How to open ZIP files on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

If you need to email a large file or create an archive, a ZIP file can help save space. Follow these steps to compress files, uncompress a ZIP file and more.

On iPhone or iPod touch

If you need to share a large file or multiple files, a compressed file takes up less storage space and can be sent faster because of its smaller file size. Find out how to compress or uncompress files on your iPhone or iPod touch.

How to create a ZIP file on your iPhone or iPod touch

  1. Open the Files app, then choose a location like On My iPhone or iCloud Drive.

  2. Tap theMore buttonNo alt supplied for Image, then tap Select. Choose one or more files.

    Select is located at the top of the menu.

  3. Tap theMore buttonNo alt supplied for Image in the lower right, then tap Compress.

    Compress is located above Download Now.

If you selected one file, a ZIP file with the same file name saves to that folder. If you selected multiple files, a ZIP archive named Archive.zip saves to that folder. To change its name, touch and hold on the ZIP archive, then select Rename.

How to open a ZIP file on your iPhone or iPod touch

  1. Open the Files app, then find the ZIP file or archive from which you want to extract.

  2. Tap the ZIP file or archive.

  3. A folder is created containing the files. To change its name, touch and hold on the folder, then tap Rename.

  4. Tap to open the folder.

On iPad

If you need to share a large file or multiple files, a compressed file takes up less storage space and can be sent faster because of its smaller file size. Learn how to compress or uncompress files on your iPad.

How to create a ZIP file on your iPad

  1. Open the Files app, then choose a location like On My iPad or iCloud Drive.

  2. Tap Select, then choose one or more files.

  3. Tap More, then tap Compress.

    Compress is located above Remove Download.

  4. If you selected one file, a ZIP file with the same file name saves to that folder. If you selected multiple files, a ZIP archive named Archive.zip saves to that folder. To change its name, touch and hold on the ZIP archive, then select Rename.

How to open a ZIP file on your iPad

  1. Open the Files app, then find the ZIP file or archive from which you want to extract.

  2. Tap the ZIP file or archive.

  3. A folder is created containing the files. To change its name, touch and hold on the folder, then tap Rename.

Need more help?

  • You can uncompress .ar, .bz2, .cpio, .rar, .tar, .tgz or .zip files in the Files app.

  • Find out about other ways you can use the Files app.

  • If a file is too large to send as a regular attachment, you can also try using Mail Drop.

  • Want to share multiple files with friends or colleagues? Try sharing a folder in iCloud Drive.

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