How to unzip ZIP files on an Android phone or tablet

Learning how to open ZIP files on an Android phone or tablet is fast, free, and does not require extra apps. Most modern Android devices allow you to extract compressed .zip archive files natively using built-in applications like Samsung My Files or Files by Google.

This step-by-step guide walks you through how to unzip ZIP files on any Android device.

The steps in this page work for all Android devices, including Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Oppo.

Use the menu below to jump straight to the method for your specific phone or tablet brand.

Method 1: Extract ZIP files on Samsung Galaxy using 'My Files'

Samsung My Files is the default file manager app pre-installed on all Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

  1. Open the My Files app (usually location in the Samsung app folder on your home screen or app drawer).
  2. Locate the ZIP file you want to open.
  3. Tap the .zip file to select it.
  4. Tap Extract at the bottom of your screen.
  5. You can enter a name for the folder or leave the default name.
  6. Tap Extract to confirm.
Open ZIP files on a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet using the My Files app

Method 2: Extract ZIP files on Android using 'Files by Google'

Files by Google comes pre-installed on Google Pixel, Motorola, and other Android devices. If your phone or tablet doesn't have it, you can download Files by Google from the Google Play Store.

  1. Open the Files by Google (Files) app.
  2. Find the ZIP file you want to open. You can use the search bar at the top.
  3. Tap the .zip file to display a preview pop-up.
  4. Tap Extract.
  5. You can choose if you want to delete the original ZIP file after extraction.
  6. Tap Finished.
Open ZIP files on an Android phone or tablet using the Files by Google app

Method 3: Extract password-protected ZIP files on Android using RAR

The 'Files by Google' app doesn't support password-protected ZIP files, but you can use the free RAR app by RARLAB—the same company behind the well-known Windows program—to create and open them on your Android device. You can download RAR from the Google Play Store.

  1. Open the RAR app.
  2. Grant the app permission to manage your files when asked.
  3. Locate the ZIP file.
  4. Select the password-protected .zip file.
  5. Tap the icon with the arrow pointing up at the top of your screen.
  6. Tap OK in the bottom-right corner.
  7. Enter the password.
  8. Tap OK.
Open password-protected ZIP files on Android using the RAR app