The HTTP protocol does not natively support downloading multiple files within a single request. If you attempt to use the header() function inside a PHP loop to trigger multiple downloads, only the first file will typically download because once the headers are sent and the script exits or continues, the browser considers the transaction complete.
This approach creates a single temporary archive containing all requested files, which the browser then treats as a single download. php download multiple files problem. - CSS-Tricks php header to download multiple files in loop
To allow users to download multiple files effectively, you must use one of the two standard workarounds: (the most professional and common method) or triggering multiple requests via JavaScript . Method 1: Bundling Files into a ZIP Archive (Recommended) The HTTP protocol does not natively support downloading