# How to Zip and Unzip Files on iPhone (Including Photos)

Updated: 2026-07-29

iOS handles the basics natively: in the **Files** app, long-press a file or folder and tap **Compress**; tap any .zip to extract it. For what Files can't do — zipping photos straight from your library, looking inside an archive before extracting everything, or handing the ZIP to a computer — a file manager like the free [iFiles](https://apps.apple.com/app/id1280188213) fills the gaps. Both routes below.

## The built-in way: the Files app

No install needed. In **Files**, long-press a file or folder → **Compress**; select several items via **⋯ → Select** and they become `Archive.zip`. Tapping a .zip extracts everything next to it.

**Limits:** photos must first be saved out of the Photos app into Files before you can zip them; extraction is all-or-nothing — no picking single files out of a big archive; and there's no way to see what's inside a ZIP before unpacking it.

## Zip photos — and anything else — with iFiles

iFiles' [Make ZIP](/zip/) tool skips the detour through Files:

- Open **Tools → Make ZIP**.
- Pick straight from your photo library, the Files app, or files already in iFiles — folders included.
- Save; the ZIP lands in your file list, ready to AirDrop, mail or send over [Wi-Fi transfer](/wifi-transfer/) to a computer.

You can also multi-select files in the iFiles browser and compress from there. Zipping is lossless — photos and videos come out of the archive byte-identical.

## Look inside a ZIP before extracting

Received a ZIP by mail or downloaded one in Safari? Open it in iFiles (via the share sheet or from Files) and tap it: you'll see the contents listed like a folder — open a single file with a tap, or extract everything only when you actually want it. No more unpacking 300 files to find the one PDF you needed.

## What about RAR, 7z and password-protected archives?

Straight answer: iFiles works with ZIP — it doesn't open RAR or 7z archives, and it doesn't create password-protected ZIPs. If someone sends you a RAR, you'll need a dedicated extractor app. If your goal is protecting a file with a password, iFiles covers that differently: [password-protect a PDF](/protect-pdf/), or keep private files in the [Face ID vault](/vault/).

## FAQ

### Does zipping photos reduce their quality?

No — ZIP is lossless packaging, files come out byte-identical. Don't expect much size saving though: JPEG/HEIC photos and videos are already compressed.

### How do I email a folder of photos?

Zip it first — mail can't attach folders. Mind the attachment limit (20–25 MB for most providers); for bigger batches, Wi-Fi transfer to a computer avoids the limit entirely.

### Can I unzip a file I downloaded in Safari?

Yes. Safari downloads land in Files → Downloads; tap the ZIP there, or open it in iFiles to browse its contents first.

### Is making ZIPs free in iFiles?

Opening and extracting ZIPs is free. Saving new ZIPs is part of iFiles Pro — your first one is free, and Pro has a 3-day trial.

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iFiles — https://ifiles.app/blog/zip-unzip-files-on-iphone/ · App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1280188213