Computing 101: how to zip and unzip a file You can easily compress and extract files with your macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, or ChromeOS device by using a built-in feature.

File compression isn't just for desktops and laptops. Android devices can benefit from ZIP files too.

When you download a ZIP file from an email on Android, you have to unzip it — you can't save the compressed ZIP file. Just press Extract when given the option.

This article describes what ZIP files are and why they're used in some situations. We'll also look at how to open one to see its contents, and how to convert the files inside to a different format ...