RAR is a popular archive format for compressing files in the Windows operating system. But what if you have a RAR file and want to open it on your iPhone? Unfortunately, iPhones cannot natively open RAR files. However, there are several methods you can use to open RAR files on your iPhone. In this guide, we will discuss these methods in detail to help you access the files in your RAR archive.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we get started, here are a few things you need to open RAR files on your iPhone:
- An internet connection
- A third-party app to extract RAR files
There are several apps available on the App Store that can extract RAR files. We will list a few of the popular ones in the next section.
Methods to Open RAR Files on iPhone
There are several ways to open RAR files on your iPhone. In this section, we will discuss 3 different methods you can use.
Method 1: Using iZip App
iZip is a popular app for extracting archives on iOS devices. Here’s how you can use it to extract a RAR file:
- Download and install the iZip app from the App Store.
- Open the iZip app and tap on the "+" icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Select "Import with iZip" and choose the RAR file you want to extract.
- Wait for the app to extract the files from the RAR archive.
- Once the extraction is complete, you can view the files in the iZip app or share them with other apps on your device.
Method 2: Using Documents App
Documents is a popular file manager app for iOS devices. It can also extract archives, including RAR files. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install the Documents app from the App Store.
- Open the app and tap on the "+" icon in the top left corner.
- Select "Download" and enter the URL of the RAR file you want to extract.
- The app will download the file and automatically extract it for you.
- You can view the extracted files in the Documents app or share them with other apps.
Method 3: Using WinZip App
WinZip is a powerful app for managing archives on iOS devices. It can handle a wide range of archive formats, including RAR files. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install the WinZip app from the App Store.
- Open the app and tap on the "+" icon in the top-left corner.
- Select "Open from Other Apps" and choose the RAR file you want to extract.
- Wait for the app to extract the files from the RAR archive.
- You can now view the extracted files in the WinZip app or share them with other apps.
Why Can’t I Open RAR Files on My iPhone?
There are several reasons why you might not be able to open RAR files on your iPhone:
- Default iOS apps cannot open RAR files: As mentioned earlier, iPhones cannot natively open RAR files. You will need to use a third-party app to access the files in a RAR archive.
- Incompatible file format: Sometimes, RAR files can become corrupted or have an incompatible format that cannot be opened on your iPhone.
- No file extractor app installed: If you do not have an app that can extract RAR files installed on your iPhone, you will not be able to access the files in the archive.
Fixes
Here are some fixes to the issues mentioned above:
- Install a third-party app: To open RAR files on your iPhone, you need to install a third-party app that can extract them. There are many such apps available on the App Store, including iZip, Documents, and WinZip.
- Try another file extractor app: If you encounter issues opening a RAR file with one app, try another one to see if it works better. Different apps might have different capabilities and support different types of archives.
- Check the file format: If you cannot open a RAR file, check if it is in a compatible format. Some RAR files might be compressed or encrypted in a way that iOS does not support.
Suggestions
Here are a few suggestions to help you open RAR files on your iPhone:
- Use a reliable third-party app: Choose a file extractor app that has good ratings and reviews on the App Store to ensure that it is trustworthy and effective.
- Keep your apps updated: Make sure to update the file extractor app you use to the latest version. This can help resolve any issues or bugs and improve its performance.
- Be careful when downloading RAR files: Make sure to download RAR files only from trusted sources. Malicious files might contain viruses or other harmful software that can damage your device.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe to download a third-party app to open RAR files on my iPhone?
A: Yes, it is safe to download a third-party app from the App Store to open RAR files on your iPhone. However, make sure to choose a trustworthy app with good ratings and reviews to avoid any issues.
Q: Can I open a password-protected RAR file on my iPhone?
A: Yes, you can open a password-protected RAR file on your iPhone if you have the correct password. Simply enter the password when prompted by the file extractor app you are using.
Q: What should I do if a RAR file is not extracting properly on my iPhone?
A: If a RAR file is not extracting properly on your iPhone, try using a different file extractor app to see if it works better. Also, check if the file is in a compatible format and make sure that you have a stable internet connection.
Q: Can I extract multiple RAR files at once on my iPhone?
A: The ability to extract multiple RAR files at once depends on the file extractor app you are using. Some apps might have this feature while others do not. Check the app’s documentation or contact the developer to find out.
Q: What other archive formats can I open on my iPhone?
A: There are several archive formats that you can open on your iPhone, including ZIP, 7Z, TAR, and GZIP. Most file extractor apps support multiple archive formats, so you can use the same app to extract different types of archives.
