Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Andy002

macrumors member
Original poster
May 30, 2022
64
17
I didn't find any info about my specific problem, which is to decompress a Zip file that I emailed from my laptop to my phone. I got it transferred into the "Files" app but I can't do anything with it.

I DLd an app that's supposed to open zips but it doesn't seem to work. Help?
 

chabig

macrumors G4
Sep 6, 2002
11,450
9,321
Unzip the file on your laptop and then send the files you want to your phone.
 

rambo47

macrumors 65816
Oct 3, 2010
1,361
986
Denville, NJ
Like @chabig said, un-zipping the file on your laptop and transferring the unzipped files to "Files" on your Mac will make them available in "Files" on your iPhone.
 

NoBoMac

Moderator
Staff member
Jul 1, 2014
6,289
4,980
Sure it's a zip (eg. extension might be "wrong")? In Files app, simply tapping on a zip file will extract the contents.

Or if you press-hold on the zip, should see an uncompress option.

Depending on the app one downloads, might/probably need to select the file and use the share sheet to share the file (ie. send it) to the uncompress app.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1369.jpg
    IMG_1369.jpg
    71.6 KB · Views: 67
  • IMG_1368.jpg
    IMG_1368.jpg
    96.2 KB · Views: 61
  • Like
Reactions: chabig and rambo47

Andy002

macrumors member
Original poster
May 30, 2022
64
17
Unzip the file on your laptop and then send the files you want to your phone.

I zipped the files (images) on my laptop because there were too many to do individually, and you can't email folders. You can "zip" a folder, then you can email it because then it's considered a file.

It emailed fine, I just cannot unzip it on my 2020 SE phone.
 

Andy002

macrumors member
Original poster
May 30, 2022
64
17
Sure it's a zip (eg. extension might be "wrong")? In Files app, simply tapping on a zip file will extract the contents.

Or if you press-hold on the zip, should see an uncompress option.

Depending on the app one downloads, might/probably need to select the file and use the share sheet to share the file (ie. send it) to the uncompress app.

None of that works, I tried it all before I started this thread. :(
 

Allyance

Contributor
Sep 29, 2017
2,075
7,672
East Bay, CA
Is your laptop a Mac? I just tried connecting my iPhone 12 to my new iMac and after a file was installed for the iPhone 12 and a trust was setup between them, I can use Finder to see iPhone folders and files. You can then make a new folder on your iPhone and drag and drop laptop files to it. Try doing it groups to keep track of your progress.

I used an USB to lightning cord to connect them.
 

Spaceboi Scaphandre

macrumors 68040
Jun 8, 2022
3,414
8,106
I didn't find any info about my specific problem, which is to decompress a Zip file that I emailed from my laptop to my phone. I got it transferred into the "Files" app but I can't do anything with it.

I DLd an app that's supposed to open zips but it doesn't seem to work. Help?

Are you following the steps in this support article? https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211132

You should just need to tap the zip folder and it makes an uncompressed version instantly. I'm able to open zip files on my iPhone and iPad just fine.
 
  • Like
Reactions: addamas

chrfr

macrumors G5
Jul 11, 2009
13,709
7,279
Be aware emailed "ZIP" are notorious for containing viruses and malware. Try and find another compressing tool that utilizes a different file extension.
In this case, the OP emailed the zip file to their own account. It won't have accumulated any malware this way.
 

chrfr

macrumors G5
Jul 11, 2009
13,709
7,279
I didn't find any info about my specific problem, which is to decompress a Zip file that I emailed from my laptop to my phone. I got it transferred into the "Files" app but I can't do anything with it.

I DLd an app that's supposed to open zips but it doesn't seem to work. Help?
Why not use something like iCloud to sync the files?
 

orionquest

Suspended
Mar 16, 2022
871
791
The Great White North
Well this post is clear as mud.

Why would you zip a bunch of files and email to your phone, when you can just transfer the folder using Finder/iphone/files.
Unless you are on a PC then use iTunes... 🤦‍♂️
 

Allyance

Contributor
Sep 29, 2017
2,075
7,672
East Bay, CA
In this case, the OP emailed the zip file to their own account. It won't have accumulated any malware this way.
I realize that, I just wanted to point out that in my 25 years selling and servicing computers, I have seen the use of files with the *.zip extension as a way to transmit viruses increase dramatically. I had email servers and third party anti-spam services that caught many hostile emails. The easiest way to infect someone computer is to have them help by opening the email and clicking on the file. Stay away from any unknown emails containing a *.zip files.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.