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.

Which method?

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. (Windows 11 also lets you double-click a zip to browse it first.)

Mac

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

For Mac-specific cases (RAR, 7z, and exactly where files land), see how to unzip files on Mac.

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.

Opening RAR and 7z files

.zip opens everywhere, but .rar and .7z need extra tools. On Windows, 7-Zip (free) handles both — and it can also open .zip, .tar, and more:

On a Mac, the equivalent is The Unarchiver — see how to unzip files on Mac for the steps.

Password-protected zips

If a zip asks for a password when you open it, it’s encrypted. You must have the password — there’s no way around it. Enter it when prompted and the files extract normally.

“Where did my files go?”

Unzipped files land:

• Windows: in the folder you chose (default: a new folder next to the zip).
• Mac / iPhone: in a folder with the same name as the zip, next to the original.
• Android: in the location you picked (often the same folder).

Safety

Only unzip files from sources you trust. Zip files can contain malware — scan them with your antivirus if they came from an unknown sender, and be wary of .exe files inside.

FAQ

What if I have a RAR file?

Windows and Mac can’t open .rar natively. On Windows use 7-Zip (free); on Mac use The Unarchiver — see how to unzip files on Mac for that walkthrough.

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.

Why won’t my zip open?

It may be a .rar/.7z (needs a tool), corrupted (re-download it), or password-protected (enter the password). See the sections above.

Do I need a password to unzip?

Only if the zip is encrypted. Regular zips from most sources don’t require one.