How to Open Zip File and Email Attachment on iPhone and iPad

It’s uncommon you receive email with an attachment in zip format. Or you want to download a zip file while browsing the web. The built-in Mail app or Safari browser, however, is not capable to unzip the compressed file. So how can you open a zip file on iPhone or iPad?
If you’ve purchased GoodReader or Air Sharing, both apps already come with the zip feature to uncompress any zip files or email attachment. Both apps are great but they’re not free apps. If you don’t want to spend a dollar, you should check out Winzip which is currently available for free download.

I think I don’t have to introduce Winzip. It’s the leader of file compression and I believe most of you have used Winzip on your desktop. Lately, the company brings its flagship utility to iPhone and iPad. Best of all, the Winzip app doesn’t cost you a penny.

Open Email Attachment in Zip Format

You can grab the app from App Store via this direct iTunes link. Once installed, your iPhone or iPad is powered with the unzip feature. Whenever you find a zipped attachment in your email, simply tap on it and you’re allowed to open the file in Winzip.

Open Zip File in Safari

Winzip also works in mobile Safari browser. In any case you want to download a zip file while browsing the web, tap on the file and you’ll be prompted to select Winzip to open the zip file.

Not only it can unzip the archive file, the app lets you view the contained documents in the following formats:

• Word documents (.doc, .docx)
• Excel spreadsheets (.xls, .xlsx)
• PowerPoint presentations (.ppt, .pptx)
• PDF files (.pdf)
• Photos and images (.jpg, .jpeg, .png, .bmp, .gif, .tif, .tiff)
• Text files (.txt)
• Rich Text Format (.rtf)
• Keynote (.key)
• Numbers (.numbers)
• Web files (.htm, .html, .jsp)
• Pages (.pages)

Winzip app is a great add-on for your iPhone and iPad. So grab it now while it’s free!