Faced with the need to unpack an archive format TAR on a mobile device, many Android users experience difficulties. Standard file managers often do not see these files or simply copy them without extracting them, since this format was originally created for the system UNIX and is not native to the Google mobile platform. However, this does not mean at all that you will not be able to access the content.
In fact, the process of unpacking such containers on a smartphone has become extremely simple thanks to specialized software. You do not need to be a programmer or have superuser rights to perform basic operations. Archivers The new generation can work with compressed data directly, saving you time and memory space.
In this article we will analyze in detail which tools cope with the task best, how to avoid common mistakes when working with nested archives and why Sometimes standard methods don't work. You will learn about the nuances of working with composite formats like .tar.gz and .tar.bz2.
Why Android does not open TAR files by default
The operating system Android is based on the kernel Linuxwhich should theoretically work with the format without problems. TAR (Tape Archive). However, in the user interface and standard file managers, this function is deliberately hidden or truncated. Shell developers (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS) focus on popular formats like ZIP or RAR, leaving specific archives without attention.
In addition, the file TAR often acts only as a container, not compressing data, but simply combining it. If compression is applied to it (for example, gzip or bzip2), the standard system parser may not recognize the double extension. That is why an attempt to open such a file using built-in tools often results in an error message or the absence of a suitable application.
⚠️ Attention! Don't try to simply rename the file extension from
.tarto.zip. This does not convert the format, but will only confuse the file manager, making the file unreadable for any apps.
To work correctly, you need software that can read archive headers and sequentially extract data streams. Without third-party software, you risk wasting time trying to deceive the system.
If you downloaded a file with the .tar.gz or .tar.xz extensions, this means that the TAR archive was additionally compressed. An ordinary viewer may not be able to cope with double processing.
Top 5 best applications for unpacking on a smartphone
The market for mobile utilities offers dozens of solutions, but not all of them are equally effective when working with complex directory structures inside TARarchives. We have selected five of the most reliable tools that work reliably on modern versions. Android.
The leader of the list is ZArchiver. This application has long become the de facto standard for working with archives on mobile devices. It supports a huge number of formats, including .tar, .7z, .iso and many others. The interface is intuitive, and the unpacking speed is amazing even on budget smartphones.
The second worthy option is considered RAR from the developer of RARLAB. Although the name hints at one format, the app also copes well with TAR. Its advantage is high reliability when working with damaged archives. It is also worth noting Files by Google, which in the latest updates received basic support for unpacking, but the functionality there is limited compared to specialized utilities.
- 📦 ZArchiver — the best balance of functionality and simplicity, support for scripts.
- 🛡️ RAR — maximum reliability and the ability to create multi-volume archives.
- 🚀 7Zipper — open source code, no advertising in the basic version.
- 📂 FX File Explorer —a powerful all-in-one tool with a built-in archiver and network functions.
- ⚙️ Termux —for advanced users, emulation of a full-fledged Linux environment.
The choice of a specific application depends on your tasks. If you just need to unpack the file once, any one from the list will do. To constantly work with firmware images or databases, it is better to install ZArchiver or Termux.
Step-by-step guide: how to unpack an archive
The process of extracting files from a container TAR is almost identical in all recommended applications, but has its own nuances depending on the interface. Let's look at the algorithm of actions using the example of the most popular tool - ZArchiver.
First, you need to provide the application with access to the storage. When you launch it for the first time, the system will ask for permission to manage files - be sure to confirm it, otherwise the app will not see the downloaded archive. After that, find the desired file in the list of directories.
Click on the file name once to bring up the context menu. Here you will see several options for action. To completely unpack into the current folder, select "Unpack" or "Unpack here". If you want to place the files in a new directory, select "Unpack to..." and specify the path.
☑️ Unpacking algorithm
Pay attention to the progress indicator. If the archive weighs several gigabytes, the process may take from several seconds to minutes. It is not recommended to interrupt the operation, as this may lead to damage to the extracted data.
If completed successfully, a new directory with the archive name (without extension) or individual files will appear in the same folder. Now you can work with them as with ordinary documents, photos or installation packages .apk.
The main secret of successful unpacking is to always check whether there is enough free memory on the device. The unpacked file can take up 2-3 times more space than the archive itself.
Working with compressed formats TAR.GZ and TAR.BZ2
Users often encounter files with a double extension, for example backup.tar.gz. This means that the data was first packed into TARand then compressed by the GZIPalgorithm. Some simple apps see only the outer shell and cannot look inside.
Modern archivers, such as ZArchiver or RAR, process such files in two stages automatically. You do not need to manually unpack first gzand then tar. The app itself recognizes the compression chain and produces the final result. However, if you are using older versions of the software, an intermediate step may be required.
⚠️ Attention! When working with files
.tar.xzmake sure that your application supports the compression algorithm XZ. Not all managers have built-in libraries for this format, which may cause an "Unknown format" error.
If the app gives an error when opening such a file, try renaming it, removing the second extension (leaving only .tar), and open it again. Sometimes this helps if the file header is damaged, but the data structure is intact. However, this method does not always work and depends on the specific implementation of compression.
For advanced users working with server backups, it is important to understand the difference in the degree of compression. The format BZ2 compresses more strongly, but decompresses more slowly than GZ. On weak smartphones, the process of extracting from .tar.bz2 can significantly load the processor.
Technical details of compression
The GZIP algorithm uses the DEFLATE method, which provides fast compression and decompression. BZIP2 uses the Burrows-Wheeler transform and Huffman encoding, which gives better compression but requires more computing resources.
Advanced methods: using Termux and root access
If graphical interfaces are not up to the task or you need to automate the process of decompressing hundreds of files, it is worth turning to the command line. The application turns your phone into a powerful Linux console where native utilities are available. To get started, install Termux from the store. After installation, update the packages and install the necessary tools. Enter the following command to install the backup utility: Termux turns your phone into a powerful Linux console with native utilities available tar.
To get started, install Termux from the store F-Droid or Google Play. After installation, update the packages and install the necessary tools. Enter the following command to install the backup utility:
pkg install tar gzip bzip2After installation, navigate to the directory with your file using the command cd. For example, if the file is in the Download folder, the command will look like this: cd /sdcard/Download. Please note that accessing internal memory in new versions of Android may require additional permission through the command termux-setup-storage.
Use standard flags to unpack. The command tar -xvf archive.tar will extract files from a regular archive. For compressed versions, add the appropriate flag: -z for gzip or -j for bzip2. Full command for a compressed archive:
tar -zxvf backup.tar.gzThis method is ideal for users with root accessas it allows you to unpack system images and modify protected partitions, which cannot be done through regular applications without deep integration into the system.
| Command | Description of action | Archive type |
|---|---|---|
tar -xvf file.tar |
Unpacking regular TAR | .tar |
tar -zxvf file.tar.gz |
Unpacking GZIP compression | .tar.gz, .tgz |
tar -jxvf file.tar.bz2 |
Unpacking BZIP2 compression | .tar.bz2, .tbz |
tar -Jxvf file.tar.xz |
Uncompressing XZ compression | .tar.xz, .txz |
In Termux, you can use the Tab key to autocomplete file names. This saves you from typos when entering long archive names.
Typical errors and ways to solve them
Even when using high-quality software, users sometimes encounter problems. The most common mistake is "Not enough space". Remember that decompression requires free space equal to the size of the compressed file plus the size of the decompressed data. If space is low, clear the cache or delete unnecessary videos before starting the operation.
Another common problem is "CRC error" or data corruption. This means that the file was not downloaded completely or was damaged during transmission. In this case, it is recommended to download the archive again, preferably using a stable Wi-Fi connection and not a mobile network.
Sometimes the application simply crashes when trying to open a huge archive (more than 4 GB). This is due to limitations of the file system FAT32which is often used on SD cards. It does not support files larger than 4 GB. The solution is to format the card exFAT or unpack it into the phone’s internal memory.
⚠️ Attention! Application interfaces and menu item names may differ depending on the version of Android and the specific smartphone model (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel). If you do not find the described button, look for an icon with a similar meaning.
If the file is encrypted with a password, standard methods will not work without entering the key. Make sure you enter the password in the correct layout and case. Case sensitivity in Linux systems (on which the TAR format operates) is extremely high.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to open a TAR file without installing additional apps?
In most cases, no. Standard Android file managers do not have built-in libraries to handle this format. The only exception is some custom firmware or specialized managers like Solid Explorer with installed plugins, but you shouldn’t count on this.
What is the difference between ZIP and TAR?
The main difference is in the approach to compression. ZIP compresses each file in the archive separately, which allows you to quickly extract one file without unpacking the entire archive. TAR simply merges the files into one stream (like magnetic tape), and compression (if any) is applied to the entire stream. TAR better preserves the access rights and structure of Linux files.
Is it safe to download TAR archives from unverified sources?
The TAR format itself is safe, since it is just a container. However, it may contain malicious scripts or executable files. Never run extracted files with the extension .sh or .binif you are not 100% sure of the source.
Why do I not see the files after unpacking?
The archive may be empty or the files are hidden. In the file manager settings, enable the display of hidden files (those that begin with a dot, for example .config). Also check if the files have been unpacked into a deep nested folder structure.
How to create a TAR archive on your phone?
To create, use the same applications as for unpacking. In ZArchiver select the required files, click the menu and select "Create archive", then specify .tarin the list of formats. You can also choose the compression level if you need a format .tar.gz.