How to unzip on Android

Open ZIP files on your Android phone with the built-in Files by Google app — no paid apps required.

Updated April 2026 6 min read Beginner
Quick answer
  • Open Files by Google → tap the .zip → tap Extract.
  • Samsung phones: use the built-in My Files app the same way.
  • Password-protected or .rar/.7z? Install ZArchiver (free, no ads, handles every format).

Using the built-in Files app

Most Android phones include a Files app that handles basic ZIPs out of the box.

On Pixel and stock Android: Files by Google

  1. Open Files by Google If you don’t have it, install free from the Play Store.
  2. Navigate to the .zip Usually under Downloads.
  3. Tap the .zip file A preview appears showing the contents.
  4. Tap “Extract” The contents are saved in the same folder. You can delete the ZIP after.

On Samsung Galaxy: My Files

Samsung’s built-in My Files app works the same way: tap the ZIP, tap Extract.

Password-protected ZIPs on Android

Neither Files by Google nor Samsung My Files can enter passwords. You’ll need a third-party app. ZArchiver is the best free option — no ads, no nags, works with every archive format.

  1. Install ZArchiver From the Play Store, free.
  2. Open ZArchiver and navigate to the ZIP Use the built-in file browser.
  3. Tap the ZIP → Extract here (or Extract to…) ZArchiver prompts for the password.
  4. Paste the password Tap OK. Files appear in the destination folder.

Opening RAR, 7z, TAR.GZ on Android

ZArchiver handles ZIP, RAR, 7z, TAR, TAR.GZ, ISO, and a dozen more formats. Install once, and you’re covered for everything.

Alternatives:

  • RAR (the official WinRAR app, free with ads) — from RARLAB.
  • Solid Explorer — a file manager with built-in archive support. Paid but excellent.

Unzipping from Google Drive or cloud storage

Google Drive cannot extract archives directly in the app. Two options:

  1. Download the ZIP first, then extract with your file manager.
  2. Open with ZArchiver. In Drive, tap the three-dot menu on the file → Open with → ZArchiver. It streams the file rather than fully downloading.

Troubleshooting

1“Extraction failed” with no clear reason

Most often: not enough storage. Check Settings → Storage. Extracted files can be several times larger than the ZIP. Try extracting to external SD card if available.

2Wrong password — but I’m sure it’s right

Android keyboards often autocorrect or add trailing spaces. Long-press and paste instead of typing. If you must type, disable autocorrect first in your keyboard settings.

3Can’t find the downloaded ZIP

Check Internal storage → Download. Chrome and Firefox default there. Gmail attachments land in Download as well when you tap the download icon.