Creating archives on Android is not just a way to free up memory, but real insurance for your data. Photos from vacation, important documents, correspondence in instant messengers or saves from games - all this can be lost due to a system failure, device theft or accidental deletion. Unlike computers, where archiving has long been a common procedure, on smartphones many users ignore this tool until it is too late.

In this article we will look at 5 proven archiving methods —from built-in Android functions to specialized applications and cloud services. You'll learn how to zip files into .zip or .rar, automate backups, and even save data from applications that don't support export. We will pay special attention to the nuances: for example, why archives with photographs sometimes take up more space than originals, and how to avoid loss of quality during compression.

It doesn’t matter whether you use Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with the latest version One UI or budget Redmi Note 12 on pure Android - instructions are adapted for any device. And if you have never archived data before, let's start with the basics: what is an archive, why do you need it, and what formats are best to choose for different types of files.

1. What is an archive and why do you need it on Android

An archive is containerthat combines several files or folders into one file, often compressing them to save space. On Android, archiving solves three key problems:

  • 📦 Combining files: instead of sending 50 photos by mail, you attach one archive.
  • 🗜️ Data compression: an archive with documents can weigh 30–70% less than originals.
  • 🔒 Loss protection: backup copies save data when you reset the settings or break the phone.

On Android, the most commonly used formats are:

FormatExtensionFeaturesSuitable for
ZIP.zipThe most common, supported by all Android devicesDocuments, photos (without loss of quality), APK files
RAR.rarBetter compression, but requires third-party applications to createLarge collections of files, videos
7z.7zMaximum compression, but slower ZIP/RARArchiving rarely used data
TAR.GZ.tar.gzOften used in Linux, on Android opens via applicationsBackup copies of system files

Important: archiving photos in JPEG or PNG format does not reduce their size - these formats are already compressed. But ZIP will help you group hundreds of pictures into one file for easy transfer.

⚠️ Attention: Some messengers (for example, WhatsApp) automatically compress photos when sending. If you want to maintain original quality, use archiving before sending.

2. Built-in Android tools: archiving without applications

Modern versions of Android (starting from Android 8 Oreo) have built-in support for ZIP archives. You do not need to install additional apps to:

  • 📂 Create an archive from selected files.
  • 🔍 View the contents of the archive without unpacking.
  • 📤 Extract individual files.

Step by step instructions:

  1. Open the application Files (or My file on Samsung).
  2. Go to the folder with the files you want to archive (for example, DCIM → Camera for photos).
  3. Press your finger on one file, then mark the rest.
  4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Compress (or Archive on some firmware).
  5. Set a name for the archive (by default it will be Archive.zip) and click OK.

The finished archive will appear in the same folder. To unzip it later, just tap on the file and select Extract.

☑️ What to check before archiving

Done: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi s firmware MIUI), the built-in archiver may not support Cyrillic file names in ZIP. If the archive does not open on a PC, rename the files to Latin before archiving.

3. Third-party archiving applications: RAR, 7Z and other formats

Android's built-in tools are limited to the ZIP format and basic functions. If you need:

  • 🔐 Password protect the archive.
  • 📉 Compress the data more strongly (RAR, 7z formats).
  • 🔄 Split the archive into parts (for sending by mail or recording on flash drives).

—use specialized applications.

Top 3 applications for archiving on Android:

ApplicationSupported formatsFeaturesLink in Play Market
RARZIP, RAR, 7z, TAR, GZOfficial application from the WinRAR developers, supports multi-volume archivescom.rarlab.rar
ZArchiverZIP, 7z, RAR, BZIP2, XZFree, without unnecessary water, supports AES-256 encryptionru.zdevs.zarchiver
7Zipper7z, ZIP, RAR, TARMinimalistic interface, optimized for weak devicescom.agilebits.oneseven

An example of creating a protected archive c ZArchiver:

  1. Install the application and open it.
  2. Go to the folder with files, press and hold the first file, then mark the rest.
  3. Tap on the archive icon in the top panel (or select Compress in the menu).
  4. Specify:
    • Format: ZIP or 7z (for better compression).
    • Compression level: Maximum (will take longer).
    • Password: create a strong one (for example, K7#p9Lm!2026).
    • Encryption method: AES-256.
  • Click OK and wait for completion.
    • 💡

    If you archive confidential data (scans of documents, passwords), use the format 7z with encryption AES-256 - it is more difficult to hack than ZIP with a password.

    4. Archiving application data: chats, games, settings

    Files from folders Download or DCIM are easy to archive, but what about application data? For example:

    • 💬 Correspondence in Telegram, WhatsApp or Viber.
    • 🎮 Saves from games (Genshin Impact, Brawl Stars).
    • ⚙️ Launcher or widget settings.

    This will help backup (backup). The methods depend on the type of data:

    4.1 Messengers

    Most popular instant messengers have built-in tools. export:

    • 📱 WhatsApp: ⋮ → Settings → Chat → Backup (saves to Google Drive).
    • 📘 Telegram: ⋮ → Settings → Data and memory → Export chat data (forms a ZIP with messages and media).
    • 💬 Viber: More → Settings → Account → Backup (only for messages, without media).

    4.2. data-i="156">To save games, use:

    To save games use:

    • 🎮 Helium (requires root or PC): creates full backups of applications with data.
    • ☁️ Google Play Games: automatically synchronizes progress in supported games (for example, Clash of Clans).
    • 📱 Swift Backup (for root only): backup APK + data.
    ⚠️ Attention: Backups of applications with data (for example, via Titanium Backup) only work on devices with root access. Without root, you can only save APK files (without game progress).
    How to transfer game saves to a new phone without root

    If the game supports cloud synchronization (for example, via Google Play Games or Facebook), log in to the new device - progress will be updated automatically. For other games:

    1. Copy the save folder (usually /Android/obb/[game_name] or /data/data/[game_pack]) on PC.

    2. Install the game on your new phone.

    3. Replace the save folder (you will need a file manager with access to system folders, for example FX File Explorer).

    5. Cloud archiving: automatic backups

    Manual archiving is convenient for one-time tasks, but for regular backups it is better to use cloud services. They automatically save:

    • 📸 Photos and videos (Google Photos, Yandex Drive).
    • 📄 Contacts, SMS, call log (Google Account).
    • 📱 System settings (for example, wallpaper, Wi-Fi networks).

    Setting up automatic backup to Google Drive:

    1. Open Settings → Google → Backup.
    2. Activate the switch Backup to Google Drive.
    3. Click Set up backup and select a Google account.
    4. Specify what data to save (SMS, call history, application settings).

    For media files:

    • 📷 Google Photos: enable Backup and synchronization in settings.
    • ☁️ Yandex Disk: activate in the application Auto-upload photos.
    📊 Which cloud service do you use for backup?
    Google Drive
    Yandex Disk
    iCloud (via iPhone)
    Dropbox
    I don’t use clouds

    Advantages of cloud archiving:

    • ⏱️ Automation: no need to remember about creating archives.
    • 🔄 Synchronization: data is available to everyone devices.
    • 🛡️ Protection: files are stored on encrypted servers.

    Disadvantages:

    • 💰 Limited space: free 15 GB in Google Drive and 10 GB in Yandex Drive.
    • 📶 Requires Internet: no backup is created without a connection.
    • 🔒 Confidentiality: data is stored on third-party servers.
    💡

    For critical data (passports, contracts), use a combined approach: local encrypted archive + cloud backup. This will protect you from losing your phone and from hacking your cloud account.

    6. Archiving system data: backup firmware and settings

    If you plan to reflash your phone, reset settings or experiment with root, create full system backup. This will save:

    • 📱 Current firmware (including modified files).
    • ⚙️ All Android settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, screen brightness).
    • 🔑 Application data (even those which do not support export).

    Ways to create a system backup:

    6.1. Via Recovery (TWRP)

    For this you need a custom recovery TWRP:

    1. Turn off the phone and hold down the combination of buttons to enter Recovery (for example, Power + Volume up on Samsung).
    2. B TWRP select Backup.
    3. Mark partitions for backup:
      • Boot (boot partition).
      • System (firmware).
      • Data (applications and settings).
  • Select the save location (internal memory or SD card).
  • Swipe to confirm.

    • 6.2. Via ADB (without root)

    If you do not have root, but have access to ADB, run the command:

    adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f /sdcard/backup.ab

    This command will create a file backup.ab on a memory card with all applications and their data (except system files).

    ⚠️ Attention: Backup via ADB does not include system settings and may not work on new versions of Android (starting from Android 11) due to security restrictions.

    7. How to recover data from an archive

    Creating an archive is half the battle. The main thing is to be able to correctly unpack and restore data. Instructions depend on the type of archive:

    7.1. Regular ZIP/RAR archives

    To extract files:

    1. Open any file manager (Files, Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer).
    2. Find the archive and click on it.
    3. Select Extract or Extract.
    4. Specify the folder to unpack (the current folder by default).

    7.2. Password-protected archives

    If. The archive is password protected:

    • In ZArchiver or RAR when unpacking, a field for entering a password will appear.
    • If you have forgotten your password, use utilities like ArchPR (for ZIP) or RAR Password Unlocker (for RAR), but success is not guaranteed.

    7.3. Restoring application backups

    To restore data from backups:

    • 📱 Google Drive: when you first start the phone after resetting, select Recover data from device.
    • 🎮 Games: if you used Helium or Swift Backup, install the application again and restore data through its interface.
    • 💬 Messengers: WhatsApp the backup will be restored automatically upon first login.

    Critical error: never unpack system backups (for example, from TWRP) on a working phone through a file manager. This may damage the firmware and cause the device to become bricked. Restoring such backups is only possible through Recovery.

    8. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even experienced users encounter problems when archiving. Let's look at typical errors and their solutions:

    ProblemCauseSolution
    The archive does not open on a PCCyrillic characters are used in file namesRename files to Latin before archiving
    ZIP archive weighs more than originalsFiles are already compressed (JPEG, MP3, MP4)Use archiving only for grouping, do not expect compression
    The application does not restore data from the backupThe version of the application or Android has changedTry installing the same version of the application as when creating the backup
    There is not enough space to create an archiveThe archive temporarily requires free space 2 times more than the originalsFree up memory or archive in parts
    TWRP backup is not restoredMismatch of firmware versions or phone modelUse backup only on an identical device

    A few more tips:

    • 📅 Regularity: create archives of important data at least once a month.
    • 📍 Storage: keep copies of the archives in three places (phone + cloud + PC).
    • 🔄 Check: after creating the archive, check its integrity (open and make sure that the files are not damaged).
    💡

    Before important operations (firmware, reset), create two backups: one on a memory card, the other in the cloud. This insures against data loss if the media is damaged.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to archive applications along with data without root?

    Without root, you can only save APK files of applications (via APK Extractor), but not their data (for example, progress in games). For a complete backup, you need root access or special tools like Helium (does not work on all devices).

    Why does an archive with photos take up as much space as the originals?

    JPEG and PNG formats are already compressed, so ZIP cannot further reduce their size. In this case, archiving is needed only for ease of transfer (one file instead of hundreds). To compress photos, use specialized tools like Photo & Picture Resizer.

    How to archive SMS and call logs?

    Use the built-in Google function: Settings → Google → Backup. Or install an application SMS Backup & Restorethat saves SMS to an XML file on a memory card or in the cloud.

    Is it possible to create an archive directly to a memory card?

    Yes, when archiving in built-in file manager or in applications like ZArchiver you can select a memory card (SD-card) as a save location. Make sure there is enough space on the card (the archive temporarily requires free space 1.5–2 times more than the originals).

    How to archive data from WhatsApp without Google Drive?

    Open WhatsApp, go to ⋮ → Settings → Chat → Backup → Save to device. The archive will be created in the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. Copy it to a safe place - this file can later be restored via Restore in settings WhatsApp.