You can now open zip files on Android devices like never before.
Due to the disparities in operating systems and their functions, downloading, opening, and managing ZIP and other file types is something that is often associated with the realms of PC. However, these functions can be achieved through phones (Android & iOS) and tablets.
Even if someone is not a professional, opening these compressed files on a mobile device and extracting their contents is fairly easy.
Read on as we present the standard way to open zip files on Android devices and some cool, easy-to-use third-party apps. So, let’s start without further ado.
What Are The Various Compressed File Formats?
Before learning how to extract and open these compressed files on Android, it is vital to know about the various compressed file formats.
Some of the notable ones are –
- .ZIP
- .7Z
- .GZ
- .RAR
- .XZ
- .ZIPX
- .BZ2
.ZIP
A ZIP file is a type of archive that consists of multiple ‘zipped’ files. The ZIP folder allows files to be stored separately. This format allows for separate compression and opening of these files.
.7Z
This file format utilizes multiple compression utilities. Notably, the 7-ZIP by Igor Pavlov, a .7Z file, is compressed using open-source LZMA compression. This compression boasts a high compression ratio. 7Z files generally consist of file directories or files stored for transportation.
.GZ
Predominantly used in Unix systems, this format is compressed by a GNU zip compression algorithm.
.RAR
These file archives compress files using RAR compression. The potency of their compression is more than ZIP files and is used in the transfer or file storage.
.XZ
Based on the LZMA algorithm, this file format uses XZ compression.
.ZIPX
A ZIPX file archive is somewhat of a variant of the ZIP archive. It utilizes an advanced and sophisticated compression technique created by CorelWinZip. It compresses files in the ZIPX format, which compresses files to a smaller size than ZIP files.
.BZ2
This archive, created by bzip2, is usually used in Unix-based systems. This file archive uses the Burrows-Wheeler compression alongside a Run Lenght Coding for compressing to a great extent.
Let’s now get through the standard procedure to open zip files on an Android.
How To Open Zip Files On Android?
Now that we have gone over the prominent file archives, we can dwell deeper and learn how to open zip files on Android.
- Open Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Using the search bar, search for ‘Google Files.’
- Install the application published by Google LLC.
- Open the app after installing it on your Android smartphone.
- You must grant the application permission to access your files for Google Files to work. To do this, tap the blue ‘Allow’ button on your screen.
- Now, the application will direct you toward the Android Settings page. Toggle Allow access to manage all files.
- Now, you can go back to the app. To unzip the file you want, you will need to locate the zipped file.
- Browse through the different folders of the phone, similar to how you would navigate between files on a PC.
- After you have located the ZIP file, all you need to do is tap on it.
- The application will provide a brief rundown of the ZIP file. If it is satisfactory, tap on the extract button.
- After your files have been extracted, the application will provide you an option to delete the ZIP file to save on storage space.
- Voila! Your files have now been extracted in the same location as your ZIP files.
Note: You can use any of the available file explorers. For example, ES File Explorer opens zip files.
If you prefer using a third-party application to open zip files on your Android, the following tools should suit you. Let’s discuss them.
7 Best Third-Party Tools To Open Zip Files On Android
Here are the top 7 high-rated file extractors to open any compressed file on your device. And guess what? All these tools are free for use and provide more built-in features. Let’s see what those are.
- ZArchiver
- WinZip – Zip UnZip Tool
- RAR
- Solid Explorer File Manager
- ALZip
- 7Z – Zip & 7Zip Files Manager
- 7Zipper
1. ZArchiver
Boasting an interface full of various features, ZArchiver is an application that is convenient for those not very well versed in technology for compressing and extracting files. With a built-in file manager, you can even alter and customize the interface to your liking.
Pros
- This tool can both compress and extract ZIP files.
- It is also supported with rooted devices as well.
Cons
- There are a plethora of ads that you can’t seem to get rid of.
- It is not supported for all compressed file formats.
2. WinZip – Zip UnZip Tool
This nifty WinZip tool is more than suitable for your basic file compression and extraction needs. The tool also has a Cloud feature that can transfer zipped files through Google Drive or Dropbox. The tool also has a somewhat sophisticated level of encryption available.
Pros
- The paid version of this tool offers a substantial level of encryption.
- You can also do photo housekeeping using the clean photo tool.
- The tool is compatible with Chromebooks.
- The premium version offers zip and email features.
Cons
- Ads plague the free version to such an extent that the ads get extremely annoying to endure if you want to use the advanced features.
- Also, surprisingly, no search option comes with this tool.
2. RAR
While RAR was initially made for Linux systems, it also found itself in Android. RAR is incredibly versatile for extracting a multitude of zipped files. These include ZIP, RAR, B72, GZ, XZ,7Z, ISO, and ARK files. RAR also measures the speeds of extraction and compression of these files.
Pros
- Ability to extract files from various formats.
- The choice between light and dark themes.
- Password protection for ZIP files.
Cons
- Extremely brief trial period. Intrusive ads.
4. Solid Explorer File Manager
The Solid Explorer File Manager tool is a jack of all trades. The tool’s abilities are not limited to file extraction but file management.
Pros
- User guide provided.
- The tool has another layer of customizability by offering multiple icon packs and color schemes.
- The app’s subscription extends to unlimited devices under the account holder’s name.
- It has got a plethora of features, such as file management.
Cons
- The only real drawback is that you might face issues extracting some RAR files.
5. ALZip
ALZip is an Android full-featured free file manager software that can help you manage files and archives. Despite being free Android software, ALZip has every function found in a paid MiXplorer Silver.
In terms of functionality, ALZip can compress data into ZIP, egg, and all formats and extract zip, RAR, 7Z, tar, and other formats.
Pros
- Suitable for all compressed file formats.
- Easy to use
- Free to use
Con
- The user interface could be better and intriguing
6. 7Z – Zip & 7Zip Files Manager
The 7Z – Files Manager is a free software for Android that may assist you with file management and archive management.
With 7Z – Files Manager, you can effortlessly open or compress ZIP, RAR, JAR, or APK files on your Android smartphone. This app can also unzip password-encrypted files. But, of course, you need to know the password for that.
Pros
- Easily open or compress ZIP, RAR, JAR, or APK files
- Easy to use
- This app can also unzip password-encrypted files.
Cons
- Not recommended for beginners
7. 7Zipper
Last, 7Zipper is the next amazing app to open zip files on Android. It helps you efficiently compress and extract your zipped files on the fly. The tool does the job for almost all compressed files, such as ZIP, ALZ, EGG, TAR, GZ, RAR, JAR, etc. Adding on, the tool also comes with an image and text viewer.
Pros
- Built-in image and text viewer
- Efficiently compress and extract your zipped files
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- Certain compressed file formats aren’t supported
What Are The 3 Advantages of Compressed Files?
Now that we know the means to extract files from ZIP folders in Android, what exactly do we get from using compressed files instead of their regular variant?
- Storage Space
All files occupy storage. These ZIP files, by compressing them, reduce the file size by almost 50%. This allows you to increase the efficiency of your device and make the most of its ROM.
- Enhanced Bandwidth And Transfer Speed
Bandwidth refers to the rate at which your network sends data from the internet. The bandwidth is measured in units of data called ‘bits.’ Since compressed files occupy lesser bits, your network will take less time to transfer these files.
- Reduced Cost
Since you can utilize more space as compressed files occupy less storage space, you can be more economical in your purchase decisions. For example, if you compress a 500Mb file, its size will become 250Mb.
This allows you to purchase more economical storage entities such as hard disks and cloud storage.