Archives in format RAR still remain one of the most popular methods of file compression - despite the emergence of alternatives like ZIP or 7z. If you were sent such an archive to your smartphone, but you don’t know how to unpack it, this article will help you figure it out. Android there is no built-in support .rar, but solving the problem takes literally 2-3 minutes.

We will look all current methods of opening RAR on Android in 2026 from installing specialized applications to bypassing restrictions on protected archives. You will learn which apps are safe, how to avoid viruses when downloading archives, and what to do if the file is damaged. The instructions are suitable for any device: from budget Redmi to flagship Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel.

Important: if the archive is password protected or has a non-standard extension (for example, .part1.rar), ordinary archivers may not be able to cope. In such cases, additional steps will be required - we will also look at them.

📊 How often do you come across RAR archives?
Constantly (several times a week)
Sometimes (once a month)
Nearby (several times a year)
Never opened

Why doesn't Android open RAR out of the box?

Unlike Windows or macOSwhere archive support is often built into the system, Android by default it can only work with .zip. This is due to several reasons:

  • 📱 License restrictions: the format RAR is patented by the company RARLAB, and Google does not include support for it in standard Files by Google or other system utilities.
  • 🛡️ Security: archives are one of the main ways to distribute malware. The lack of a built-in opener reduces the risks for inexperienced users.
  • 📦 Alternatives: Google promotes its own format .zip and cloud services like Google Drive, where files can be unzipped online.

However, this does not mean that you you won’t be able to open .rar on your phone. It is enough to install one of the specialized applications - we will look at them in the next section.

⚠️ Attention: if the archive came from an unknown sender (for example, by Telegram or WhatsApp), check it with an antivirus before opening it. Attackers often disguise viruses as harmless .rarfiles.

Top 5 applications for opening RAR on Android (2026)

We tested dozens of archivers and selected the most reliable and functional. All of them are free (with an optional paid version) and available in Google Play:

App Rating Features Cons
RAR (from RARLAB) 4.7 ⭐ Official application from the creators of the format. Supports RAR5, multi-volume archives, encryption AES-256. Advertising in the free version, the interface is overloaded.
ZArchiver 4.8 ⭐ Lightweight, without unnecessary fluff, supports 30+ formats (including 7z, tar). There is a dark theme. No cloud synchronization.
WinZip 4.5 ⭐ User-friendly interface, integration with Google Drive i Dropbox, file preview. Paid functions (for example, creation ZIPX).
7Z 4.6 ⭐ Open source, high unpacking speed, support RAR4/RAR5. Cannot create RAR (unpack only).
B1 Archiver 4.4 ⭐ Minimalistic design, password support, built-in image viewer. Fewer formats than competitors.

For most users, we recommend ZArchiver - it is free, does not contain advertising and can even handle damaged archives. If you need maximum compatibility (for example, for old RAR3archives), choose the official application RAR.

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Before installing the archiver, check the reviews. on Google Play - some applications (for example, "Super Archiver") may contain hidden advertising or collect data.

Step-by-step guide: how to open RAR on Android

Let's look at the process using an example ZArchiver —one of the most popular solutions. The instructions are valid for any version of Android (from Android 8.0 Oreo to Android 15):

  1. 📥 Download and install ZArchiver from Google Play (or from the official website if the Play Market is not available).
  2. 🔍 Find the archive in a file manager (for example, in Downloads or Documents).
  3. 📂 Open the archive via ZArchiver:
    • Click on the file .rar → select Open with → ZArchiver.
    • Or open the application itself and go to the archive folder.
  4. 🔓 Unpack the files:
    • Select the required files (or click Select all).
    • Tap on icon Extract (usually in the top menu).
    • Specify the folder to save (for example, Downloads/Unpacked).
  • ✅ Done! The files will appear in the specified directory.

    • If the archive is password protected, after step 4 a window will appear asking for a key. Enter it and click OK. Please note: some archivers (for example, WinZip) may block unpacking. password .rar in the free version.

    The archive has been downloaded completely (no download errors)|

    The file name ends in .rar (not .zip or .7z)|

    The application has access to the device memory|

    Free space on the phone (the archive may take up more space after unpacking)-->

    How to open a multi-volume RAR (parts .part1.rar, .part2.rar)

    Multi-volume archives are divided into several files (for example, film.part1.rar, film.part2.rar). To unpack them:

    1. 📁 Check the integrity:
      • All parts must be in one folder.
      • The file names must match (except for the part number).
  • 🔗 Open the first part (for example, film.part1.rar) through the archiver. The app will automatically find the remaining files.
  • 🔄 Extract the contents as usual (see instructions above).

    • If the archiver gives an error Insufficient parts or Damaged archive:

    • 🔄 Reload all parts of the archive (perhaps one of them was not completely downloaded).
    • 🛠️ Try another archiver (for example, the official one RAR instead ZArchiver).
    • 💻 Unpack it on your computer and transfer the files to phone.
    ⚠️ Attention: if you downloaded the archive via Torrent or file hosting services, make sure that all parts have the same CRC (checksum), otherwise unpacking will fail.

    What to do if RAR does not open. (errors and solutions)

    The most common problems and ways to fix them:

    Error Cause Solution
    Unknown archive format The file is damaged or not RAR. Check the extension (maybe it is .zip or .001Download the archive.
    CRC error Data corruption during download. Use WinRAR on PC for recovery (Repair).
    Wrong password The archive is protected, but the password was entered incorrectly. Check the password from the sender. Try 12345 or password (sometimes used by default).
    Insufficient memory There is no space on the device to unzip. Clear cache or extract to SD card.
    File too large File system limitation (for example FAT32 does not support files >4 GB). Reformat the memory card to exFAT or unzip to PC.

    If none of the methods helped, try:

    • 🔧 Use online archivers (for example, extract.me), but this is not safe for confidential files.
    • 🖥️ Unpack on your computer and transfer the files to your phone via USB or Wi-Fi Direct.
    How to restore corrupted RAR on PC?

    1. Install WinRAR on your computer.

    2. Open the damaged archive in the app.

    3. Go to menu Service → Restore archive.

    4. Specify the folder to save the recovered file.

    5. Transfer the corrected archive back to your phone.

    Security: how not to get a virus from a RAR archive

    Archives are hackers’ favorite tool for distributing malware. To protect your Android:

    • 🛡️ Check the source: do not open .rar mails from unknown senders or from suspicious sites (for example, file-host[.]xyz).
    • 🔍 Use an antivirus: before unpacking, scan the archive using Dr.Web, Kaspersky or built-in scanner Google Play Protect.
    • 🚫 Do not run .exe i .apk: even if the file looks like a document, a virus may be hiding inside. On Android, files with extensions are dangerous. .apk, .jar, .js.
    • 🔒 Update the archiver: outdated versions of apps (for example, RAR 5.00) may contain vulnerabilities.

    Take special care with archives that:

    • Came by SMS or Messenger with a request to "open urgently."
    • Have a double extension (for example, document.pdf.exe.rar).
    • Contain files with names like update.apk or patch.exe.
    ⚠️ Attention: if after unpacking the archive the phone starts to slow down, display ads or overheat, immediately scan it with an antivirus and delete suspicious files. Some viruses (for example, Xhelper) are disguised as harmless .jpg or .mp4.

    Alternative methods: cloud services and PC

    If you do not want to install the archiver on your phone, you can unpack RAR other ways:

    1. Via Google Drive

    1. Upload the archive to Google Drive (via a browser or application).
    2. Right-click on the file → Open with → Google Drive.
    3. The service will automatically unpack the archive and show the contents.
    4. Download the necessary files back to your phone.

    2. Through online services

    Sites like extract.me or unzip-online.com allow you to unpack RAR without installing apps. However:

    • ⚠️ Do not upload sensitive data (passwords, documents).
    • ⚠️ The maximum file size is usually limited (for example, 50–200 MB).

    3. Via computer

    If the archive is large or protected, it is easier to unpack it to Windows/macOS:

    1. Copy .rar to a PC (via cable, Bluetooth or cloud).
    2. Use WinRAR, 7-Zip or The Unarchiver (for Mac).
    3. Transfer the unzipped files back to your phone.
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    Online services are convenient for one-time tasks, but are not suitable for working with sensitive data. For regular use, it is better to install an archiver on your phone.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about RAR on Android

    Can I open RAR without the Internet?

    Yes, all listed applications (ZArchiver, RAR, 7Z) work offline. The Internet is only needed to download the archiver itself from Google Play.

    Why does the archiver ask for a password if there is none?

    Probably, the archive is protected, but the sender did not warn you. Try:

    • Check the password from the person who sent the file.
    • Try standard combinations: 12345, password, qwerty.
    • Use apps to select passwords (for example, RAR Password Unlocker on a PC), but this takes a long time and is not always legal.
    How to create a RAR archive on Android?

    Most archivers (for example, ZArchiver or RAR) can not only unpack, but also create .rar:

    1. Open the application and select files for archiving.
    2. Click Compress or Add to archive.
    3. Select format RAR, specify a name and click OK.

    Please note: in the free versions of some apps (for example, WinZip) creation RAR may be blocked.

    How is RAR different from ZIP?

    RAR and ZIP are both compression formats, but they have key differences:

    Characteristics RAR ZIP
    Compression rate Higher (especially for multimedia) Lower
    Multi-volume support Yes (.part1.rar, .part2.rar) No
    Encryption AES-256 AES-128/256 (depending on the app)
    Unpacking speed Slower Faster

    For Android ZIP preferable, as it is supported by the system by default. RAR chosen when the maximum compression ratio is important or multi-volume is needed.

    Is it possible to open RAR on an iPhone?

    Yes, but the process is more complicated than on Android. On iOS you will need:

    1. Install the archiver from App Store (for example, iZip or WinZip).
    2. Import the file into the application via Files or iCloud.
    3. Unpack the archive inside the app.

    Limitation: many iOS archivers do not support RAR5 or multi-volume archives.