Zip files, also known as compressed files, are a great way to save space on your iPhone or iPad. These files take up less storage space and can be sent faster because of their smaller size. We’ll take you through everything you need to know about how to open zip files on iPhone, including how to create a zip file, extract a zip file, and what zip files are.
What Are Zip Files?
Zip files are a type of compressed file that combines multiple files into a single file. It’s a great way to save space on your iPhone or iPad, especially if you have a lot of files that you need to store. Zip files can contain any type of file, including documents, audio files, images, and videos.
(Image Credit: Apple Support)
How to Create a Zip File on iPhone
Creating a zip file on your iPhone or iPad is straightforward. Here are the steps:
- Launch the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Look for the files you want to work with, whether on your device or in the cloud.
- View and select the relevant files.
- Tap the “More” icon (three dots) and select “Compress.”
- Rename the archive if required.
Once you’ve created your zip file, it will be saved to the same location as the original files.
How to Extract a Zip File on iPhone
If you’ve received a zip file on your iPhone or iPad, you can easily extract it using the Files app. Here’s how:
- Launch the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Find the zip file you want to extract.
- Tap the zip file to open it.
- A folder will be created containing the files. To change its name, touch and hold on the folder, then tap Rename.
Once you’ve extracted the files, you can view and use them just like any other file on your iPhone or iPad.
How to Unzip Files on iPhone
If you need to unzip files on your iPhone or iPad, you can use the Files app to extract them. Here’s how:
- Launch the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Find the zip file you want to extract.
- Press and hold on the zip file to see more options.
- Tap “Uncompress” to extract the files.
- A folder will be created containing the files. To change its name, touch and hold on the folder, then tap Rename.
Once you’ve unzipped the files, you can view and use them just like any other file on your iPhone or iPad.
How to Open Zip Files on iPhone from Email
If you’ve received a zip file via email on your iPhone or iPad, you can still extract it using the Files app. Here’s how:
- Open the Mail or Gmail app and find the email with the zip file as an attachment.
- Press the zip file and tap “Save to Files.”
- Choose a location to save the zip file.
- Open the Files app and go to the folder where you saved the zip file.
- Tap the zip file to extract it.
How to Open Zip Files on iPhone from Google Drive
If you’ve received a zip file via Google Drive on your iPhone or iPad, you can still extract it using the Files app. Here’s how:
- Tap the three dots next to the zip file inside Google Drive.
- Tap “Open in” and then “Save to Files.”
- Choose a location to save the zip file.
- Open the Files app and go to the folder where you saved the zip file.
- Tap the zip file to extract it.
Benefits of Using Zip Files on iPhone
There are several benefits to using zip files on your iPhone or iPad. Here are a few:
- They take up less storage space.
- They can be sent faster because of their smaller size.
- They are easier to email since you can squeeze their size below the typical 25MB attachment limit.
- They help to keep your files organized by combining multiple files into a single file.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to open zip files on iPhone. We’ve explained what zip files are, how to create a zip file, extract a zip file, and how to unzip files on iPhone. We’ve also covered how to open zip files on iPhone from email and Google Drive. With these tips, you’ll be able to manage your files more efficiently and save space on your device.