Open a ZIP file on the iPhone X - this is how it works

If you have received ZIP files by mail or downloaded them from the Internet, you can open, extract and edit them on your iPhone X without any problems. How this works exactly depends on the iOS version you are using on your Apple smartphone.

iPhone X: Opening ZIP files is possible in these ways

To open ZIP files on your iPhone X, you don't need an additional app. The on-board tools of iOS are completely sufficient.

1. So, since iOS 8, it is possible to open ZIP files with images, videos or documents that you receive via message or mail directly in the respective app.
2. If, on the other hand, you are still using an older iOS version, you must first press and hold the ZIP file until the options appear and tap "Overview" there to view its contents.
3. Since the update to iOS 11, it is now also possible to open downloaded ZIP files directly in the Files app of the device. To do this, first download the ZIP file and click "Preview content" in the Files app.

How to extract ZIP files on iPhone X

In order to not only view the contents of a ZIP file, but also extract and further edit it, you either need an additional app or have to use a trick. To proceed without installing a special app, please open the Preview app on your iPhone X and tap the "Share Button" in the top right corner of it. Depending on what kind of document is in the ZIP file, please choose a suitable app from the displayed list to open the file with the respective app, edit it further and then save it.