- How to compress a single folder or multiple files
- How to uncompress a zip file
- How archives work across platforms
iOS and iPadOS handle files better than most people realize – including the ability to zip and unzip folders directly in the built-in Files app, no extra software required.
If you’re not familiar with it, the Files app gives you access to everything stored on your device or in the cloud – iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, and more. It’s installed by default and works much like a file manager on a desktop computer.
Zipping a folder reduces its overall size and bundles everything into a single file, which makes sharing a lot tidier. Unzipping works just as simply in the other direction.
One quick note on terminology: Apple calls zip files “archives” and refers to zipping and unzipping as “compressing” and “uncompressing.” Different names, same concept – and the files themselves are standard zip files that work anywhere.
How to zip a folder
Press and hold any folder in the Files app to bring up the pop-up menu, then tap Compress. A zipped version of the folder will appear alongside the original, ready to share.
Want to zip multiple items at once? Tap the three-dot menu in the top right, tap Select, choose your files or folders, then tap Compress. Everything gets bundled into a single Archive.zip file. You can rename it by pressing and holding the file and tapping Rename.
How to unzip a file
Even easier. Tap the zipped file in the Files app and it’ll decompress automatically. You can then interact with the original contents directly – though if you no longer need the zip file itself, it’s worth deleting it. Otherwise you’re storing the same thing twice.
Cross-platform compatibility
One handy thing about zip files: they’re universal. A zip created on iPhone will open just fine on a Mac or Windows PC, and vice versa. So whether you’re sharing files with a colleague or just moving things between devices, you won’t run into any compatibility headaches.