How to Open RAR Files on Any Device

RAR is a proprietary format created by WinRAR. Because of its licence, iPhone, Android and macOS can't open RAR files out of the box. Windows 11 added basic support in 2023, but older Windows versions need software too.

The quickest way on any device

1. Open the RAR Extractor in your browser (Safari, Chrome, Edge, Samsung Internet).
2. Tap Choose archive and select the .rar file. On iPhone it's usually in Files → Downloads.
3. The contents appear immediately. Save individual files, or Download all (ZIP) to get a ZIP your phone opens natively.

The extraction runs on your device with the official unRAR code built into 7-Zip, so your files aren't uploaded anywhere.

Device by device

• iPhone / iPad: use the browser method above, then save files to Photos or Files. The Files app opens ZIP but not RAR.
• Android: the browser method works on every phone. Files by Google can also extract ZIP, but not every RAR5 archive.
• Mac: Archive Utility doesn't support RAR. Use this site, or install The Unarchiver.
• Windows 11: right-click → Extract All works for simple RARs. Use 7-Zip or this site for RAR5 with passwords.
• Chromebook / school or work PC: where you can't install software, this browser method is often the only option.

Password-protected RAR

When the archive is encrypted you'll be asked for the password. Without it the contents can't be recovered. RAR uses AES-256 and there's no legitimate bypass.

Multi-part RAR (.part1.rar, .part2.rar…)

All parts must be in the same place. On a computer, download every part and open part1. Parts with a missing piece show a “damaged archive” error.

Want a format everyone can open?

Convert it once with RAR to ZIP before forwarding it to friends or colleagues.