Decompress ZIP Files in iOS 12 Files App

While full one-tap folder unzipping was introduced in iOS 13, iOS 12 allows you to natively inspect and extract files from ZIP archives using the built-in "Preview Content" feature in the Files app. This guide explains how to view, decompress, and save individual items from a ZIP archive directly to your iPhone or iPad without relying on third-party software.

Steps to Extract ZIP Files in iOS 12

1. Open the Files App
   Locate and open the Files app on your iOS 12 device. Navigate to the location where your compressed archive is stored, such as On My iPhone, iCloud Drive, or a connected cloud service.

2. Select the ZIP File
   Tap directly on the .zip archive you wish to open. Instead of automatically unpacking into a folder, the Files app displays a document screen showing the archive's name, file size, and total number of bundled items.

3. Tap Preview Content
   Tap the Preview Content button located at the bottom of the screen. This opens iOS 12's native quick-look viewer, allowing you to cycle through the files contained inside the archive.

4. Navigate the Archive Contents
   Swipe left or right to browse through individual documents, photos, or media files. You can also tap the list icon in the bottom corner to view an index of all files contained within the ZIP.

5. Extract and Save the Files
   When viewing a file you want to decompress and keep:

   • Tap the Share button (the square icon with an upward-pointing arrow) in the lower-left corner.
   • Choose Save to Files.
   • Select a destination folder on your device or in iCloud Drive.
   • Tap Add in the top-right corner to save the decompressed file.

Repeat this process for any other items inside the archive that you need to extract.