Need to open a ZIP file? You’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll show you how to extract ZIP files on macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android in a few clicks. Plus, you’ll learn about a universal solution that works across all devices and platforms.
What Is a ZIP File?
Every file extension tells you what type of file you’re dealing with. For instance, images are usually stored as JPG or PNG files, videos use MP4 or MOV, and documents are often saved as DOC or PDF files, depending on their purpose.
ZIP is also a file extension, but unlike the formats above, it serves a slightly different purpose. Instead of containing a single file, a ZIP archive can store multiple files of different types in one compressed package.
Why Do We Need ZIP Files?
ZIP archives reduce the overall size of the data inside them by compressing it. This makes them quicker and more convenient to upload, download, and share. So, instead of sending multiple files separately, you can put everything into one archive and share it all at once.
Apart from that, ZIP files also help save storage space (and money spent on it).
What Does ZIP Extraction Mean?
Basically, it means pulling files out of an archive and restoring them to their original, uncompressed form so they can be used again.
Modern platforms natively support the ZIP format, so in most cases you won’t need any additional software. However, if you work across multiple platforms or need extra document management features beyond ZIP extraction, dedicated tools can be useful.
How to Extract ZIP Files?
On any device
If you don’t want to learn and remember specific ways to extract ZIP files for each platform, consider using a web tool. It works the same way everywhere, whether you’re on PC, Mac, Android, or iPhone.
However, keep in mind one important detail: documents often contain sensitive information, and uploading them to unknown or unreliable websites can be risky. That’s why it’s always best to use services that users have trusted for years.
This ZIP extractor by iScanner is a good example. iScanner follows GDPR and California Consumer Privacy Act standards, helping your data stay private and secure.
To unpack your ZIP file:
- Open the website
- Click or tap Select ZIP and choose the file
- Download the extracted files
On macOS
If you’re a macOS user, the built-in Archive Utility can automatically unzip files for you. All you need to do is:
- Find the archive in Finder
- Double-click it
The extracted files will appear in a new folder with the same name as the ZIP archive, in the same location.
On iOS
To extract a ZIP file on iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Files app and locate your ZIP archive
- Tap and hold the file, then select Uncompress from the menu. You can also tap the ZIP file once to extract it automatically
The extracted files will appear in the same folder as the original archive.
On Windows
You can either extract the entire ZIP archive or unpack only selected files.
To extract the whole archive:
- Right-click the ZIP file
- Select Extract All from the menu
- Choose where you want the files to be saved and click Extract
To extract only specific files:
- Double-click the ZIP archive to open it
- Select the file you want to extract. To choose multiple files, hold Ctrl while clicking them
- Drag and drop the selected files to your desktop or another folder
On Android
Depending on your device, ZIP extraction may already be available through the built-in file manager. If not, you can install an app like Files by Google from Google Play or use a web tool to unzip files.
If you’re using the app:
- Locate the ZIP archive on your device
- Tap the file and select Extract
The extracted files will appear in the same folder as the original archive.
Bonus: A solution with extra features
If you work with ZIP archives regularly, extracting files may be only one part of your workflow. You may still need to organize them, convert into another format, sign documents, compress files, or share them afterward.
That’s where apps like iScanner can be useful. Apart from ZIP extraction through its web tools, the platform also offers document management features for working with PDFs, scans, photos, and text files in one place.
After unpacking files, you can use scanner app to:
- convert documents to any common formats
- compress or merge PDFs
- extract and edit text using OCR
- add e-signatures or annotations
- organize files and share them quickly across devices
With many years of professional experience within transnational corporations in different industries, Richard Jaimes has had the opportunity to lead people and organizations, investigate future topics, create strategies and innovations, consult senior management and translate insights into business advantages. Richard is also a long time senior consultant with Quantumrun Foresight.
