ZArchiver not available? What to use instead
ZArchiver has been the go-to free archive app on Android for years. Its last Play update was on 24 June 2024, and on newer phones Google Play now says it was made for an older version of Android, or doesn't show it at all. Here's why, what to avoid, and what you can use instead.
Why Google Play hides it
Google Play asks every app to target a recent version of Android. Since 31 August 2026, apps that don't are hidden from new users on newer Android versions (Google's target API policy). If you installed ZArchiver before, it usually keeps working and you can reinstall it from your Play library, but a new phone, or one you've reset, won't be offered it.
Is downloading the ZArchiver APK safe?
Searches for "zarchiver apk" more than doubled in September 2026. An APK from the developer's own site is the original app, still built for older Android. Copies on APK mirror sites are a real risk: an archive app sees every file you open with it, so a tampered copy is a good place to hide malware. If you sideload, only take it from the developer, and expect Android to warn you that it's built for an older version.
What to look for in a replacement
- RAR5 and 7z, not only ZIP. Many "zip extractor" apps open ZIP fine and fail on the RAR and 7z files people actually send.
- Password-protected archives. At least AES ZIP and 7z.
- A look inside before extracting, so you can pull out one file from a big archive.
- No full-screen ads. Most of the apps that rank for "zip extractor" are ad-funded clones.
- No "All files access". An archive app doesn't need to see your whole phone; Android's file picker gives it just the file you choose.
Zipcrate
Zipcrate is our app, built in 2026 for current Android. It opens ZIP, 7z, RAR (including RAR5), TAR, GZ, BZ2 and XZ, including password-protected ZIP and 7z, lets you browse before you extract, and makes ZIP files. It's free with no ads; a one-off Pro purchase adds 7z creation, password-protected zips and extracting several archives at once.
What it doesn't do yet that ZArchiver does: split archives, password-protected RAR, a full file manager, and Android/data access through Shizuku. Those are on the list for later versions.
Other options
- Google Files (preinstalled on many phones) extracts ZIP files, but not RAR or 7z.
- Material Files is a free, open-source file manager that handles common archives.
- RAR by RARLAB handles RAR well, with ads and reminders to pay.
ZArchiver, WinZip and RAR are the property of their owners. Zipcrate is independent and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any of them. Facts about other apps checked 30 October 2026.