Every PC user has probably dealt with zip files at least once. These are kind of storages or archives in which the information stored in a compressed form is retrieved with the help of applications capable of working with this format.
But when it comes to a smartphone, it should be understood that it does not have the tools available on a personal computer, which are used to input or output any information. But, nevertheless, from time to time the question becomes relevant, how to open a zip file on Android, and Rar archives, as well as unzip (or unzip) zip?
Since we are talking about different processes, let’s dwell on each of them in detail.
What are archivers for
Here is an example. Textures, mods, as well as maps to any game are contained in several files or folders, but download them only one link is technically impossible. Therefore, and are used applications-archivers that perform the function of “packing” in one archive several files (folders), which greatly facilitates the process of downloading.
There are several types and formats of archives. The most popular formats are universal (multifunctional) ZIP, RAR, 7z, they merge information into one file, do compression, make archives as self-extracting.
How to unpack an archive on Android with Zip and Rar extension
We are talking about a common format, so it is not difficult to find a good software (below we list some applications than open Zip on Android and Rar). The principle of working with archives practically does not differ depending on the utility used, so we will consider working with the archive on the example of some of the best archivers.
Opening archives using the Rarapplication
Rar on Android – the most popular program for working with archives, originally developed for PC, but now ported to mobile platforms. It can both unpack and pack Zip and Rar files.
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Rar for Android Download the program |
Work with the program step by step:
To unzip the archive:
- First, you need to download and install the program itself on your device (link above);
- After installation, you will see the application icon on your screen, tap it;
- In the list of folders, find the one where the archive we need is located;
- Once found, click on it once, then a window with options will appear, in which you must select “Extract files” (Fig. 1);
- Next, you can choose where the unpacking will be performed, and then click “ok” (Fig. 2);
- If the size of extracted files is large, the process can be sent to background mode (Fig. 3).
To pack the archive:
- Going into the program, find the files you want to archive;
- Having selected them, press and hold them with your finger, after which a window with options will pop up (Fig.1);
- Click “Add to archive”. You will be offered several options for compression “Rar”, “Zip”, “Rar 4x” – choose any (Fig. 2), if desired, you can create a password (so that access to the archive can be obtained only after entering the password you set)
- All that’s left is to click “ok”, the archiving process will start (Fig. 3), after which your archive will be ready. Note: if the process will be long, because of the large file size, the program can be sent to backgroundmode.
In principle, the functions of this application will be enough for you, but if for any reason, it does not want to be friends with your device, consider the principle of operation of others, and what archiver is better, it’s up to you.
Opening archives with the Andro Zip application
Andro Zip utility on Android – the application besides the standard tools, contains the functions of a task manager and file manager, works with winZIP and winRAR archives.
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Andro Zip on Android Download the program |
Working with the program step by step:
To unzip an archive:
- Download the program itself and install it on your device (link above);
- After launching in the interface menu find the folder with the archive, click;
- In the menu that appears, select the desired item “Extract file here” (Fig. 1);
- The process will start (Fig. 2).
To pack the archive:
- To pack the files, again go into the program, select the necessary files, click the “Create ZIP” field in the menu that appears (Fig. 1);
- The process is started, after which the archive will be created (Fig. 2). Note: this application is not supported by all smartphone models yet.
Opening archives using other applications
In addition to the mentioned programs “Rar on Android” and “Andro Zip” you can take advantage of the following programs:
- Easy Unrar, Unzip & Zip – supports almost all formats, endowed with a simple design and a full set of necessary functions. There is a paid version.
- Solid Explorer – file manager, there is a free version and work with archives as an additional option.
- ES File Explorer – packs only “ZIP” archives, decompresses any formats. Distributed for free, but is annoying with ads.
- 7 Zip for Android – multifunctional archiver, easy to manage, creates backups, distribution is completely free.
- Root Explorer – a great file manager with an amazing functionality, but the capabilities of the free version are severely limited.
A very important note: most archivers do not have an antivirus function, this nuance should be taken into account when unpacking ZIP files on your Android and check them for viruses. To protect yourself, see the article – what is the best antivirus to install on Android.
Bottom line
We hope that the material presented above is written in an accessible and understandable way, and now you can easily work with zip files, however, there are a sufficient number of files with such extensions that are not easy to open on Android devices, and to cover all the options in one article is simply unrealistic.
Therefore, we will be glad to answer all your questions, which arose not only after reading this article, but also difficulties related to opening files of other formats.