How to Extract RAR Files on iPhone (iOS 16+) Without Using Any Apps

Got a RAR file on your iPhone and tapping it doesn’t do anything? You’re not alone. iOS 16 doesn’t support RAR files out of the box, but there’s a super easy workaround using the built-in Shortcuts app—no sketchy third-party apps required.

Here’s how to extract any RAR file—music, documents, or even apps you’ve downloaded—right on your iPhone.

Create a Shortcut to Extract RAR Files

1. Open the Shortcuts App
   • Swipe down from the home screen, search for Shortcuts, and open it.
2. Start a New Shortcut
   • Tap the + icon at the top to create a new shortcut.
   • Tap Add Action.
3. Add a File Picker
   • In the search bar, type “File” and select Get File (or “Select File”).
   • Tap the blue file icon in the action and turn on “Show Document Picker” so you can browse for your RAR file manually.
4. Add Extract Archive Action
   • Tap Add Action again.
   • Search for “Extract Archive” and add it.
5. Add Save File Action
   • Tap Add Action one more time.
   • Search “Save File” and select it so the extracted contents go somewhere you can access them.
6. Run the Shortcut
   • Tap the Play button at the bottom.
   • Choose the RAR file you want to extract when prompted.
   • Then pick a folder to save the extracted files.
7. Open the Extracted Files
   • Open the Files app and go to the folder where you saved the output. You’ll find all the extracted contents there.

Can You Use This to Install Games or Apps (Like Minecraft)?

You can use this method to extract files from downloaded games or app bundles (like an unofficial Minecraft RAR file), but just extracting it isn’t enough to install it. iOS doesn’t allow sideloading apps directly from extracted files without extra steps like developer tools or third-party sideloading methods (like AltStore or TrollStore).

So yes—you can extract the files. But no—you won’t be able to just tap and install the game unless it’s a valid .ipa file and you’re using an alternative installation method.

If you’re just trying to get at bonus content inside a game archive (like resource packs or music), this shortcut works great.

That’s all you need to unzip RAR files on iPhone—no extra apps, no weird file converters.