2 is a helpful tool that makes this easier.

This guide will walk you through how to use aria2 for downloading multiple files at the same time, ensuring it's fast, reliable, and easy to use.

By the end, you'll know how to use this versatile tool and be able to download more efficiently.

Understanding aria2 and Its Capabilities

What Is aria2?

aria2 is an open-source, command-line download utility that excels in handling bulk downloads. Unlike traditional download managers, aria2 supports multiple protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and BitTorrent. Additionally, it offers advanced features such as parallel downloading, segmented file transfers, and bandwidth control. These attributes make aria2 an ideal choice for users seeking a lightweight yet robust solution for managing large-scale downloads.

Why Choose aria2 for Bulk Downloads?

aria2 is ideal for how well it works and how adaptable it is. For example, it allows users to download several files at once, making the best use of their internet speed. Also, if a download gets interrupted, aria2 can pick up where it left off, which makes it a dependable option, especially when the internet connection isn't stable. Because of these features, aria2 is a popular choice for when you need to download many files, like collecting data sets or split archives.

To begin, you must install aria2 on your system. The subsequent sections outline the installation process and provide actionable steps for its effective use.

Installing aria2 and Basic Usage

Prerequisites for Installation

Before installing aria2, confirm your system’s compatibility. The utility operates seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux, requiring only an internet connection and, depending on your platform, a package manager like apt (Linux), Homebrew (macOS), or a manual download (Windows).

Step-by-Step Installation and Initial Download

Begin by installing aria2. For Linux, open a terminal and execute sudo apt install aria2.

On macOS, use Homebrew with brew install aria2.

For Windows, download the latest binary from the official aria2 website (aria2.github.io), extract it, and add the directory to your PATH.

Verify the installation by running aria2c --version in your terminal or command prompt, which displays the version number if successful.

To initiate a basic download, use a command like:

aria2c -x2 https://geo.mirror.pkgbuild.com/iso/2025.03.01/archlinux-x86_64.iso

This command instructs aria2 to download the file archlinux-x86_64.iso from the specified URL using two connections, enhancing speed. This simple example illustrates aria2’s utility, setting the stage for more advanced bulk download configurations.

Configuring aria2 for Bulk Downloads

Gathering Links for Download

To perform a bulk download, you need a list of URLs. One effective method involves extracting links from a webpage using JavaScript. Open your browser’s developer console on the target page and run:

var links = document.querySelectorAll('#container a');
for(var i = 0; i < links.length; i++){
  console.log(links[i].href);
};

This script retrieves all hyperlinks within elements tagged with the #container ID, logging them to the console. (The target element will change on a site by site basis, so adjust this accordingly).

Copy these URLs into a text file, such as uris.txt, with each link on a new line. This file will serve as the input for aria2’s bulk download process.

Executing Bulk Downloads from a Text File

With your list prepared, utilize aria2 to download all specified files. Navigate to the directory containing uris.txt and execute:

aria2c -i uris.txt

This command directs aria2 to read the URLs from uris.txt and download each file sequentially. To customize the output location, add the -d option, such as aria2c -i uris.txt -d /path/to/destination. For further control, explore additional options as outlined in the next section. This approach exemplifies aria2’s strength in handling bulk downloads efficiently.

Optimizing and Troubleshooting aria2

Enhancing Downloads with Multiple Connections

To maximize download speed, aria2 supports multiple connections per file. For instance, execute:

aria2c -x16 -s16 <url>

Here, -x16 specifies up to 16 simultaneous connections, while -s16 splits the file into 16 segments, significantly accelerating the process. Apply this to bulk downloads by combining it with the input file option: aria2c -i uris.txt -x16 -s16. This configuration optimizes bandwidth usage, making it ideal for large files or extensive lists.

Additionally, adjust bandwidth with --max-overall-download-limit. For example, aria2c -i uris.txt -x16 -s16 --max-overall-download-limit=1M caps the total speed at 1 MB/s, preventing network overload. These enhancements ensure aria2 performs at its peak for bulk download tasks.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Occasionally, aria2 may encounter obstacles. If downloads fail, verify the URLs in uris.txt for accuracy, as invalid links trigger errors reported in the terminal. Next, ensure a stable internet connection, as disruptions can halt progress. For detailed diagnostics, enable logging with --log=aria2.log, such as aria2c -i uris.txt --log=aria2.log, and review the output.

Moreover, confirm sufficient disk space in your download directory, as shortages interrupt the process. Address these issues proactively to maintain a seamless experience. For further assistance, consult the official documentation at aria2.github.io, a valuable resource for mastering this utility.