Alex Ruben
How To Open RAR Files on iPhone in 2025: Extract and Unzip Effortlessly
If you’ve ever stumbled upon a RAR file on your iPhone, chances are it was a bit of a hassle to open. iOS doesn’t natively support RAR files, which is kind of weird because most other formats are handled pretty easily. So, the usual workaround is using the Shortcuts app to automate the process. Not perfect, but it works. Here’s the dirty step-by-step I’ve used to get around this problem.
Step 1: Open the Shortcuts App
First off, launch the Shortcuts app. If you don’t already have it, grab it from the App Store. Once you’re in, hit that plus icon (+) in the top right—time to create a new shortcut. This is where the magic happens, or at least, the workaround.
Step 2: Add the File Action
In the shortcut builder, tap the search bar at the bottom and type “File”. Pick Get File from the options that pop up. This action is who will ask you to pick the RAR file later. It’s kind of essential, because after all, iOS doesn’t just automatically see your RARs as something usable.
Step 3: Select Your RAR File
Once that’s added, tap on the placeholder within the Get File action. Navigate through your files—whether it’s in iCloud Drive, Files app, or wherever—and select the RAR file that’s giving you trouble. Not sure why it works sometimes, but on certain setups, the shortcut needs a little nudge to pick the right file. The link between the file and the shortcut is made here.
Step 4: Add the Extraction Action
Now, tap the search again and type “extract”. Look for Extract Archive. Note: Even though Apple calls it “Extract Archive,” it’s pretty good at handling ZIPs, but with the right trick, it can also manage RARs, especially if you’ve got an app that can handle RAR extraction behind the scenes (like Unzip or Documents by Readdle integrated via URL schemes). On my test, this step sometimes requires you to have a third-party app ready, or else it’s just a no-go. Weird, right? Not sure why it works on some files and not others.
Step 5: Set the Save Location
Next up, tap the search bar again and type “save”. Select Save File. By default, it’ll ask where to dump the extracted files, which is kinda annoying. To speed things up, turn off the “Ask Where to Save” toggle. This way, you can set a predefined folder, like Shortcuts/Extracted. It’s a small tweak, but it makes the whole process a lot smoother once everything’s set up.
Step 6: Choose a Destination Folder
Tap the faded text in the save action to specify the folder where you want extracted files. You can pick an existing folder, or create a new one if organizing isn’t your thing. Once chosen, hit Done. Pro tip: keep a dedicated folder for RAR extractions—it saves wandering around later.
Step 7: Run the Shortcut
Almost there. Just tap that little play icon (▶️) at the bottom right. The shortcut kicks off, and your RAR file should be extracted and saved in the folder you specified. Expect a progress bar, and voila—your files should be there. Sometimes, the extraction fails the first time, especially if the file is big or the app you’re using isn’t fully integrated. Re-running the shortcut or rebooting the iPhone can fix those hiccups.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here’s what I’ve seen help or at least might help if things go sideways:
- Make sure your RAR isn’t corrupted. If it refuses to open, that’s probably your problem.
- Permissions matter—check the Settings > Privacy > Files and Folders to give Shortcuts or the app you’re using access to your files.
- If it’s stubborn, restart your iPhone. Because of course, iOS has to make everything a tad more complicated than necessary.
- In some cases, you might actually need a dedicated app like iZip or Documents by Readdle. These can often handle RAR extraction more reliably, especially if the shortcut isn’t cooperating.
Conclusion
Getting RAR files open on the iPhone is kind of a DIY affair these days—thanks, Apple. Using Shortcuts with a pinch of third-party help can make it tolerable. The process isn’t flawless, but it’s better than nothing. Just keep in mind: RAR extraction on iOS might require some fiddling if you hit weird errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open RAR files without the Shortcuts app?
Sure, third-party apps like WinZip, iZip, or Files by Readdle are simpler but often less customizable. They can do the job directly without extra steps, but sometimes they’re limited or come with ads.
Is it safe to use shortcuts for extracting files?
Mostly, yeah, as long as you’re not blindly downloading unknown shortcuts from shady sources. Create your own or get from trusted places.
What types of archives can this handle?
Mostly ZIPs, but with the right tricks, RARs too. For other formats like 7z, you might need dedicated apps or specific shortcuts.
Summary
- Use the Shortcuts app to automate RAR extraction.
- Pick your RAR file in the Get File step.
- Use Extract Archive — may need extra apps for RARs.
- Set a predefined save folder to save time.
- Run the shortcut and hope for the best.
Fingers crossed this helps, and it’s better than spending forever trying to tap through a convoluted interface just to get a simple ZIP open. Good luck, and may your files open without fuss.