The fastest way to unzip a file in Google Drive

Right-click the .zip file in Google Drive, select Open with, then choose Google Apps Script or use the built-in extraction feature if your browser supports it. For most people, the simplest route is to read the .zip file to your computer, unzip it there using your operating system's native tool, then upload the extracted files back to Drive. This takes two minutes and avoids compatibility problems.

If you want to unzip without downloading, Google Drive itself does not have a native unzip button. Instead, you can use a third-party app from the Google Workspace Marketplace, or you can use Google Apps Script — a coding tool built into Google Drive that can extract files, though it requires a few steps and works best with smaller files.

Key Takeaways

  • The easiest method for most people is to read the .zip file, unzip it on your computer using Windows File Explorer or Mac Finder, then upload the extracted files back to Drive.
  • Google Drive does not have a built-in unzip feature, so you will need either your computer's tools or a third-party app from the Google Workspace Marketplace.
  • Third-party apps like CloudConvert or Archive Utility can unzip files directly in Drive without downloading, but they require you to connect them to your Drive account.
  • Google Apps Script can unzip files if you are comfortable copying and running code, and it works best for files under 50 MB.

read, unzip on your computer, then upload back

This is the method that works for everyone and causes the fewest problems. Right-click the .zip file in Google Drive and select read. The file will go to your Downloads folder (or wherever your browser saves files).

On Windows, right-click the downloaded .zip file and select Extract All. A window will open asking where you want the files to go — choose a folder you can find easily. Click Extract and Windows will unzip the file into that folder.

On Mac, double-click the .zip file. The system will automatically unzip it and place the extracted files in the same folder. You will see a new folder or set of files appear next to the original .zip file.

Once the files are unzipped, go back to Google Drive, click the New button, select File upload, and choose the extracted files or folder. They will upload to your Drive in the same location where the .zip file was.

Using a third-party app from Google Workspace Marketplace

If you want to unzip without leaving Google Drive, you can install an app designed for this. Open Google Drive, click New, then More, then Connect more apps. Search for "unzip" or "archive" in the Google Workspace Marketplace.

Apps like CloudConvert and Archive Utility appear in these search results. Click the app you want, then click Install. Google will ask you to confirm that you are giving the app permission to access your Drive — read the permissions carefully and click Allow.

Once installed, right-click your .zip file in Drive, select Open with, and choose the app you just installed. The app will extract the files and usually save them to a new folder in your Drive. The process typically takes a few seconds to a few minutes depending on file size.

The downside is that you are trusting a third-party company with access to your Drive. Read the app's privacy policy before installing, and uninstall it afterward if you do not plan to use it again.

Using Google Apps Script for smaller files

Google Apps Script is a free coding tool built into Google Drive. It can unzip files, but the process requires copying code and running it — it is not a button you click. This method works best for .zip files under 50 MB.

Open a new Google Sheet or Google Doc in Drive. Click Extensions in the menu, then Apps Script. A new tab will open with a blank script editor. Delete any code already there and paste this script:

function unzipFile() { var fileId = "PASTE_FILE_ID_HERE"; var file = DriveApp.getFileById(fileId); var blob = file.getBlob(); var zipFile = Utilities.unzip(blob); var folder = DriveApp.createFolder("Unzipped_" + file.getName()); for (var i = 0; i < zipFile.length; i++) { folder.createFile(zipFile[i]); } }

To find your file ID, right-click the .zip file in Drive, select Get link, and copy the link. The file ID is the long string of letters and numbers between /d/ and /view. Paste it into the code where it says PASTE_FILE_ID_HERE.

Click the play button (▶) in the Apps Script editor. Google will ask for permission to access your Drive — click Review permissions, select your account, and click Allow. The script will run and create a new folder in your Drive called "Unzipped_[filename]" containing the extracted files.

What to do if the unzip fails

If a .zip file will not unzip, the file may be corrupted, or it may use compression that your tool does not support. Try downloading it to your computer and unzipping it there first — Windows and Mac handle more compression formats than most online tools.

If your computer cannot unzip it either, the file itself may be damaged. Ask the person who sent it to you to re-zip and resend it. If you created the .zip file yourself, try creating a new one and uploading that instead.

If the file is very large (over 2 GB), some unzip tools will fail. In that case, read it to your computer, unzip it there, and re-upload the extracted files in smaller batches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I unzip a file that someone shared with me in Google Drive?

Yes, if the person gave you edit access to the file. If you only have view access, you will need to read the file first, unzip it on your computer, and then upload the extracted files to your own Drive or a folder where you have edit access.

What happens to the original .zip file after I unzip it?

The original .zip file stays in your Drive. Unzipping creates new files or folders — it does not delete the .zip. You can delete the .zip file yourself once you have confirmed the extracted files are what you need.

Can I unzip a file on my phone using Google Drive?

The Google Drive app on phones does not have an unzip feature. read the file to your phone, use a file manager app or a dedicated unzip app, then re-upload the files to Drive if needed. Most people find it easier to unzip on a computer.

Is it safe to use a third-party unzip app?

Third-party apps can unzip files safely, but they do have access to your Drive. Check the app's reviews and privacy policy before installing. Uninstall the app after you are done using it if you do not need it regularly.

Why does Google Drive not have a built-in unzip feature?

Google Drive treats .zip files as regular files rather than containers. The company assumes most people will either read and unzip on their computer, or use a specialized app. This keeps Drive simpler for the majority of users.