How to Zip a File on Android

Most modern Android phones can create zip files using the built-in file manager. For more control, apps like ZArchiver add password protection and more formats.

Method 1: Using the Built-in File Manager

Samsung, Google Pixel, and most Android phones include a file manager that supports zip creation.

Open your file manager

Open the Files app (Google Pixel) or My Files (Samsung). If you can't find it, search your app drawer for "Files".

Files app on Android home screen

Select files to zip

Long-press on a file to enter selection mode. Then tap additional files to select them. You'll see checkmarks on selected items.

Multiple files selected in Android file manager

Tap Compress

Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner and choose "Compress". On Samsung, you may see this option directly in the bottom toolbar.

Compress option in Android file manager menu

Name and save your zip file

Enter a name for your zip file and tap Save or OK. The zip file will be created in the same folder.

Note: Not all Android file managers support creating zip files. If your built-in file manager doesn't have a Compress option, use ZArchiver below.

Method 2: Using ZArchiver (Recommended)

ZArchiver is a free, ad-free file archiver for Android with support for zip, 7z, tar, gzip, and password protection.

Install ZArchiver

Download ZArchiver from the Google Play Store. It's completely free.

Navigate to your files

Open ZArchiver and browse to the folder containing the files you want to zip.

Select files

Long-press on a file to select it, then tap additional files. Or tap the checkmark icon at the top to enter multi-select mode.

Tap the archive icon

Tap the green archive icon at the bottom of the screen. Choose ZIP as the format, set a compression level, and optionally add a password.

ZArchiver create archive dialog with ZIP format selected

Create the archive

Tap OK to create the zip file. It will appear in the same folder.

Method 3: Using the RAR App

The official RAR app (by RARLAB, makers of WinRAR) also creates zip files on Android.

Install RAR from the Play Store

Search for "RAR" in the Google Play Store and install it.

Select files and tap the archive button

Browse to your files, check the ones you want, and tap the archive button (book with a plus icon) at the top.

Choose ZIP format and compress

Select ZIP as the archive format, configure settings if needed, and tap OK.

Tips for Zipping Files on Android

Storage location: Zip files are usually created in the same folder as the source files. Check your Downloads folder or Internal Storage.
Sharing: After creating a zip file, you can share it via email, messaging apps, or cloud storage by long-pressing the file and tapping Share.
Password protection: The built-in file manager usually doesn't support passwords. Use ZArchiver or the RAR app for password-protected zips.
Large files: Be careful zipping large files on phones with limited storage. Ensure you have enough free space for both the original files and the zip archive.
Unzipping: To unzip files on Android, just tap the zip file in your file manager. See our unzipping guide for details.

Last updated: March 2026