Here's How You Can Zip and Unzip Files on Your iPhone and iPad

Karolina Peistariene

(updated)

Get Free Scanner and check your computer for errors

Fix It Now

To fix found issues, you have to purchase the full version of Combo Cleaner. Free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

2 Ways You Can Zip and Unzip Files on iPhone and iPad

File compression is an important part of the digital world. It allows us to send big files faster and without any problems. The "zip" compression format, which stands for "speed", is a very popular format used by many businesses and everyday users.

Here's How You Can Zip and Unzip Files on Your iPhone and iPad

The zip format is popular because it's simple to use and great for compressing many files. While the files are compressed in a zip format, their size is reduced, which allows you to send many big files without any issues. When the zip file is unzipped, the files inside get restored to their original size.

If you're having a hard time getting the hang of how to zip or unzip files on your iPhone or iPad, you came to the right place. In this article, you'll find out how to compress and uncompress files in two ways. Pick the one that's best for you and follow the steps.

Video on 2 Ways You Can Zip and Unzip Files on iPhone and iPad

Table of Contents:

Download Computer Malware Repair Tool

It is recommended to run a free scan with Combo Cleaner - a tool to detect viruses and malware on your device. You will need to purchase the full version to remove infections. Free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

How to Make a Zip File on iPhone and iPad

Before creating a zip file, make sure you save your files that will be in the zip file in the "File" app.

To zip multiple files, follow the steps below:

1. Open the "Files" app on your device.

Go to Files

2. Navigate to where the files you want to zip are.
3. In the top right corner, tap on three dots and tap on "Select".

Tap on Select

4. Select the files you want to zip.
5. When you've selected all files, tap on the three dots, located at the bottom right corner and tap on "Compress".

Tap on Compress

A zip file will be created and placed in the same place as your zipped files.

[Back to Table of Contents]

How to Unzip Files on iPhone and iPad

To unzip files, you'll be using the File folder as well.

To unzip files, follow the steps below:

1. Open the "Files" app on your device.

Go to Files app

2. Navigate to where the zipped file is located.
3. Tap on the zip file.

Tap on the Zip file

4. A new folder with the same name as the zip file will be created. Tap on it to open and view all the zipped files.

Tap on the created folder

It's simple as that.

[Back to Table of Contents]

How to Zip and Unzip Files Using the Shortcuts App on iPhone and iPad

The Shortcuts app is another excellent way to zip and unzip files on your iPhone. First, you'll need to create a shortcut for zipping files. Then, using that shortcut zip and unzip files. You can download the Shortcuts app from the App Store.

To create a shortcut to zip files, follow the steps below:

1. Open the "Shortcuts" app.

Open the Shortcuts app

2. At the top right corner, tap on the "+"  button.

Tap on the plus button

3. Then, tap on "Add Action".
4. In the search field, type in "Make Archive" and then tap on the result.

Add Make Archive

5. Then, tap on "Input" and select "Shortcut Input".

Select Shortcut Input

6. Now, tap on the "+" button.
7. In the search field, type in "Save File" and then tap it.

Add Save Files

8. Tap on "Service" and choose where you want to save the zip file.
9. In the top right corner, tap on the three dots. Name the shortcut to "Zip".

Tap on the three dots

10. Next to "Show in Share Sheet", toggle the switch to enable the option.

Enable in Show in Share Sheet

11. If you want to add the shortcut to the Home screen, tap on "Add to Home Screen".
12. When done, tap on "Done".

For unzipping files, follow the same steps above, but instead of adding "Make Archive", add "Extract Archive".

To use the shortcut for zipping files, follow the steps below:

1. Open the "Files" app.

Go to the Files app

2. Navigate to where the files you want to zip are.
3. At the top right corner, tap on the three dots and on "Select".

Tap on Select

4. Select the files you will zip, and at the bottom left corner, tap on the "Share" button.
5. From the list, tap on the "Zip" shortcut and select the location where you want to save the file.

Select the Zip shortcut

6. Tap on the file name and rename it.
7. When done, at the top right corner, tap on "Save".

Tap on Save to save the zip file

8. Tap on the "X" icon to remove the share sheet from your device screen, and then tap on "Done". The zip file will be created.

Zip file will be created

Use the Unzip Shortcut to unzip files from the "Files" folder. Or simply tap on the zip file like in the first method.

Want to know more tips and tricks for your Apple device? Check out our How-To Guides for Mac users in the Blog section.

[Back to Top]

Share:

facebook
X (Twitter)
linkedin
copy link
Karolina Peistariene

Karolina Peistariene

Author of how-to guides for Mac users

Responsible for collecting, analyzing, and presenting problem-solving solution articles related to macOS issues. Years of macOS experience combined with solid research and analyzing skills help Karolina provide readers with working and helpful solutions as well as introduce various features Mac has to offer.

▼ Show Discussion