When faced with a file in the format RAR on their smartphone, many Android users experience slight bewilderment. Unlike traditional ZIP archives, support for which is built into the operating system kernel, the RAR format is proprietary and requires special software to access the content. This is especially true when downloading large amounts of data, cached games or documents from corporate networks, where RAR compression provides a better degree of compression.
Fortunately, the ecosystem Google Play offers many solutions for this task, from simple free utilities to powerful file managers with built-in decoders. The unpacking process has become intuitive, but requires an understanding of how exactly the Android file system interacts with archives. Below we will look at all the nuances, from choosing the right tool to solving problems with damaged archives.
Native support and the need for third-party applications
By default, the operating system Android cannot work with RAR archives out of the box. Standard file managers preinstalled on smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi or Pixelmost often can only open the ZIP format. When you try to tap on a .rar file, the system will either prompt you to select an application from the list, or will give an error message about the impossibility of opening the file.
That is why installing specialized software is a mandatory step. This should not be confused with security restrictions - it’s just that the compression algorithm is patented by the company, and its implementation is not included in the open source code of the Linux kernel on which Android is based. However, this does not make the process difficult for the end user. WinRAR patented by the company RARLAB, and its implementation is not included in the open source code of the Linux kernel on which Android is based. However, this does not make the process difficult for the end user.
There are two main ways to solve the problem: installing a separate archiver or using a multifunctional file manager that already has a built-in unpacking function. The choice depends on how often you work with archives and how deeply you need to dive into compression settings.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid downloading archivers from dubious sources or third-party forums. The official store Google Play guarantees the absence of malicious code that can be hidden under the guise of useful utilities for working with files.
If you rarely download archives, it is better to install a lightweight archiver rather than a heavy file manager, so as not to take up extra RAM with background processes.
Review of the best applications for working with files RAR
The market for mobile utilities is oversaturated with offers, but not all of them are equally effective. We have identified several leaders that work stably on various versions of Android, from the old 8.0 to the newest 14. The key selection criterion is the unpacking speed and support for multi-volume archives.
The undisputed leader remains the official application from the developers of the format - RAR for Android. It is completely free to view and unpack, has no intrusive advertising and supports all possible compression settings. An alternative is ZArchiver, which is loved by advanced users for its excellent interface and support for many formats, including 7z and TAR.
For those who do not want to clog up their memory with unnecessary icons, new generation file managers are suitable. For example, Solid Explorer or CX File Explorer have built-in modules for working with archives. This is convenient, as it allows you to immediately move unpacked files to the desired directories without unnecessary copies.
- 📦 RAR for Android — official, reliable, supports the creation of archives with a password.
- 🛠️ ZArchiver — the best balance of functionality and convenience, works with damaged archives.
- 📂 Files by Google — basic support, suitable only for simple ZIPs, for RAR it is better not count.
- ⚡ Solid Explorer —a premium manager with a powerful built-in unpacking engine.
Step-by-step guide: unpacking via RAR for Android
Let's consider the most reliable method - using the official application. After installing from the store, the interface will seem familiar to you if you have ever used WinRAR on a computer. The operating logic is simplified as much as possible for touch control.
First of all, you need to provide the application with access to the storage. Modern versions of Android require explicit permission to access all files. Without this step, you simply will not see the downloaded archives in the list. After granting rights, the main screen with the file structure will open.
Find the desired file with the extension .rar. It is usually located in the Download (Downloads) folder. Tap a file once to select it, or hold your finger to bring up the context menu. In the list of actions that appears, select the option “Extract here” or “Extract to...”
Path to the action menu: Select a file → Up Arrow icon → Unpack hereIf the archive is protected by a password, the system will automatically prompt you to enter it. Without the correct access key, the process will be aborted. After a successful operation, a new directory with the name of the archive or unpacked files will appear in the same folder, ready for use.
☑️ Unpacking algorithm
Using the "Extract to..." button allows you to immediately select the target folder, which saves time later moving files.
Working with multi-volume and protected archives
Often large files are split into several parts for ease of transfer. Such archives have names like file.part1.rar, file.part2.rar and so on. For successful unpacking, it is critical that all parts are in the same folder and have the correct numbering.
When working with such archives, you only need to open the first volume (part1). The application will automatically find the remaining parts and collect them into a single file. If at least one volume is missing, you will receive an error about data corruption or failure to continue.
As for password protection, there are no hidden settings. The password is set by the creator of the archive, and it is almost impossible to guess it programmatically due to the strength of the encryption AES-256. The only way is to find out the password from the sender or find it in the accompanying text to the download link.
| Archive type | Requirements | Possible errors |
|---|---|---|
| Plain RAR | One file .rar | Incorrect format, corruption |
| Multi-volume | All parts (.part1, .part2...) | Missing part, incorrect order |
| Protected | Exact password | Access denied, Wrong password |
| Self-extracting | .exe file (does not work on Android) | Cannot open (PC required) |
⚠️ Attention: Files with the extension
.exe, even if they are self-extracting archives (SFX), will not open directly on Android. You must first unpack them on your computer, and then transfer the finished files to your phone.
Alternative methods through file managers
If you do not want to install a separate application, check the capabilities of your current file manager. Some shells, such as MIUI from Xiaomi or OneUI from Samsung, have built-in plugins for working with popular compression formats.
In such systems, just click on the file, and the system will offer a built-in viewing tool. However, the functionality is often limited: you can see a list of files inside, but the “Extract All” button may be missing or not work correctly with complex archives. This is a compromise option for quickly checking the content.
For more advanced work without installing “heavy” apps, you can use the capabilities of the terminal if the device has Rootrights or a terminal emulator is installed. The command unrar allows you to manage archives via the console, but this method is only suitable for experienced users familiar with the Linux command line.
Commands for the terminal
To unpack in the terminal, use the command "unrar e archive.rar", where "e" means extract to the current folder, and "x" - with maintaining the directory structure.
Typical errors and ways to resolve them
Even when using the best applications, users encounter problems. The most common error is “CRC error” or “Data is corrupted”. This means that the file was not downloaded completely or was damaged during transmission over an unstable communication channel.
Another common situation is lack of space on the internal drive. Unpacking requires free space equal to the size of the archive content (not its compressed size). If the archive weighs 100 MB, and there are 1 GB files inside, you need at least 1 GB of free space.
It is also worth considering file system limitations. If you try to unzip a file larger than 4 GB on a memory card formatted in FAT32, the operation will fail. In this case, you need to use internal memory (usually exFAT or ext4) or reformat the card.
- 🚫 CRC error —download the archive again, preferably via Wi-Fi.
- 💾 Low memory —clear the cache or delete unnecessary videos before unpacking.
- 📁 4 GB error —check the file system of the memory card, FAT32 does not support large files.
⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and menu item names may vary slightly depending on the Android version and your smartphone model. If you do not find the button you need, check the help for a specific application in the settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to open RAR without installing applications on the new Android 13/14?
Directly - no. Standard Android tools still do not support this format natively. You will need to install at least one lightweight application from Google Play, for example, RAR or ZArchiver.
Why does the archiver write "The next volume is required"?
This means that you are trying to unpack a multi-volume archive, but you are missing one of its parts (for example, there are part1 and part3, but not part2). Find and download all parts of the archive into one folder.
Is it safe to unpack archives from unknown sites?
No, it's a risk. Archives are often used to hide viruses and Trojans. Before unpacking, make sure the source is reliable, and after extracting the files, it is recommended to scan them with an antivirus.
How to unpack the archive if I forgot the password?
It is almost impossible to recover the password from a RAR archive on your phone due to the complexity of the encryption. The only option is to remember the password or find an unprotected version of the file in another source.