How to unzip files on your iPhone using the free iZip app
Hollis Johnson/Business InsiderIt's easy to unzip files on your iPhone with iZip.
- You can unzip files on your iPhone using free apps like iZip.
- iZip allows you to unzip most zipped files and save all of the compressed contents directly to your iPhone.
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Whether you're compiling a photo album, trying to compress a group of audio files, or even putting together a bunch of documents to send to a business colleague, using the Zip file format is probably your best bet.
It's certainly the most widely used compression archive format, allowing you to send smaller files without losing the quality of the originals, which are restored once the file is unzipped again.
Unzipping files on your computer is simple enough, but what about when you're on the go and only have your iPhone?
Thankfully, it's easy to unzip files on an iPhone once you have an app downloaded for unzipping. From there, it only takes a few simple steps.
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How to unzip files on your iPhone
1. On your iPhone's home screen, tap the App Store icon to open it.
2. Search for and download the iZip app. Note that the official app name will be listed as "iZip - Zip Unzip Unrar Tool."
3. Locate the Zip file saved on your phone. You will only be able to use iZip to unzip files that are saved locally on your device; files located on outside servers such as Gmail or Dropbox are not able to be opened on the free version of the iZip app.
4. Tap and hold the Zip file you wish to unzip until a black menu of options appears above it. Tap on the right arrow to locate the Share option and tap it.
5. A list of options will appear with programs able to view the Zip file. Locate and tap Open in iZip.
6. iZip will then launch and ask you to confirm that you would like to unzip all files. Tap OK to confirm. The files will be unzipped.
7. To save the individual files contained within the Zip archive to your phone, tap the small white circle to the left of each file you wish to save. You will know each is selected because the circle will turn blue and have a check mark within it.
8. When you've chosen the files you wish to save, tap the Save option in the lower right-hand corner of your screen. You may be asked to give iZip access to your photo and video library in order to proceed.
9. Your files will then be saved to your phone. Simple!
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How to make a zip file on your Mac computer, to save some storage space and clear digital clutter