How to Open Any ZIP File on Your iPhone

One of the main benefits of sending a ZIP file is that it saves you from the hassle of attaching multiple files individually. By compressing files into a single ZIP, you reduce transfer time and make file management easier. However, many iPhone users are unsure how to open ZIP files on their devices.

This article will guide you through the process.

Unzipping a ZIP file without additional software

Starting from iOS 11, Apple introduced the Files app, which lets you preview and extract the contents of ZIP files without needing third-party apps. But if you want to create ZIP files, you’ll still need an app from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.

Apple added built-in compress and uncompress support to the Files app with iOS 13. If your iPhone is running iOS 13 or later:

1. Open the Files app and find the ZIP file you downloaded.
2. Tap the ZIP file, and your iPhone will automatically extract its contents.
3. A new folder, with the same name as your ZIP file, will appear. This folder contains all the extracted files.
4. Tap the new folder to open and view your files.

If you’re using iOS 12 or earlier, follow these steps:

1. Open the Files app and locate the downloaded ZIP file. Tap it to select.
2. To preview the contents of the ZIP file, tap Preview Content.
3. If you want to unzip the whole file, tap the Share icon in the top-right corner.
4. Scroll down and tap the Save to Files option.
5. Choose where you’d like to save the extracted files: for example, iCloud Drive, On My iPhone, or On My iPad if using an iPad.
6. Select the target folder and tap Add in the upper-right corner to save the file to your chosen location.

That’s all you need to do to unzip files without installing another app. If you’re interested in alternative options or need more features, continue reading below.

Unzipping a ZIP file using third-party apps

Apple Mail can often unzip attachments directly in the app. However, for ZIP files stored in your Files app, received through AirDrop, or managed outside of Mail, third-party apps can help.

iZip Pro – Zip Unzip-Unrar Tool

iZip Pro is a paid app with a wide range of features. It not only lets you open password-protected ZIP files, but also create your own ZIP files. iZip is especially useful for business and professional users. Some of its key features include:

• Unzipping various compressed file types (e.g. RAR, 7Z, XIPX, etc.)
• Opening and viewing different document formats (e.g. DOC, Excel, PPT, PDF)
• Direct support in the Files app, allowing access from iCloud Drive within the Document Browser
• Encrypting and decrypting ZIP files

Please note: You can only access files saved on your device, not those in the Mail app or third-party cloud storage apps. A free version of the app is also available for basic use.

For a step-by-step guide to using iZip, check out this tutorial:

WinZip

Another reliable app for unzipping files on iPhone is WinZip. WinZip can open many types of compressed files (ZIP, RAR, 7z) and allows you to view different file types like PDF, DOC, or PPT. The app is free to download, but you may need to pay a one-time fee after the trial period to keep using all features.

To unzip files using WinZip:

1. Open the WinZip app and go to File > Open to select your ZIP file.
2. Select the files you want to access from the ZIP archive.
3. Tap 1-click Unzip and choose Unzip to iPhone or Cloud in the toolbar under Unzip/Share.
4. Pick the folder where you want to save the unzipped files, then tap Unzip.

Now, you’ll be able to easily access your unzipped files.

Zip & RAR File Extractor

If you need more features than just extracting ZIP files, Zip & RAR File Extractor offers advanced tools including a document viewer, media player, and photo viewer, while supporting over 180 different compression types.

With this app, you can also compress files into ZIP or .7z formats and use various security features like file hashing or a password manager.

Apple has made it increasingly easy to open ZIP files natively on your iPhone since the iOS 13 update. If you’ve had trouble extracting archives before, we hope this article has pointed you in the right direction and made the process much clearer.