In this comprehensive tutorial, we will show you the steps to extract any ZIP file directly on your Android device. More developers and users alike are now inclined towards using compressed files. The reason stands simple. Not only does it saves considerable storage space, but it also ends up saving the bandwidth. As a result, the developer has to spend less data while uploading the file and at the same time, the end-user wouldn’t have to exhaust their bandwidth.

All in all, it ends up saving considerable time, storage space, and of course your network data. However, if you come across these compressed files on the device, you might transfer them to the PC to carry out the extraction process. Once that is done, you would transfer the extracted contents back to the device. While it is a feasible option but not the most viable one. This is because you could directly extract the ZIP file on your Android device without using the PC. Here are the complete instructions to carry out this task. Follow along.

How to Extract any Zip file on Android devices (Updated)

There exist two different methods to carry out the aforementioned task. The first one is through the default File Explorer app that comes preinstalled on your device. On the other hand, the second method makes use of a third-party extraction app. Both these methods have their own perks and a few caveats as well, which we have mentioned in their respective sections. So without further ado, let’s start off with the guide to extract any ZIP file on your Android device.

Method 1: Using the Default File Manager App

Near about every OEM ships their devices with a default File Manager app. And most of them allow you to extract the compressed files as well. The benefit of this method is that you wouldn’t have to install an additional app to carry out this task. On the flip side, since these file manager only support some of the major compression files such as ZIP and RAR. With that said, here are some of the famous FIle Manager apps and how could you use them to extract the ZIP file on your Android device:

Files by Google (Android One)

If you are having an Android One device, then chances are the Files by Google app might be preinstalled on your device. So if you wish to extract the file using this app, then here are the required steps:

  • Launch the Files by Google app and navigate to the desired ZIP file.
  • Tap on it and it will show you the list of all the apps inside that compressed file.
  • Just below it will be the Extract button, tap on it.
  • As soon as the extraction process is finished, hit Done.
  • You may also select the Delete ZIP file option if the compressed file is no longer needed

OnePlus File Manager

The default File Manager app on your OnePlus device also has the option to extract the ZIP file. Here’s how it could be done:

  • Launch the File Manager app on your device and browse to the compressed file.
  • Select it and tap on the Unzip button at the top right.
  • Finally, select the location (whether to the current folder or any other folder) and hit OK.
  • The process shall now being and should take a few seconds depending on the file size.

Xiaomi File Manager

If you’re having a device from this Chinese smartphone manufacturer, then it’s quite easy to extract the ZIP file on your Android device.

  • Start off by launching the File Manager app.
  • Then head over to the Archives section. It will bring up all the ZIP files stored on your device.
  • Select the ZIP file that you need to extract. Then tap on the ‘Extract file to’ option from the pop-up that appears.
  • Browse to the location where the extracted file needs to be stored.
  • Finally, tap on the Extract option from the bottom menu.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party Extraction App

While the aforementioned method saves you from downloading any additional app however their functionality stands limited. As a result, in some instances, you might have to take the help of a third-party app. In this regard, the RAR app should be your go-to choice. Apart from the usual ZIP and RAR, it could also deal with TAR, GZ, BZ2, XZ, 7z, ISO, and ARJ files. With that said, let’s check out the steps to extract a ZIP file on your Android device using this app.

  • Download and install the RAR app from the Play Store.
  • Now launch the app and navigate to the desired ZIP file.
  • Select that file and tap on the Extraction icon situated at the top menu bar.
  • Chose the destination path where the extracted file needs to be placed.
  • Finally, hit the OK button, and the process stands complete.

So with this, we conclude the guide on how to extract a ZIP file on your Android device. In some instances, the default File Manager app is more than capable enough to deal with ZIP files. However, if it fails in any instance then the third-party app is always there to help you out. On that note, we round off this guide with some handy iPhone Tips and Tricks, PC tips and tricks, and Android Tips and Tricks.