How to unzip on iPhone & iPad

Open ZIP files on iOS without installing anything extra — plus what to do for RAR, 7z, and password-protected archives.

Updated April 2026 6 min read Beginner
Quick answer
  • Open the Files app → tap the .zip → it extracts into the same folder.
  • For password-protected ZIPs, install a free app like iZip — the built-in Files app cannot enter passwords.
  • .rar and .7z also need a third-party app. iZip and Unzip Tool both work.

Unzip basic ZIPs (built-in)

Since iOS 13, the Files app can unzip files natively — no apps required.

  1. Open the Files app The blue folder icon. If you don’t see it, swipe down on your home screen and search Files.
  2. Find the .zip file It’s usually in On My iPhone → Downloads or iCloud Drive.
  3. Tap the .zip file iOS extracts it and puts the contents in a new folder right next to the ZIP.
  4. Open the extracted folder Tap it to see the files.

Password-protected ZIPs on iPhone

Apple’s built-in Files app does not support password entry. You need a third-party app. The most popular free option is iZip.

  1. Install iZip Open the App Store, search iZip, tap Get. It’s free with ads (ad-free upgrade available).
  2. Open the .zip in iZip From Files, long-press the ZIP → Share → iZip. Or open iZip and use its file browser.
  3. Tap “OK” to unzip, then enter the password iZip will prompt you when it encounters encryption.
  4. Save the extracted files iZip saves them within its app, but you can share them to the Files app or iCloud Drive.
Paste passwords on iOSCopy the password in Mail or Messages first, then tap-and-hold in iZip’s password field and choose Paste. Avoids typos with look-alike characters.

On iPad

The process is identical to iPhone — iPad uses the same Files app and the same App Store options. With Split View, you can open the Files app on one side and your email on the other to make drag-and-drop transfers easier.

Opening .rar and .7z on iPhone

The built-in Files app only handles .zip. For other formats:

  • RAR files: iZip, Unzip Tool, or Documents by Readdle (all free).
  • 7z files: same apps — they all support the 7z format.
  • TAR/TAR.GZ: iZip handles these too.

Install the app, then open the archive from Files using Share → [App name].

Troubleshooting on iOS

1Files app won’t unzip — nothing happens

The ZIP is probably password-protected or in a format other than .zip. Use iZip or Unzip Tool instead.

2Not enough storage to extract

Extracted files can be several times larger than the ZIP. Free up space in Settings → General → iPhone Storage, or extract to iCloud Drive instead of local storage.

3Can’t find the downloaded ZIP

Check Files → On My iPhone → Downloads and Files → iCloud Drive → Downloads. Safari downloads go there by default; Mail attachments land wherever you tapped Save to Files.