This article shows how to extract the contents of a ZIP archive without the need to use WinZip or any other similar paid program. While you can view the contents of a ZIP file on virtually any hardware platform out there, unzipping it in order to use the files inside requires some additional steps. Windows and Mac systems integrate programs capable of decompressing this type of file, while third-party apps capable of performing this function can be installed on iOS and Android devices.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Windows
Step 1. Locate the ZIP file to be processed
Navigate to the folder where the ZIP file you want to unzip is stored.
Since ZIP archives store files and folders internally using a compression format, before they can be used for their own purposes, they must be extracted to restore their original format
Step 2. Double-click the ZIP file icon
The contents of the archive will be displayed in the Windows "File Explorer" window.
Step 3. Go to the Extract tab
It is located at the top of the window, exactly under the heading "Compressed Folder Tools". A toolbar will appear.
Step 4. Press the Extract All button
It is one of the options in the toolbar. A pop-up window will appear.
Step 5. Press the Extract button
It is located at the bottom of the window. The data extraction process will begin.
If necessary, you can also press the button Browse to select a folder other than the current one in which to unzip the ZIP archive.
Step 6. Navigate to the folder you just extracted
By default, the folder extracted from the ZIP archive (which has the same name as the latter) will be opened automatically as soon as the data decompression process is complete. If not, double-click the folder icon to access the content.
After unzipping the ZIP archive you will be able to access the files and use them normally
Method 2 of 4: Mac
Step 1. Locate the ZIP file to be processed
Navigate to the folder where the ZIP file you want to unzip is stored.
Since ZIP archives store files and folders within them using a compression format, before they can be used for their own purposes, they must be extracted to restore their original format
Step 2. Double-click the ZIP file icon
The contents of the archive will be automatically decompressed.
Step 3. Wait for the data extraction procedure to be complete
The time required to perform this step varies from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the amount of data contained in the ZIP archive.
Step 4. If necessary, navigate to the folder you just extracted
By default the folder extracted from the ZIP archive (which has the same name as the latter) will be opened automatically as soon as the data decompression process is complete. If not, double-click the folder icon to access the content.
After unzipping the ZIP archive you will be able to access the files and use them normally
Method 3 of 4: iPhone
Step 1. Download and install the iZip app
It is a free iPhone program that can decompress archives in ZIP format. To download and install iZip follow these instructions:
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Access the App Store by tapping the icon
- Select the tab Search for located at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the search bar located at the top of the screen.
- Type in the keyword izip, then press the key Search for.
- Push the button Get.
- When prompted, enter your Apple ID password or use the Touch ID feature.
Step 2. Move the ZIP file inside the iZip folder
Since the iZip app does not have access to the iPhone file system, you will need to manually move the ZIP file to be unzipped inside the iZip folder by following these instructions:
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Launch the iPhone Files app by tapping the icon
- Navigate to the folder that contains the ZIP file.
- Press and hold your finger on the ZIP file icon for one second, then lift it off the screen.
- Choose the option Copy from the menu that appeared.
- Access the iZip folder. Select the item Browse, tap the option On iPhone and finally select the icon iZip.
- Press and hold your finger on an empty spot in the folder for at least one second, then choose the option Paste from the menu that appeared.
Step 3. Launch iZip
Tap the relevant icon located on the iPhone Home.
Step 4. Select the Files item
It is located at the top of the main screen of the iZip app. The list of ZIP archives present in the "iZip" folder will be displayed.
Step 5. Select the ZIP archive to unzip
As soon as you touch the icon of the file in question, a pop-up window should appear on the screen.
Step 6. When prompted, press the OK button
In this way the iZip app will be able to extract the contents of the selected compressed archive.
Step 7. Wait for the data extraction to complete
The time required to perform this step varies from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the amount of data contained in the ZIP archive. When finished, the extracted folder should open automatically.
In case the extracted folder does not open automatically, tap the name of the latter which will be identical to the name of the original ZIP file
Method 4 of 4: Android devices
Step 1. Download and install ES File Explorer
It is a free program for Android devices that can access the file system of the device which, among other features, also allows you to unzip ZIP archives. To download it to your device follow these instructions:
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Log in to Play Store Google by tapping the following icon
- Select the search bar.
- Type in the keywords eg file.
- Select the icon ES File Explorer File Manager from the list of results that appeared.
- Push the button Install, then select the item I accept, if requested.
Step 2. Launch the ES File Explorer app
Push the button You open on the Play Store page or tap the ES File Explorer icon that appears in the "Applications" panel.
Most likely, pages of a short tutorial will appear that you can simply scroll with your finger to then locate and press the button START NOW.
Step 3. Go to the "Downloads" folder
Select the icon for the device's default memory drive (for example Internal Storage), then tap the folder icon Download. This will display the contents of the latter, where most likely the ZIP file to be decompressed will also be present.
If you have chosen to save the ZIP file to another location, simply select the name of the folder where it is stored
Step 4. Choose the ZIP file to process
Press and hold its icon until a small check mark appears in the lower right corner of the latter.
Step 5. Press the ⋮ More button
It is located in the lower right corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 6. Choose the Extract to option
It is one of the items in the menu that appeared. This will bring up a pop-up window.
Step 7. Press the OK button when prompted
It is located in the lower right corner of the appeared window. The chosen ZIP file will be unzipped into the folder where it is currently stored.
Step 8. Open the folder you just extracted
Tap the icon with the same name as the original ZIP file. A new screen will appear where you can review the contents of the folder.
