How to open and create ZIP files on an iPhone

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open the Files app and tap the ZIP file. The iPhone unpacks it into a folder with the same name next to it. To create a ZIP, tap the three dots, tap Select, choose the files, tap the three dots at the bottom right and tap Compress.

A ZIP file packs several files into one, which makes them easier to send. The Files app on the iPhone opens and creates ZIP files by itself. No extra app is needed.

Step by step

  1. Save the ZIP file to Files

    In Mail or Messages, touch and hold the attachment and choose Save to Files. Files downloaded in Safari are already in the Downloads folder of the Files app.

  2. Open the Files app and find the file

    Tap Browse and look under On My iPhone or iCloud Drive.

  3. Tap the ZIP file

    The iPhone unpacks it at once and creates a folder containing the files, in the same place. Tap the folder to open it.

  4. To create a ZIP: select the files

    In a folder of the Files app, tap the More button, the three dots, then tap Select. Tap each file you want to pack.

  5. Tap Compress

    Tap the More button at the bottom right and tap Compress. One file becomes a ZIP with the same name. Several files become a file called Archive.zip in the same folder.

  6. Rename the result

    Touch and hold the ZIP file or the unpacked folder and tap Rename.

Good to know

To send the ZIP, touch and hold it, tap Share and choose Mail, Messages or AirDrop.

Photos are not in the Files app. To pack photos, first select them in Photos, tap the share button and choose Save to Files.

To put several photos into one document instead, use our JPG to PDF tool, and Merge PDF for several PDFs.

In short: Tap a ZIP in Files to unpack it. Select files, More, Compress to create one.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Create or open ZIP files on your iPhone or iPad

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