If you need to send a lot of files to someone from your iOS device, compressing them is probably the best option. Thus you can save some bandwidth, and it makes everything smoother. However, Apple doesn’t allow you to create Zip file on iOS (iPhone/iPad). On the other hand, if someone has sent you a Zip file and you want to open that on your iPhone or iPad, you cannot do that either. Therefore, if you’re going to create Zip file or extract zip file on iOS 12, you can do that with the help of this trick.

Many times we need to send a couple of files to someone. For example, you might need to send some pictures from your iPhone to someone, who doesn’t have WhatsApp. If the recipient does not have WhatsApp, the second best way to send the images is by email. Apparently, the in-built email app allows you to send multiple images at once. But sometimes you might need to save some bandwidth when you have a limited data connection. At such moments, you can compress all the files and make a Zip file since a Zip file consumes comparatively less storage than separate files. On the flip side, let’s assume that someone has sent you a Zip file that contains some important files and you need to access them urgently. Instead of moving the file to a computer and extracting it, you can use this method to unzip the zipped file and check all the files it contains.

To do this, you need to take the help of Shortcuts app. Apple introduced the Shortcuts app for iPhone and iPad, and you must have iOS 12 or later version. If you have previously used IFTTT or Microsoft Flow, this is easy for you to understand how it works. However, if you haven’t used either of them earlier, you can just read on.

Shortcuts will let you perform various tasks in automation. From getting a daily morning routine to manage speed dial, you can manage everything with the help of this Shortcuts app. The same app can be used to create a Zip file or extract a Zip file on iOS device. As mentioned earlier, you must have iOS or later version to get it done. Also, you should know that you have to create those shortcuts manually for your mobile.

If you do not have the Shortcuts app, you can download it from here.

How to create Zip file on iOS using Shortcuts app?

Do follow the following steps to create Zip file on iPhone/iPad.

Step 1: Open the Shortcuts app on your iOS device.

Step 2: Tap the Create Shortcut button.

Step 3: You should find a search box. Tap on the box and type “zip”.

Step 4: Two options will appear. You need to select the Make Archive option.

Step 5: By default, it creates .zip file. However, if you want to create .tar or .tar.gz or anything else, you can tap the Format option and select one that you want.

Step 6: Again tap the search box and type “save”. You will get an option called “Save FIle” and you have to select that.

Step 7: The Service option defines where your files will be saved. By default, it saves the file in iCloud Drive. However, if you want, you can select Dropbox as well.

Step 8: Tap the toggle button to give this shortcut a name.

Step 9: On the same screen, you will get another option called “Show in Share Sheet” and you have to use the toggle button to enable this option.

By doing the last Step 9, you are done creating the shortcut. Now, you have to use it to create zip file.

Let’s assume that you want to compress some images. Therefore, open the Photos app and select all the images.

After that, tap the Share button and select Shortcuts from the list.

Therefore, select the “zip” shortcut from the Shortcuts app. Now, it will ask you where you want to save the file.

After clicking the Add file, it will complete the task automatically.

How to unzip file on iOS using Shortcuts app?

To unzip file, again you have to create another shortcut in the Shortcuts app. Therefore, follow these steps to create the shortcut.

Step 1: Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad and tap the Create Shortcut option.

Step 2: Search for “Extract Archive” using the search box and select the corresponding result from the list.

Step 3: Search for “Save file” and choose the option that suits your keyword.

Step 4: By default, it will extract your zip file in iCloud Drive. However, if you want, you can select Dropbox as well.

Step 5: Tap the tiny toggle button to give it a name and select the “Show in Share Sheet” option.

Step 6: Tap the Done button to finish the setup.

Now, let’s assume that you have got a zip file via email and you want to extract it. For that, open your email app and tap on the Zip file. It should show an option called “Open In”. You can tap this button to open the share menu. In the share menu, you should find Shortcuts option. Open it and choose the shortcut that you have created to unzip file.

Now it will give you an option to choose where you want to extract your files. By clicking the Add button, you can select a path.

That’s all! Now you can access those files without any problem. Hope these steps will help you a lot.