How to Unzip Files on Windows, Mac, and Android (Free)

To unzip a file, right-click the .zip and choose “Extract All” on Windows or open it on Mac — the contents extract to a new folder automatically. Every OS unzips files for free with no extra software. Need to create a zip instead? See how to zip a file.

Windows

1. Right-click the .zip file.
2. Choose Extract All.
3. Pick a destination (or keep the default) and click Extract.

The contents appear in a new folder next to the zip.

Mac

1. Double-click the .zip file.
2. The contents extract automatically into a folder with the same name in the same location.

Android

1. Open the Files app and tap the .zip.
2. Tap Extract (or the zip opens in Google Files → tap Extract).
3. Choose where to extract, then tap Done.

iPhone

1. Tap the .zip in Files or Mail.
2. It extracts automatically into a new folder.

FAQ

What if I have a RAR file?

Windows and Mac can’t open .rar natively. Use 7-Zip (Windows, free), The Unarchiver (Mac, free), or an online tool. On a Mac, see how to unzip files on Mac for the full guide.

Where do unzipped files go?

On Windows, to the folder you choose. On Mac and iPhone, they extract into a folder of the same name next to the original.

Can I unzip files on my phone?

Yes. Android’s Files app and the iPhone Files app both extract zips natively.

Is unzipping safe?

Only unzip files from sources you trust. Zip files can contain malware — scan them with your antivirus if they came from an unknown sender.