Work with archives on Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphones POCO This often raises questions among users, especially when a standard file manager is used. MIUI refuses to open ZIP, RAR or 7Z. The reasons can range from the lack of built-in format support to errors in the archives themselves. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of unpacking, including hidden system functions and third-party applications, as well as solve typical problems like “archive damaged” or “memory insufficient".
It is important to understand that the extraction process depends on the version. MIUI And the model of the device. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14 built-in archiver supports ZIP and RAR, a on budget Redmi. 10A We tested all the methods on Android 11-14 devices and prepared universal solutions.
1. Standard archiver MIUI: opportunities and limitations
V MIUI 12-14 has a built-in archive tool, but it's limited in functionality:
- 📁 ZIP (including multi-volume archives)
- 📁 RAR (unpacking, without creating)
- 🚫 DOES NOT SUPPORT: 7Z, TAR, GZ, ISO, password-protected archives
To open the archive in a standard way:
- Open the Files app (yellow folder icon).
- Go to Local Storage or Downloads.
- Stick through the archive – the system will automatically prompt you to extract the content.
- Select the destination folder (the current directory is the default).
If the archive is not open, check:
- 🔍 File extension: sometimes ZIP mask RAR (rename by hand).
- 🔒 Password: Built-in archiver can not work with protected files.
- 📱 Memory: on the Redmi Note 11 with 64 GB, unpacking space is interrupted.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 11 and below, the built-in archiver may mishandle Cyrillic file names in the ZIP. The solution is to use third-party applications (see Section 3).
2. Unpacking through the Files app from Google
An alternative way is to use Google Files, which is pre-installed on many Xiaomi models or available on the Play Market.
- 📌 ZIP, RAR, TAR, GZ (without 7Z)
- 🔒 Password archives (only) ZIP)
- 🗂️ Viewing content without retrieval
Instructions:
- Install Google Files (if not installed).
- Open the application and find the archive in the Downloads or Internal Memory section.
- Tap the file. → Choose to Extract.
- Specify the folder (for example, Downloads/Unzipped).
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ It works on all versions of Android 8.0+.
- ✅ Supports cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
- ✅ Automatically clears unnecessary files after unpacking.
💡
If Google Files doesn't see the archive, update the app to the latest version. POCO X3 Pro MIUI 13.0.4 was a bug with a display RAR-Files - fixed in versions after 1.0.400.
3. Third-party archivers: which to choose for Xiaomi
If the built-in tools don't work, install a dedicated app. We tested 5 popular archivers on Xiaomi 12T Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — best-case:
| Annex | Supported formats | Password. | Size (MB) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZArchiver | ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, GZ, BZ2, ISO | ✅ | 4.2 | The most universal, works without the Internet |
| RAR for Android | ZIP, RAR, 7Z, ARJ, CAB | ✅ | 6.1 | Official app from WinRAR, but with advertising |
| 7Zipper | ZIP, 7Z, RAR, TAR, XZ | ✅ | 3.8 | Minimalist interface, quick unpacking |
| ALZip | ZIP, RAR, 7Z, ALZ, EGG | ❌ | 5.5 | Supports Korean formats, rarely updated |
Selection recommendations:
- 🥇 ZArchiver is the best option for most users. Supports all formats, no ads, runs on Android 5.0+.
- 🔐 RAR for Android – if you need official software from the creators of WinRAR (but there is intrusive advertising).
- ⚡ 7Zipper — Quickly unpack small archives (up to 500 MB).
Installation and use (as in ZArchiver):
Download ZArchiver from Play Market|Open the application and provide access to files|Find the archive in the list (section "Internal Memory")|Stick on file. → "Extract here" or "extract in..."|Confirm unpacking (if necessary, enter a password)-->
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and power saving mode enabled, third-party archivers can interrupt the unpacking of large files (>1GB. Turn off mode in Settings → Battery before starting work.
4. Unpacking archives via PC (if not possible on the phone)
If the archive doesn't open on your smartphone (for example, damaged or too large), use a computer.
- 🖥️ PC Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 📱 Cable USB (Best Original from Xiaomi).
- 🔌 Enabled Mode File Transfer (MTP) phone-on.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and select File Transfer mode in the notification curtain.
- On PC, open This computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) – the device will appear as a removable disk.
- Copy the archive to your desktop.
- Use WinRAR, 7-Zip or Bandizip for unpacking.
- Transfer the extracted files back to your phone (if necessary).
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ All formats are supported, including rare formats (.tar.bz2,.iso).
- ✅ You can restore damaged archives (Repair function in WinRAR).
- ✅ Large files are unpacked faster (>2GB).
How to turn on the regime MTP, If the phone is not determined
5. Solving errors in unpacking archives
Frequent problems and ways to eliminate them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Archive damaged" | The file is not downloaded completely or with errors | Reboot your phone and download the archive again (MD5). |
| "Not enough memory." | On the internal storage. < 10% free of charge | Clear the cache in Settings → Memory or unpack on SD-map. |
| "Unknown format" | The archive is in a rare format (for example, the,.rar5) | Use it. RAR for Android or unpack on PC. |
| "Unpacking error" | The file system is damaged or the archive is password protected | Try another archiver or restore the archive through WinRAR on PC. |
On Xiaomi with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) when unpacking large RAR-file (>3GB) you can have a "Not enough memory" error, even if you have space, and it's a chipset bug, the solution: unpack the archive in parts or use a PC.
If the archive requests a password but you don’t know it:
- 🔎 Check the email or message from where the file was downloaded (password is often listed there).
- 🛠️ Use utilities like ArchPR (for legal purposes only!).
- 📧 Contact the sender of the archive.
Work with archives in MIUI: lip-service
V MIUI There are little-known archival opportunities that make life easier:
- 📂 Creation ZIP Directly in the file manager: Open the folder with files in the Files app. → Tap another one (three dots) → Squeeze. Select the format (ZIP or RAR) compression.
Automatic unpacking in the cloud
If the archive is uploaded to Mi Cloud, it can be unpacked directly in the web version of the storage (a feature available from 2023).
Quick unpacking from the browser
In Mi Browser when downloading ZIP-The file appears button Extract immediately after downloading.
Nana POCO F5 and the new Redmi with MIUI 14 Smart Extraction is introduced, the system automatically prompts you to unpack the archive after downloading if it has media files (photos, videos:
- Go to Settings → Special features → Smart features.
- Activate the Auto-Extract Archives switch.
💡
V MIUI 14+ The built-in archiver can unpack ZIP-Cyrillic name files without errors (unlike older versions).
7.Security: How to Avoid Viruses in Archives
Archives are one of the main ways malware is spreading on Android, to protect your Xiaomi:
- 🛡️ Check the source: download archives only from official sites or verified sources (for example, download them from the source, 4PDA, XDA Developers).
- 🔍 Scan before unpacking: use Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes.
- 🚫 Do not unpack suspicious files: Archives with extensions.apk.zip or.exe.rar. files sent from unknown contacts to Telegram/WhatsApp.
- 🔄 Update the software: MIUI Regularly closes vulnerabilities related to archive processing.
How to check the archive for viruses before unpacking:
- Upload the file to VirusTotal.
- Use the Avast Mobile Security app (there is a scan feature) ZIP/RAR).
- Unpack the archive on a PC with an antivirus installed (Kaspersky, ESET).
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with root rights (Magisk), malicious code from the archive can access system files. If you use custom firmware, disable the unpacking of archives from unknown sources in the security settings (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications).