Compressed (zipped, or .ZIP files) are becoming more common. But why? The reason compressed files are regularly used is because it combines many files into one, reduces the total size with data reducing mechanisms, and most times protect files from possible damage. It’s also inefficient to download dozens of files, one by one, compared to a simple ZIP containing all your required files.
Most devices have built-in zipping capabilities, so you may not notice much when opening a ZIP file. If you’re still having issues, see how you can easily unzip that ZIP file on your smartphone or PC computer.
- Extract Archive on Windows
- Extract Archive on Mac
- Extract Archive on iPhone
- Extract Archive on Android
Extract Archive on Windows
Windows fortunately already has built-in compress and extract features.
You’ll need to open the File Explorer to browse your files then find your desired file for extracting (e.g., Downloads folder)
- In File Explorer, right-click the file
- Press “Extract All”
There are also free software program like 7-Zip that help make managing archives easier. 7-Zip also supports many more archive types than Windows’ native tool. Learn more and download 7-Zip on their official website.
Extract Archive on Mac
On Mac, you can unzip a file using built-in capabilities too. After finding your fine, you can either:
- Double-clicking the file. The extracted files will be in the same folder as the archive.
- Using “Finder” > Locating file > Right-clicking > Open with > Archive Utility.
Extract Archive on iPhone
On iPhone, you can use the Files app’s built-in extraction.
- Open the Files app and locate the zip archive.
- Tap on it (or long-press then choose Uncompress or Extract
It will automatically extract in the folder it is in.
Extract Archive on Android
Most Android phones come with compressing and decompressing functionality built-in.
- Open the Files (or File Manager) app.
- Locate the file, usually in the Download folder if recently downloaded.
- Long-press (or press then click Menu or ellipsis) then press Decompress (or unzip).
It may ask you to choose where you’d like to extract then start unzipping.
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